spring/strut switch

[Lil Freek]

2 points.

1) how difficult is it to install struts/springs (Tokico & Eibach) on my 2001?
- What tools will I need?

2) how difficult/feasable is it to switch back to my stock struts/shocks come winter-time?

The reason why I ask is because my car will probably have to be used for 1 more winter after this one, and the amount of snow around here, i don't think i can have the car lowered.

I mean, worse comes to worse, I'll store my Pro and buy an old Civic or 323 (if not rusted to ****)... but I'd rather keep my car and save my money to buy an SUV for the winter.

And if anybody wants to come to Ottawa to help me install my springs, shocks, rims/tyres... it's nice here in the spring!

[NegatiZE]

Here's a simplified how-to I wrote up:

http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3259

[THEGOLDPRO]

yeah its sort of a bitch, more time coonsuming than anything, especially with rusty parts and what not.

[steeb]

it does not take that long.... an hour and a half is the longest it should take you. thats with breaks in between too.

when your taking off your stock suspension it may be a good idea to loosen the center nut on every mount you start anything. just make sure its not off completely. those top strut bearing nuts are not the easiest to take out when the strut is off the car.
spray some wd40 on the stuck ones and 5 minutes later they will come off, no problem. just clean off that crap with alcohol after so it doesnt loosen when your driving.

[THEGOLDPRO]

an hour and a half, yeah right, you gotta account for delayes, like **** that wont come off, the hardest part was getting it all lined up again,

[Lil Freek]

hey... i'm going to newfoundland in April...
wanna help install my ****?


I think I might end up letting the work get done by professionals.. and walk around with them and watch and help as much as I can... Since it's my only car, and I drive almost every day... I don't really wanna knock my car outta comission for too long (esp. if i screw up)

[THEGOLDPRO]

i mean its not too hard, but its not as easy as it sounds.

[Lil Freek]

well.. i have next to no experience with cars..
unless if i can make a friend that knows what their doing... i think i might be left in the dark if anything goes wrong.. or unknown.

[steeb]

cmon guys... if u can change your oil and rotate your tires taking a few bolts from the strut and mounts is not hard......

[macklum]

Sent you a PM.

[gcs118]

A helper/friend is essential in this install you want to do. Also, air tools will make life a million times easier. Always start with the sway bar endlinks, because if you can't get those off, you can't get the strut out. The endlinks are most likely to be rusted to hell anyway. I had to cut off my rear ones, but it didn't matter because I had the AWR upgrades Took me probably 4-6 to do front/rear springs and struts and rear sway.

PS - Endlink tip - stick a 5mm hex key into the endlink end, and use a closed end wrench to turn the nut. Worked like a charm on the front at least, good luck with the rear.

[Lil Freek]

I would only switch back to OEM parts for 1 more winter. Too much snow around here to have lowered car... IMO.
Even, then... My GF sounds like she'd be content with a civic or some crap like that as a winter car... so we'll probably just go with that come the fall.

One of my buddiesi spoke to this weekend suggested to go to Midas.. it's like $150 for the whole install and it's warrantied.. they have lowering kits and exhausts there, and I've had all my oil and brake work done there.. no complaints, yet.