Hey guys, I am going to install all four pretty soon. I have a 1992 Prelude Si and I am swapping out my OEM suspension with 161K miles for a newer OEM set.

Approximately how long should it take.

This will b my first time doing this but my friend is a GREAT mechanic but he only works on BMWs. Should this be an easy install if both of us are doing it?? Any tips, ideas, pointers, before I start??

Thanks

 

It shouldn't be too bad for you buddy.If it was ust you though it could be interesting.I know when I swapped out my rear shocks it took me like 6hrs.After that I learned form my mistakes and I've swapped out both springs/shocks in about 1-2 hours.Stock springs wil suck if you don't have a spring compressor,My Neuspeed race springs were bad enough.Really it shouldn't be all that bad.Good luck.

 

make sure u have the right tools. i tried doing mine without an impact wrench and it was a bitch(if ur not sure what u will need ask me) and i would try to do it without unbolting the control arm. u will most likely run into other problems if u do. i recomend cutting the bump stops down to about an inch if ur going to have it low good luck man

 

My time has always varied. My last suspension took me 8 hours that was being alone and having some issues. I know 4 buddies of mine all worked on an Integra suspension and got it swapped out within 4 hours, that was with air tools.

 

Honestly, what did you need to use the impact wrench for? I have never changed out suspension parts on a prelude, but I have installed a 3.5 inch lift kit on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The stock springs came out really easy, but getting a 3.5 inch lift spring to fit was a pain. We did it all with hand tools and it wasnt too bad, only bad part was unbolting the 22mm bolt on the rear lower control arms.

From what I understand to change out springs / shocks on a lude all you have to unbolt is a few 14mm bolts. and compress down the springs. Is there any big bolt that is really just such a pain to get off that you would need an impact wrench?

 

Yeah, there is no need for an impact wrench. Its a pretty easy job, couple hours at most. If you are having trouble getting the spring to compress, and dont have a compressor, just sit in the hallway with the shock end against the other way, then press against the spring with your feet while screwing in the bolt. Just make sure you have a board or something on the other end so you dont ruin the wall. Good luck

 

an impact wrench makes getting the top strut bolt off easy. if u dont have one u need an allan wrench to hold the strut still then use a wrench to take the bolt off. and if you strip out the inside with the allen ur in some trouble. thats just personal expirience from swapping a 9 prelude suspension but im not a mechanic maybe there is other ways.

and back to the control arm. if unbolted, the axle with probaby slip out of the cv boot but the cover will stay on and u might not be able to see that it came out. and getting it to fit back in cn be tough

just trying to help u aviod my mistakes

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dvp95 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> If you are having trouble getting the spring to compress, and dont have a compressor, just sit in the hallway with the shock end against the other way, then press against the spring with your feet while screwing in the bolt. Just make sure you have a board or something on the other end so you dont ruin the wall. Good luck</TD></TR></TABLE>
Are you kidding me that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. If you even knew how much potential energy is in a compressed spring you might rethink you statement. Please go to autozone a rent a torque wrench, strut spring compressor, and Pitman Arm Puller.

 

With a friend pushing down the spring cap an inch or two, you can get the nut on.

The first 4th gen I did took 8 hours. Next one I did was a 5th gen that took 6 hours. I did another 5th gen last week and it took 3.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RAB &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Are you kidding me that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. If you even knew how much potential energy is in a compressed spring you might rethink you statement. Please go to autozone a rent a torque wrench, strut spring compressor, and Pitman Arm Puller.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It is not that difficult nor does it require that much energy to get a spring on a strut. My friend and I do it without a compressor or doing it in a hallway like I said.