Struts and shocks during eibach install

[novasteve]

Hello all,

So talked to my mechanic and it was his opinion that if i do a lowering spring install I might as well as go ahead and do the struts/shocks at the same time. Mainly because it'll already be 'opened up'(my words, not his). So what exactly do i need? Did a little research and it looks like I'll need the 2 front struts (which are side specific) and rear shocks. Do I have all this correct? Looking at Monroe or KYB's. Any opinions on either? He said he'll charge me like $200, which sounds like a killer deal to me. Just want to see how much all the parts are going to be before I fully commit.

Thanks for any help!

Steve

[YoungCoupe]

What's your mileage right now? Struts will usually go a long way. Is he charging you $200 on top of the Eibach install? To me, that seems unreasonable because replacing your struts with new ones will actually make the whole job easier, by a little bit at least. But then again, I plan to install Eibachs myself next week so I'm not 100% sure.

[turbocoupe]

My car had about 75000 miles on it when I changed my struts and shocks (plus Eibach springs). By then I could tell the front struts were going “soft”. If you have 50000 miles or more on your car you might consider replacing the struts/shocks.

[novasteve]

My car has 45K. The $200 is for the complete install- springs, struts, shocks. That seemed like a damn good deal to me. Anyway, do I have all those parts correct? turbocoupe-how do you like your set-up? How does it compare to the stock ride?

Thanks fellas!

[GrayCoupe]

I have the KYB's on my setup and they a little firmer than the OEM's, overall I like my setup with Eibach's and KYB's

[Flyers28]

how difficult is it to replace shocks/struts and springs. I do not want to pay for labor charges on top of the already expensive package. Cars got 75k and think its best just to do the entire package. I like the satisfaction of doing things myself just don't want to get things apart and find out i cant get it back together again and have to find a trailer to get it to a shop haha. Seems pretty straight forward though.

Doing Eibachs, not sure if im doing kyb or oem strut/shocks (whichever is cheaper i guess).

Novasteve, whenever you get it done post back with your thoughts on the setup and ride.

[Flyers28]

Thought id share this...just got done talking to a tech guy at KYB and he said that there struts only work with at most 1" drop modifications. He also said that the warranty is only covered when installed with stock springs, any modification voids warranty. Something to consider before buying.

[Flyers28]

Got off the phone with monroe and they said the best option is to go with a 1.5" smaller shock/strut when installing eibach's. Unfortunately they do not offer this.

What do you guys think of this? And where would we get these shock/struts?

Don't mean to thread jack, just thought this info was relevant to the OP's original question so thought id share.

[AlexN09]

They'd be called coilovers.

[turbocoupe]

My car has 45K. The $200 is for the complete install- springs, struts, shocks. That seemed like a damn good deal to me. Anyway, do I have all those parts correct? turbocoupe-how do you like your set-up? How does it compare to the stock ride?

Thanks fellas!

I am very satisfied with the Eibach/KYB combo. The difference between the old springs and worn struts to the new set-up is like night and day. The ride is firm but not jarring. You only really notice it when you go over speed bumps. I drive my car to work 70 miles round trip daily and I don’t even notice the ride any more. The handling is much improved and a curvy road means fun time!

[turbocoupe]

how difficult is it to replace shocks/struts and springs. I do not want to pay for labor charges on top of the already expensive package. Cars got 75k and think its best just to do the entire package. I like the satisfaction of doing things myself just don't want to get things apart and find out i cant get it back together again and have to find a trailer to get it to a shop haha. Seems pretty straight forward though.

Doing Eibachs, not sure if im doing kyb or oem strut/shocks (whichever is cheaper i guess).

Novasteve, whenever you get it done post back with your thoughts on the setup and ride.

I installed the struts and springs myself. It was generally a pain in the a** and took twice as long as I thought it would. Having said that, it was worth the effort, it just is an involved project. If you have air tools it will speed things up (I didn’t). I also tend to take my time and try to get things right. So far, I have not had any trouble with my installation. If you can hold the strut upright in a vice while you remove the spring, I think it will be easier than wrestling with it on the floor or work bench.

[stm37s]

This should be a sticky, alot of good info here, I plan on going with the eibach lowering springs in the near future when I get some new wheels for her

[novasteve]

So plans have changed for me. Was going to wait to get new tires but had to buy now because of 2 flat tires
So instead of going to a 19" rim/tire combo it looks like I'll be staying at 18". Did upgrade to 245 45 18 so not all bad. So kind of a new question, am I going to have issues with clearance if I do the drop? I know the car itself will be lower with the 18"ers. Would like to hear from anyone running this setup!! Also, does anybody know the stock rim width? 8 inch perhaps?

Thanks all!
Steve

[ty_tanium909]

im running 18" x 8.75" on 235/45/18 lowered on the eibach kit and have no issues