Anyone install their own springs? How hard or easy was it to do?

 

Check the TL board. I know some members have installed their own springs there. There used to be step by step instructions with pics too.

 

Fronts are easy but rears a little tougher as shock mounts inside the car and just easier with 2 people. I need someone to help hold control arm down so shock would install. Would do it again in a heartbeat! Goodluck!

 

it's a tough install, you need somebody w/ experience for sure, and the right equipment.

 

Well, I had no experience at all doing it and still had no problems. I just followed step by step what was explained in the Helm service manual. The rears are definitely more difficult than the fronts but not at all impossible. The only help I had for the whole install was in moving the rear seatback out of the car and while reinstalling the rear shock assemblies- one to hold it in place, another to screw the bolts on from inside the car. The only equipment needed (besides socket set, jack and stands) are spring compressors and a torque wrench. Both those items you can get from your local auto parts place on loan. I would also say the Helm service manual is mandatory also unless you've done this stuff before.

 

Definetly use a spring compressor, I have heard some horror stories about people not using them, or using them incorrectly and have been killed by the springs popping and hitting them in the head. Don't know if that is an urban legend, but it would make sense since those things are under some serious load.

I wouldn't gamble and do it yourself if you're unsure, if you have the slightest inkling of a doubt on doing it yourself, let a proffesional do it. Typically will only charge about $150 for all 4 depending upon your location.

 

Removing springs can be dangerous but not nearly so on our cars since the spring remains compressed as part of the damper assembly. The whole assembly comes out as one unit. After it's out is when the spring compressors come into play. It's easy and safe (if done correctly).

The horror stories you've heard are real but happen on other types of cars where the springs and shocks are not a combined unit. Like on my Mustang, if you just start loosening bolts to remove the spring, it would violently push the lower control arm down and then shoot out with enough force to do serious damage to whatever might be in it's path. You need to have a jack under the control arm and lower it down slowly to relieve the energy. Our cars don't have that setup so they're pretty straightforward to work on.