Just purchased a new set of Tokico hp struts from a forum member here to replace my worn out suspension. I was planning on keeping the stock springs and installing everything myself, but I'm sort of a noob when it comes to suspension.

Doing a quick search here uncovered a very useful post detailing the install of new shocks and springs, but it was also enough to turn me off of the idea - I just don't have the right facility for the job.

So I popped into a tire shop down the street and they said they'd install them for $30/corner, which sounds great, BUT I would need to buy the necessary hardware/extras for the install. According to them this included new mounts, boots, etc. and totaled ~$282 before labor.

My question is: when you buy new struts from Tokico and plan to reuse the stock springs, what else is needed? Are you supposed to reuse other parts from the stock assemblies or do the new struts come with everything needed? Or is there more to buy like the shop is suggesting?

Thanks for the advice.

 

If the boots look ok,and the Hats,and rubbers are fine then use them.
You will need a Spring compressor though.
like these: coil spring compressor | eBay.
it just squishes the spring enough so that you can put the tops(mounts) on.
They are kind of tricky,but just go easy and you will get the hang of it quickly.

 

You can rent a set of spring compressor from Autozone for about $60. And you get your money back when you return them. I've used them several times with great success with nothing more than a ratchet, a few wrenches, and something to sit on in my driveway.

 

The only thing I recommend is to replace the strut mounts, from my personal experience I've had customers do all new struts and next thing you know the 20+ year old mount gets all poppy and creaky. But if they look really solid then I'd let it right. Careful with the spring compression tool though lol, that spring will in fact kick your *** if it pops out.

 

Thanks for the tips guys - I may end up giving this a shot one weekend. Seems like I have everything I need, except the spring compressor. I'm just a bit nervous about running into issues like getting the top nut off the assembly (I don't have an impact gun).

 

I've always brake the top nut loose before doing anything. Don't take it off but just loosen it, it makes it a lot easier to remove when you have the whole strut/spring assembly off and compressed. Also, when using the spring compressors make sure you have them parallel on the spring.

 

Man stop being a wienie and ditch that spring compressor. Just grab a art if vice grips and clamp it on the top of the strut that has no threads. Grab a 17mm wrench and bust that bad boy off. Or if you have an impact gun hit it with that and stand back. They don't spring up that crazy. I just installed my lowering springs the other day and it only took me an hour if that.

 

Since this will be your first time....dont use the vice grip method. A spring compressor is free. We have a DIY shop here where people can rent a spot and use their equipment. Dont know if you'd have something like that around you, but would be a good idea if you are worried about doing the work at your house.

 

I wouldn't even attempt to do this job without a good impact gun. Rent one, borrow one, buy one off EBay. Most common is an air impact, but there are some pretty darn good electric impact guns out there as well.

Said differently, you seemed fine with paying someone else $120 to install them for you. Spend that same $120 and get the impact gun. Then after the job is done, you'll still have the impact gun to call your own and ready for the next job.

Rent the spring compressor tool at Autozone or the line, and you're good. You'll be surprised just how easy this job is with those right tools.

 

This is how it is with 80% of work on cars...its amazing how easy most stuff becomes when using the right tools