So as I've stated in a few previous threads I'm installing some H&R sports for the short term on OEM shocks

I've run into an issue w/ regard to how the new springs sit in the lower perch/upper strut mount. The OEM springs fit just fine in the supplied lower perch/divot on the strut, and the rubber divot on the inside of the upper mount, the H&R's......not so much. Because they're shorter, they don't line up evenly on the top and bottom. I basically need to choose which of the two I'll line up evenly and the other end will not line up w/ the supplied "divot". If I do indeed line them both up, the base of the strut won't line up w/ the lower fork, believe me I've tried 3,000 times.

For those of you that have done a self install, what was your remedy for this. I figure the spring not sitting perfectly in the rubber gasket inside the upper mount is the way to go, but would appreciate some input


Pics of the finished install to come

 

Yeah, that's about all you can do. Align the bottom properly then do what you can with the top. You don't want the bottom clunking around.

And welcome to the world of improperly designed lowering springs. It's really not that difficult to design the top and bottom to sit like OEM. That's why this "intermediate" step your taking is really a waste of time until you can do it properly.

 

The stock upper rubber piece can be rotated at any position. Edit: Of course as long as the little metal circles are cleared by the rubber's cut out section for them.

I don't have any evidence, but I'm sure when it is new there is no indention for the coil end.

If anything, the pressure will make a new one.

 

thx guys, and tod00 I know your feelings on springs/OEM struts. I'm gonna ditch the entire OEM suspensin and go koni/gc so this is more for looks for the short term, hating the 4x4 look

Last question, the major bolts that need to be tightened w/ load on them are not very accessible w/ wheels on the car, is it ok to put load on the susp. w/ a jack?

 

It should be ok to use a jack to put the load on the suspension while your on jackstands. Just be careful not to lift the car off the jackstands.

On a seperate note, I love the JDM 16" wheels you put on your car and Im super excited to seeing how she looks with the new springs!

 

Yeah, I tried tightening the bolts w/ the car on the ground, I could get the rears, but the car is too low for the fronts. Ended up jacking it back up and putting load on the suspension from the knuckle. The bushings did not twist at all

BTW thanks for the compliment, the car looks so sick right now, pics by the end of the week

 

Im interested in seeing how see turned out Goose!

 

I'll get some pics asap, the R is in storage, my next visit will yield pics

 

Im assuming your running 215/45/16 tires. After you put your new springs on do you rub on the fenders or quarter panels at all? Did you have to remove your fender liners and roll your fenders? Thanks in advance Goose.

 

No rubbing at all, didn't roll or remove anything, sits perfectly IMHO

Still haven't got an alignment but thats a different story