Sorry if this is a noob question but I need some help. I have never installed anything on my car before but have decided to try to install my KYB struts and GC coilovers. My question is exactly what tools do I need? Any links to write ups would be great. The only thing Im afraid of is shooting a compressesed spring right into my head.

 

http://www.c-speedracing.com/h...r.php

There is a link to an install. I strongly recommend an air compressor/air tools. you will need a 14mm and 16mm socket. And a set of spring sompressors from autozone or somthing they are no more than $15. Its pretty easy once you get going.

Dont forget to cut your bumpstops on the stock and put them on the new shocks along with the dust shields. Then get it all aligned and you should be set to go.

 

I forgot to mention thats not for ludes but you will get the idea.

 

thanks mang

 

Just did this the other night. Took approximately 5 hours. You'll need sockets, jack and jack stands, your allen key for the GC coilovers, a spring compressor to remove the stock shocks, you should torque everything to specs as well so you should have a torque wrench, some grease. Start with the back as it is actually easier, at least it was on my 5th gen.

Torque specs are:
Self locking nut (on top center of damper) 22lb-ft
Damper mounting nuts (bolt damper to vehicle in trunk and underhood) 28 lb-ft
Damper mounting bolt 47 lb-ft

 

16mm? If this is a 4th gen then you'll need that 14mm and a 17mm.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Luchini &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> The only thing Im afraid of is shooting a compressesed spring right into my head.</TD></TR></TABLE>

well you can take them off the car without a compressor, but when you go to take the hat off, you'll need it for the stock ones.

I was changing the springs on a civic a few weeks ago... I decided to try to take the front spring hat off without a compressor... bad idea.

I had the spring laying on the ground, under my foot. When the hat popped off, the hat went flying one way, and the strut went flying the other way. I was in the middle of an 80 ft. - long garage, and the hat was against one wall, and the strut flew to the other wall I wasn't hurt, but, uh, yeah, be careful.

 

Can you do it without air tools? I dont have air tools.

 

you could but its gonna take twice as long, and you are going to get frustrated and want to beat someone.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Luchini &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Can you do it without air tools? I dont have air tools.</TD></TR></TABLE>

u can use the weight of the car! Had a friend that did it sucessfully

 

Buy a 3 foot long piece of pipe from Home Depot. I think it'll cost you about $3, or less. Name it "Rodney" or "Aaron", as it's going to become your best friend.

 

yeah just get yourself a nice breaker bar along with a set of metric deep well sockets. it should take around 4 hours.

 

Breaker bar it is. Is it a straight foward process that doesnt involve much thinking? 4 hours seems kinda long but I guess its all repetitive easy steps.

 

the hard part is getting the springs off the struts...you need to get spring compressors.

 

You don't need air tools at all. A little muscle wouldn't hurt though. I would bet on it taking longer than 4 hours though. At first I thought it would take under three to do especially after looking at the setup. Well 3 turned into 4 and 4 turned into 5. Mind you we did take it for a test ride after doing the rear. Get the spring compressor, they cost about $15-$25. Small price to pay for safety.

 

get the spring compressor, it is good insurance aginst an injury. there is a lot of stored energy in a spring, and i would hate to be hit with that energy.

also you may find the back springs do not touch the rear top hats. this common, especially when lowering. be carful not to pull the inner cv joint out of its housing when dropping the lower control arm/spindle. they are a bitch to get back in.

 

I'll just throw my two cents in here. You should get some loctite and use it on some of the key fasteners that keep the suspension on. I've heard some horror stories about guys bolts coming out. Some racers even tighten every bolt underneath the car after every race.

 

How do I get it aligned? And where should I go for that?

 

wow this is some good info guys...

 

I dont have air tools so I cant use the spring compressor. Whats the best way to get the spring out without injuring myself?