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Upgrading suspension - how hard is it to do yourself?

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Old 09-02-07, 05:32 PM
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Money Pit

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Smile Upgrading suspension - how hard is it to do yourself?

I have just bought a set of Koni sport shocks and a set of Eibach springs.

How hard is it to upgrade the suspension? I have read some people have to drill new mount holes etc.

What tools do I need aside from a spring compressor?

I have also been quoted around $430 to get it done and that includes a wheel alignment..

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Old 09-02-07, 06:07 PM
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Not very. With the right tools it may take a few hours especially on your first attempt. Just make sure to go get a wheel alignment after.

Here is an extremely good if not the best write up I've seen of how to do it written by a mate of mine:

http://www.ausrotary.com/viewtopic.php?t=135185
Old 09-02-07, 10:15 PM
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It took me about 5 hours in total changing all my springs by myself with lack of strenght and no write up.. its not too hard, just have to be patient lol. Good luck!
Old 09-02-07, 10:24 PM
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It took me about 5 hours in total changing my springs by myself with lack of strenght and no write up... just be patient! haha... good luck!
Old 09-02-07, 11:02 PM
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Derek

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It is not hard. I didn't have a spring compressor and I got all the springs changed in about 7 hours. I ran into a snag. If you are upgrading to coilovers it is even easier.
Old 09-02-07, 11:20 PM
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Dale Clark has a VERY good write-up for installing springs/shocks.

http://www.clubrx.org/default.asp?id...ntent=36&mnu=5
Old 09-02-07, 11:50 PM
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Turd Ferguson

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you can rent a spring compressor from Autozone. The other tools are just your basic metric sockets..maybe a breaker bar, jack, jack stands, a rubber mallot of some sort, etc..

It shouldn't take that long .. just take it in sections. Do the front, then the rear. By the time you do the first one or two the rest should be cake.
Old 09-03-07, 12:15 AM
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if you can get a copy of one, the august 2006 issue of drifting mag has a step by step guide to changing your suspension.
it seems simple enough, and yea make sure to get an alignment afterwards.
Old 09-03-07, 10:28 AM
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Thanks everyone for your input, I really appreciate it! Now it doesn't look so daunting.

All of the links to how-to's attached are brilliiant!

Thanks again
Old 09-03-07, 09:25 PM
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A rubber mallet will become your best friend when working with suspension bits. With that said, suspension R&R is pretty straight forward. If something doesn't line up a little bit, just tap it with the mallet until it does.=P

Also, check your uppermounts/shock covers. Chances are, it's time to replace those as well. They're also rather expensive.
Old 09-03-07, 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by WaLieN
A rubber mallet will become your best friend when working with suspension bits. With that said, suspension R&R is pretty straight forward. If something doesn't line up a little bit, just tap it with the mallet until it does.=P

Also, check your uppermounts/shock covers. Chances are, it's time to replace those as well. They're also rather expensive.

Cant see why you would need a mallet...This is a very easy job overall. one of the harder parts is getting the rear sway to cooperate. Other than that its straight forward. I have never needed a spring compressor, especially if you have new struts and springs. Just keep the stock duo as a unit and there is especially no need. Good luck, and definitly check the upper mounts like said before.
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