As an obvious newbie, I've searched through all susp posts and now know something about Koni reds, yellows, and Omni's, but I don't think I've got the $$$ for those. Please advise regarding fix/upgrade for my 92 Integra RS. It's a daily driver, and I DO get on it from time to time, but mainly I'm just looking for "quality" fix, which will probably be better than new stock components, and definitely pleasurable for my 2 yr old. My current shocks/struts are shot (it's a FACT), I can do work myself, but I'd rather not compress a spring if I didn't have to, so basic question is: for general "good" (not great, or racing) fix, what is COST/WORK ratio or value when considering strut replacement compared to pre-assembled spring/strut assembly? Heard of the "bolt on only" work....are those spring/strut assemblies?....what's price range on those? Can struts be replaced on my model car w/o compressing springs? I haven't a clue in this area.... did pretty good years ago w/my 280ZX at a drive-thru shop, but I want to do this MYSELF. Love my car....could spend btw $150-300 for all 4....whatcha got? It's been SO LONG, I've forgotten what a good ride is like!!! Thanks so much

 

Spring compression on your integra is easy. You should not be afraid of it. You will not find a decent coilover setup that allows you to avoid compressing springs for anywhere near $300. So if you want to keep your price down then be prepared to compress springs. Go to Sears and buy their spring compressors ($40). Then all you need is:

24mm wrench
17mm wrench
18mm wrench
14mm wrench
12mm wrench
jack
jackstands

There is a writeup in this forum about changing ITR shocks that applies to your car almost exactly. Read it.

To keep your budget under $300 you will not be able to get any of the common aftermarket shocks (Koni Tokico AGX are all more than $300) so don't expect anything great (you are basically getting an OEM replacement shock at this price level)

One thing to be aware of - it is very common for the rear lower shock mounting bolt to freeze in the lower control arm bushing. This will prevent shock replacement. There are a number of solutions to this problem (aftermarket LCAs, used OEM LCAs, torching out the bushing and replacing it). What I would do if I were you is to get the car up on jackstands and see if I could get the lower shock bolt out BEFORE I bought any parts. If I could not then I would just take the car to some shop and let them do the work.

Bottom line is that $300 for 4 shock replacement is possible but the odds are very good that you are going to spend a lot more than that when all is said and done.

regards,
alan

 

Thanks, Alan. -preciate your honest, complete words very much. I'll find that write up, and I guess expect to pay more than $300. It's cool.

 

also you shouldnt have to buy the spring compressor most places like Schucks or NAPA will rent them I rented one a while back for like 8 bucks for the whole day.

 

I'd heard of that.....Autozone here. Thanks! Now I'll just focus on finding best deal on shocks/struts....maybe the web can do better than locally, if shipping would be free.

 

Auto zone rents tools for free. You pay a deposit which is fully refundable when you return the tools (in same condition as you rented in). I rented a spring compressor from them recently and the claws didn't fit between the coils of my crx springs. Be aware that this may happen on your integra too...

FYI, your integra has "shocks". Struts is a term that refers to shocks that are a part of the steering system (eliminates the upper control arms) like on the front of the RSX.

If your looking for "inexpensive" replacment shocks, you may want to try a place like Hmotorsonline.com. They have all kinds of used parts, and will sell you some good condition used shocks for dirt cheap I'd imagine. I would try them or ImportAutoSalvage.com (ask for Larry Jr.). Then use the extra money left over to order yourself the factory service manual for your car from HelmInc.com...

 

Too cool on the quality used purchase advice...wasn't sure if that would even be worth the purchase, but o.k. ANYTHING would be much better than it is now, and YES I want a Helms for my teg...suhWEEEETA !!! And yeah, sorry....I guess I was thinkin' bout struts from the 280ZX I used to have. I also found advice on pre-soaking those problem rear, lower bolts with pen-lube to help keep from breaking bolts. Guess I'll try that 1st, re-tighten if I was able to loosen, then make purchase, get spring compressor, and attack those *******! Thanks All

 

Usually used shocks come fully assembled with springs on them already (It's not worth it for wreckers to disassemble them). There isn't always a way to tell exactly what model car they are from though. The cool thing is, you could just un-bolt your old ones, and throw the new ones in w/o worrying about changing out the springs (.5 to 1 hour of work if you've already loosened all the suspension bolts). If you do that, the ride height & quality will probably be different than stock though. If you don't like it after that, you can rent a spring compressor & go back & swap your old springs onto the new shocks...

I'd say it would be worth it for a shot a super quick job...

Also, if you have a problem removing the "damper to LCA" bolt (I did), see if you can get the two bolts that hold the LCA to the trailing arm & chassis out. If you can, just order a used replacement LCA along with your shocks. I had to do this since I couldn't get the LCA separated from the shock. I just removed the shock & LCA together & replaced both. You may also need a couple new bolts, and they are around $6 each at Honda. I have also found it's best to use anti-seize goo on the non threaded portions of the LCA bolts because that is where they rust solid to the inside of the bushings...