Guys,

I was wondering if i could install my suspension with out the use of air tools. I got a set of tokico blues with some omni power coilover sleeves. They have the top hats already attached and just need to put in.

Please let me know, want to do the install over the weekend.

Thanks.

 

i don't see why not.... you would need the spring compressor though... air tools are just quicker

 

I don't have any air tools and I've installed many suspensions in my garage.

It's a pain, and you have to use a breaker bar + cheater sometimes, but it's entirely possible.

I have done engine swaps, complete build ups, suspension swaps, brake swaps etc... and all without any air tools.

I should probably invest in some before too long.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EJ1 wilcox &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I don't have any air tools and I've installed many suspensions in my garage.

It's a pain, and you have to use a breaker bar + cheater sometimes, but it's entirely possible.

I have done engine swaps, complete build ups, suspension swaps, brake swaps etc... and all without any air tools.

I should probably invest in some before too long. </TD></TR></TABLE>

same exact thing here ... air tools arent a neccesity but are a good option if youre lazy like me lol... and ive never had to use a breaker bar with anything suspension related(unless you want to count the axle nuts)... the biggest pain for me is getting the upper ball joint off... i use a pickle fork but ive heard that that can damage ball joints

EDIT: i forgot that i did have to use air tools on the bolt that holds the shock in the shock fork
-Josh

 

Yeah like everybody said you can do it with the use of hand tools but air just makes it SOOO much quicker and easier. I lowered alot of Hondas with hand tools before I invested in air. This may sound crazy to you but you can even take apart your OEM springs w/o a spring compressor all though it can be dangerous if you are not careful. In many speed shops it is very common to wrap a towel around the spring/strut combo and take it apart, the towel keeps it together after you release the strut moount bolt and putting a tire in front of the bolt that flys off will prevent it from really going anywhere, Civics and Integras just don't really have that much compression when taking them apart allowing this technique to be very effective. I know it may sound crazy if you never did this but I have personally done about 50 cars and seen alot more done than that w/o ANY problems, in a shop where time is money this is pretty standard for lightweight cars (I am sure someone will flame this response though). and of course the Coilover sleeves don't need a spring compressor to be installed. maybe this will help you but only do what you are comfortable with

 

This all good info, let me tell you that the ef is on cut da springs. Do i still need a spring compressor?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by teamsonik &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">This all good info, let me tell you that the ef is on cut da springs. Do i still need a spring compressor?</TD></TR></TABLE>

to cut DA springs, to replacing them you won't need a spring compressor, even if you only cut one coil it will drastically reduce the compression on the spring/strut. just wrap a towel around the setup to be safe and just unbolt the top hat, it will barily spring back if any at all

 

Okay wish me luck guys :-) I will post pics of my process. Kinda of a n00b at wrenching. But I want to uber l33t wrencher come next year :-)

 

ive done more than a handful of suspension swaps on ef's, and ive never used a spring compressor, or an air gun, always normal stuff, only takes about 45 minutes for the front and the same for the back

 

i just assumed that you would need a spring compressor... so they aren't that compressed to begin with?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rewerbcrx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i just assumed that you would need a spring compressor... so they aren't that compressed to begin with? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Correct, just read the post I made earlier and that will be explained to you.

 

not able to get this done this weekend. Maybe i will have some time this coming up weekend.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by teamsonik &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">not able to get this done this weekend. Maybe i will have some time this coming up weekend.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good luck, just be thankful you don't have to replace your rear 1/4 panel like I now have to do on my poor REX

 

all you need is coilspring compessor i used a ratchet and my feet so..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jdm91CrxSi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">all you need is coilspring compessor i used a ratchet and my feet so..</TD></TR></TABLE>

We already decided he does not need a spring compressor, he has cut DA springs so they won't really spring back once he takes them apart.