self-installation

[TurboTuli]

So I'm wondering how difficult it is to install shocks/springs. When I do eventually get my s13, and I WILL, I'm planning on getting the KYB AGXs and one of the eibach spring sets. I haven't ever done any work on a car before, besides like changing the oil and I put hitches on vehicles at work occasionally. I work at U-Haul, where we sell and install more hitches than anyone nationwide, for those of you that didn't know :pface So I also have access to some tools and a shop area, but I'm also wondering how long it takes, because they will be needing the space during most business hours. Otherwise how much can I expect to pay someone in labor?

[timmybgood]

all it is, is unbolting the old shocks, and bolting the new ones in, easy as pie in your driveway and even better if you have access to that shop

[[Zero-S]]

A shop? To install shocks? Well since he has access to it it'll be even easier. Moral: Don't pay someone to do something you can do yourself. Thank you.

[driftaholic]

you'll have to compress the springs with a spring compressor to get them off the upper mounts if you're not using new upper mounts

[f8sjester]

it's not difficult at all. . . it's all pretty basic once you sit down to do it. . .

but yeah, you'll need a spring compressor to do it safely ($40 for a set at Sears) and an impact wrench might be handy since the bolts down in the suspension can be pretty tight . . .

[WingsNThangs]

The install takes a couple of hours, wouldnt be surprised if it took you 6+ hours if its your first time with no power tools. Not difficult, just tedious manual labor and time consuming. Yes, you do need a spring compressor. Get a wheel alignment when you're done to prevent uneven wear of the tires.

[f150intally]

You can rent a spring compressor at autozone for 40 and as long as you take it back you will get your money back so it will be free.

I installed the same combo and took me about 1.5 hours of labor time. I had never done springs and struts before. We did have an impact wrench. we also did subframe spacers at the same time.

[Cyberkreig]

if you want to remove the shock & spring as a unit, do you need a compressor?

[driftaholic]

nope, the compressor is just if you want get the upper mount off of it.

[Cyberkreig]

to clarify.

It is safe to jackup a car, loosen the bottom shock mounts, and the top mounts, and remove the entire contraption?

I thought that even when jackedup the struts were under load?

[driftaholic]

it is safe

they are still under a little load though. for the fronts i recommend taking off the upper of the two lower bolts first, so it can pivot on the lower one and push the hub out, letting off most of the pressure. for the rears, after taking out the bottom bolt you can have someone stand on the hub and stretch the spring out so it doesn't surpise you when you get it off.

it's not going to spring out and hurt you or anything though

[Grant@tirerack]

If you are using new mounts you will still need the spring compression tool to get the other parts off. I would go out and get a shop manual from Bently or Haynes if you haven't already. It will pay for itself a thousand fold. This a fairly straight foreward job but you have to have the right tools. Ture story: In the early days I thought I could use some threaded steel rod and some plates to compress my springs on a VW 412. The short story is, I ended up putting a 9" hole in the garage roof and almost took off my face in the process when the thing tore loose. Invest in renting the correct tool!

[f8sjester]

The short story is, I ended up putting a 9" hole in the garage roof and almost took off my face in the process when the thing tore loose.

cooooooool. . . too bad u don't have it on video heh

[Grant@tirerack]

Yep, the stupid things we do as teenagers to save a buck. It sounded like a good idea at the time:rolleyes

[AJ-SPEC]

is it easier to install coilovers? I'm looking to install the Zeal B6 in a couple months.

[MainEvent212]

no compression, but lots of alignment, new rims, and tuning from what i've heard and gathered...but i dont have any experience...i'm puttin on my agx/tein s-tech combo now, it took me 3 weeks to get around to it, and now it's a ***** and a half, wish i had gotten new upper mounts...