spring, shocks, struts install: MISSION FAILED
08-14-2002, 07:01 PM
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spring, shocks, struts install: MISSION FAILED
did exhaust
did headers
did sways
but cant do it this time
for those of yall wondering if you should install springs, DONT DO IT. its a pain in the ass especially using a strut compressor AND YES I SAID STRUT COMPRESSOR dont know why but thats what they call it
the breakdown
taking off the driver side strut and spring was a piece a cake. Took no more than 10 minutes.
Compressing the spring: JUST A BITCH took me a good 30 minutes to compress it enough.
Last step i got to was trying to remove the nut, that damn nut that holds the spring and strut together. well let me tell yall, bent the hex key and stripped the nut. THAT DAMN THING JUST WOULDNT COME OFF!!! im thinking the only way to get that thing off is with an impact wrench.
after 2 hours of hassle with the first assembly i said fuck it. went back to try to install it and didnt fit right. FORGOT TO LINE UP THE DAMN TOP BOLT AND THE LITTLE GROOVE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE STRUT!!!!
went back inside and recompressed that bitch
well got it to line up and decompressed the spring this whole process took me about 45 minutes. went outside and took me 20 mins to get in place and about another 20 minutes to tighten all the bolts and put the tires back on and clean up...
i think even if i had gotten that nut off i would not continue the install. just imagining the whole process 7 more times!!!! taking it off and putting it on!!!!!
well i have set an appointment to get them installed at a local shop for 140 +35 for alignment. I think that will be the best $175 i will ever spend!!!!
I WILL NEVER DO THIS INSTALL AGAIN: unless i have one of those big ass spring compressors and air tools and a lift.
installing intake headers sways, and exhaust was fun
this was not fun at all
sidemarker
did headers
did sways
but cant do it this time
for those of yall wondering if you should install springs, DONT DO IT. its a pain in the ass especially using a strut compressor AND YES I SAID STRUT COMPRESSOR dont know why but thats what they call it
the breakdown
taking off the driver side strut and spring was a piece a cake. Took no more than 10 minutes.
Compressing the spring: JUST A BITCH took me a good 30 minutes to compress it enough.
Last step i got to was trying to remove the nut, that damn nut that holds the spring and strut together. well let me tell yall, bent the hex key and stripped the nut. THAT DAMN THING JUST WOULDNT COME OFF!!! im thinking the only way to get that thing off is with an impact wrench.
after 2 hours of hassle with the first assembly i said fuck it. went back to try to install it and didnt fit right. FORGOT TO LINE UP THE DAMN TOP BOLT AND THE LITTLE GROOVE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE STRUT!!!!
went back inside and recompressed that bitch
well got it to line up and decompressed the spring this whole process took me about 45 minutes. went outside and took me 20 mins to get in place and about another 20 minutes to tighten all the bolts and put the tires back on and clean up...
i think even if i had gotten that nut off i would not continue the install. just imagining the whole process 7 more times!!!! taking it off and putting it on!!!!!
well i have set an appointment to get them installed at a local shop for 140 +35 for alignment. I think that will be the best $175 i will ever spend!!!!
I WILL NEVER DO THIS INSTALL AGAIN: unless i have one of those big ass spring compressors and air tools and a lift.
installing intake headers sways, and exhaust was fun
this was not fun at all
sidemarker
08-14-2002, 10:43 PM
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08-14-2002, 10:54 PM
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hmmm ... why is it so hard? I think header installation is harder than springs. Even though I never install a header before. First, you need to have good quality hex wrench. Secondly, be patient with the spring compressor. I did mine w/o any problem and that was the first time that I ever installed springs.
08-15-2002, 12:36 AM
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Originally posted by SilverKnight
hmmm ... why is it so hard? I think header installation is harder than springs. Even though I never install a header before. First, you need to have good quality hex wrench. Secondly, be patient with the spring compressor. I did mine w/o any problem and that was the first time that I ever installed springs.
hmmm ... why is it so hard? I think header installation is harder than springs. Even though I never install a header before. First, you need to have good quality hex wrench. Secondly, be patient with the spring compressor. I did mine w/o any problem and that was the first time that I ever installed springs.
sidemarker
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08-15-2002, 02:31 AM
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Originally posted by sidemarker
i was told that the spring compressors that i rented from autozone SUCKS ASS so that might have been the problem
sidemarker
i was told that the spring compressors that i rented from autozone SUCKS ASS so that might have been the problem
sidemarker
08-15-2002, 07:48 AM
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Re: spring, shocks, struts install: MISSION FAILED
Guys its not that hard. I have done it on many cars. You just need to make sure you have the right tools before doing it.
Sidemarker you should have let me help you out.
Sidemarker you should have let me help you out.
08-15-2002, 07:49 AM
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Originally posted by SilverKnight
I got the spring compressors from AutoZone. Worked fine for me
I got the spring compressors from AutoZone. Worked fine for me
08-15-2002, 10:46 AM
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i would never mess around with installing anything on my car besides stereo equipment or the CAI...everything else id rather just pay to have it done, plus i get cheap installs on everything cause my good freind is a mechanic...spring install for me was 75 bucks....and i bought him lunch
08-15-2002, 11:56 AM
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Originally posted by jimcol711
i would never mess around with installing anything on my car besides stereo equipment or the CAI...everything else id rather just pay to have it done, plus i get cheap installs on everything cause my good freind is a mechanic...spring install for me was 75 bucks....and i bought him lunch
i would never mess around with installing anything on my car besides stereo equipment or the CAI...everything else id rather just pay to have it done, plus i get cheap installs on everything cause my good freind is a mechanic...spring install for me was 75 bucks....and i bought him lunch
And I can make sure its done right the first time around, not some grease money touching my car. But your friend isn't a grease monkey, just talking about most mechanics.
08-15-2002, 12:22 PM
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Originally posted by cforez
Just curious- what shop are you getting your springs done at?
Just curious- what shop are you getting your springs done at?
thanks cforez, and it turns out that i know the the owners son
sidemarker
08-15-2002, 12:23 PM
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Originally posted by moomaster_99
Air tools are almost a requirement for spring installs.
Air tools are almost a requirement for spring installs.
sidemarker
08-15-2002, 12:25 PM
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Re: Re: spring, shocks, struts install: MISSION FAILED
Originally posted by SilverBullet
Guys its not that hard. I have done it on many cars. You just need to make sure you have the right tools before doing it.
Sidemarker you should have let me help you out.
Guys its not that hard. I have done it on many cars. You just need to make sure you have the right tools before doing it.
Sidemarker you should have let me help you out.
but thanks for the offer
sidemarker
08-15-2002, 01:13 PM
#20
Drifting
I don't know that I recommend this method of removing springs but it is very quick and is something to consider. You will NEED and impact wrench.
a) Remove the strut shock combo from the car and place horizontally on ground with some sort of solid objet in front, i.e. tire, wall, etc.
b) With heavy gloves on, place one foot on top of the strut assembly and the impact wrench on the top of the strut and let it rip.
The top strut mount will pop off with some force hitting your solid object but not as much as you would think. It's not going to maim or kill anything.
c) Reassemble the shock and strut. The new springs are much shorter so you should not have to use a spring compressor to get things back together.
This is how I have done my other Hondas and this is how I will do My CL when I get my springs. The whole process takes five minutes. I came up with this when I injured my thumb badly with the spring comperssor and have done it several times on several cars.
a) Remove the strut shock combo from the car and place horizontally on ground with some sort of solid objet in front, i.e. tire, wall, etc.
b) With heavy gloves on, place one foot on top of the strut assembly and the impact wrench on the top of the strut and let it rip.
The top strut mount will pop off with some force hitting your solid object but not as much as you would think. It's not going to maim or kill anything.
c) Reassemble the shock and strut. The new springs are much shorter so you should not have to use a spring compressor to get things back together.
This is how I have done my other Hondas and this is how I will do My CL when I get my springs. The whole process takes five minutes. I came up with this when I injured my thumb badly with the spring comperssor and have done it several times on several cars.
08-15-2002, 01:40 PM
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Re: Re: Re: spring, shocks, struts install: MISSION FAILED
Originally posted by sidemarker
im so impatient when it comes to install and i want to get my parts installed as soon as i got them. Plus i dont think you would have wanted to drive up to austin on a tuesday afternoon
but thanks for the offer
sidemarker
im so impatient when it comes to install and i want to get my parts installed as soon as i got them. Plus i dont think you would have wanted to drive up to austin on a tuesday afternoon
but thanks for the offer
sidemarker
08-15-2002, 01:59 PM
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Originally posted by sidemarker
RICHMOND AUTO
thanks cforez, and it turns out that i know the the owners son
sidemarker
RICHMOND AUTO
thanks cforez, and it turns out that i know the the owners son
sidemarker
i have heard nothing but good stuff about Richmond Auto (across from MZM right?).
08-15-2002, 05:56 PM
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Originally posted by kuuligan
i have heard nothing but good stuff about Richmond Auto (across from MZM right?).
i have heard nothing but good stuff about Richmond Auto (across from MZM right?).
yup just got all three of them installed today i got to wait for the new one next week, so im riding on three tokico illuminas and one oem strut.
it wasnt really there fault, the top thread BROKE OFF while tightening the nut. just to show u the quality of tokicos...
but the ride is pretty good almost like stock but a little bit stiffer and the car feels much more tight. no more body roll
now i want to get sways and new tires
sidemarker
08-15-2002, 06:09 PM
#25
Racer
Originally posted by sidemarker
but the ride is pretty good almost like stock but a little bit stiffer and the car feels much more tight. no more body roll
but the ride is pretty good almost like stock but a little bit stiffer and the car feels much more tight. no more body roll
08-15-2002, 06:32 PM
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Originally posted by EricS
What setting do you have the Illuminas on?
What setting do you have the Illuminas on?
but i have the back at 5
and the left front at 2
as soon as i get everything in and the new strut settle and get my alignment i will play with the settings a bit more
oh one more thing if your in the SA or austin area and want to test drive this set up you are more than welcome to i also have intake headers and exhaust if you want to know how much power they really produce...
sidemarker
08-16-2002, 02:04 PM
#28
Racer
Originally posted by sidemarker
oh one more thing if your in the SA or austin area and want to test drive this set up you are more than welcome to i also have intake headers and exhaust if you want to know how much power they really produce...
oh one more thing if your in the SA or austin area and want to test drive this set up you are more than welcome to i also have intake headers and exhaust if you want to know how much power they really produce...
We need to set up a dang Austin meet...
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