Hey guys, I'm getting ready to swap out my stock springs for new Eibach springs and was just wondering what different types of ways you guys went about swapping springs? I've searched and have come up with nothing but spring and shock/strut removal and nor specifically springs. If possible I'm trying not to rent a spring compressor. Thanks alot guys

 

Spring compressor is a must for the struts, unless you cut the coils. You don't need one to install the shorter springs. Don't be a tightass, safety comes first. I have a very funny spring story, but it involves railroad cars and a forklift.

 

my local checker rents out strut spring compressors for free, also you'll need an impact to get the top retaining nut off and back on tight.

 

Got the impact wrench covered. Just mainly looking for different ways on spring removal

 

Autozone rents out compressors, You need to leave a deposit for the purchase price of the compressors, which you get back when you return them. No short cuts or other options there.

 

safety is #1, but there are actually short-cuts. use a crapload of t-bolt clamps on the spring to tighten it down.

but for the $10 its going to cost you to rent a compressor, i would do it.

 

I'm renting a spring compressor tomorrow so what's the easiest way to get the springs out?

 

Download the FSM, the link is in the archives. Basically take the entire strut assembly off the car and go from there.

 

In the rear it's easy. Disconnect the rear axle, drop it, springs come right out. Put the new springs in, reconnect axle.

The fronts are a little more difficult...

Take off the wheel, brake caliper, hub, and the metal shield thing that is behind the hub. Remove the mounting bolts that hold the top of the strut assembly down, and undo the bolts that hold the bottom of the strut assembly to the car. Take note of the little arrow mark in the strut top, and mark the car where the arrow points, so you can put it back in the same position. Now pull the whole assembly out. Disassemble it, replace the springs, stick the bitch back in.

 

Here's my step by step instructions. Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be happy to help out.


https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/suspension-diy-1st-gen-front-suspension-w-lots-pics-555693/

 

I did everything without having to remove the hub assembly. It was pretty easy.

 

Well I got the fronts on and now there seems to be a problem with the brakes as it vibrates like the tire is going flat and sometimes pulls to one side but goes away when I push the brakes. How am I supposed to drop the rear axle to get rear springs out? I can't get to the bolts, my sockets are too big and I don't have a wrench that big?

 

Unbolt the lower the shock mount, that will give the axle enough drop to remove the spring. You don't need to unbolt anything else.

 

Yea, just unbolt the shocks and you're good, might take a bit of leveraging the axle this way or that to get the springs out/in, but it'll go.

 

Check your front wheel bearings. I'm betting they are a tad too loose.........

 

I didn't think unbolting the shocks would give my any drop. Hell I'll do that tomorrow. I'll check my wheel bearings and check my camber plate on the right side as I'm not sure if it is in the right position. Thanks guys

 

i just took all my springs to the tire shop they charged me 40 to take off the old ones and put the new ones on. and they used a spring compressor that compacts the whole spring so doesnt add stress to one spot or side and i didnt have to do anything dangerous.

 

Na, I like hands on stuff, especially with my car

 

Well unbolting the shocks didn't really do anything. Took me standing ontop of the brake drum and my dad with a crowbar to get the rears out. But the new ones went in with little convincing. Over all I'm very happy with these spings, good drop in height, an over all softer and more comfortable ride even on rough roads as my old ones were worn to hell and back. Definitely is more firmly planted in turns. I'll post before and after pics when I can

 

You need to drop both rear shocks at the same time, otherwise you're fighting the sway bar. And yes, sometimes a foot helps. My bet is the ride isn't softer, you aren't bottoming out as much as before, which gives the impression of a softer ride.

I also trim my rear bump stops 1/2-3/4" to get more spring travel.

 

Yeah both shocks were disconnected and it didn't help. We got them out though. Yeah the ride just feels alot better, not as harsh as before