2g spring installation question

[bigbro6785]

I was planning on installing my new springs this weekend but I was curious if I would be able to do it with just basic tools. I dont have an impact gun and a few people have told me that I need one. If i can do the work myself, any advice as to any problems I might run into? Thanks guys

 

[Spoolin98]

An impact gun will make it a lot easier, I highly doubt you will be able to do it without one. The difference will be night and day without a compressor. Do you have spring compressors? Springs are fairly simple if you are mechanically inclined, if not, I wouldn't suggest doing it by yourself.

 

[Artago]

I was planning on installing my new springs this weekend but I was curious if I would be able to do it with just basic tools. I dont have an impact gun and a few people have told me that I need one. If i can do the work myself, any advice as to any problems I might run into? Thanks guys

I've replaced the springs on my Talon before without an impact gun and it was a pain. If you can get your hands on one then do it otherwise it is do-able to to do it with the basic tools but you will curse a lot. My advice is clean the bolts and SOAK them in Release-All or another bolt release spray and let them soak (overnight if you can). This will make things easier. Obviously you will need a spring compression tool to get the springs off. You may be able to loan a spring compression tool from somewhere (I borrow one from Canadian Tire (I'm in Canada) via their "loan a tool" program). I would also suggest getting a buddy to help you out, you can do it by yourself but hey take the help if you can get it. Remember SOAK the bolt and nuts in some thread release spray. It will help. Good Luck and have fun. -Tom

 

[Spoolin98]

I've replaced the springs on my Talon before without an impact gun and it was a pain. If you can get your hands on one then do it otherwise it is do-able to to do it with the basic tools but you will curse a lot. My advice is clean the bolts and SOAK them in Release-All or another bolt release spray and let them soak (overnight if you can). This will make things easier. Obviously you will need a spring compression tool to get the springs off. Try to get a small (compact) one as the clearance between the wheel well and the springs is very small and a larger spring compression tool will not fit in the gap. You may be able to loan a spring compression tool from somewhere (I borrow one from Canadian Tire (I'm in Canada) via their "loan a tool" program). I would also suggest getting a buddy to help you out, you can do it by yourself but hey take the help if you can get it. Remember SOAK the bolt and nuts in some thread release spray. It will help. Good Luck and have fun. -Tom

You don't need to compress the spring in the wheel well, just take the whole spring and shock assembly out as one piece. Then compress the spring outside the car, its a lot easier.

 

[bigbro6785]

I can rent a compressor from Auto Zone, thats no problem. Me and a buddy installed coils on my integra a while back witht he help of an impact, I just dont have access to that anymore so I wanted to make sure I can do it with out one. Ill see how it goes. . One more question, Im installing eibach sportlines, how much of the stopper should I cut off?

 

[Spoolin98]

Your going to have to search for the answer to that, I have no clue.

 

[Artago]

You don't need to compress the spring in the wheel well, just take the whole spring and shock assembly out as one piece. Then compress the spring outside the car, its a lot easier.

You're right now that I think about it. I've done this twice .. the first time I compressed the springs in the car and that was a pain. The second time I compressed the springs outside the car and it was a lot easier. Sorry about the bad info, it's been a while since I've done it and I just plain old forgot So yeah, take it out and then compress. Once again, my bad. Thanks for catching that mistake Mike. -Tom

 

[Spoolin98]

You're right now that I think about it. I've done this twice .. the first time I compressed the springs in the car and that was a pain. The second time I compressed the springs outside the car and it was a lot easier. Sorry about the bad info, it's been a while since I've done it and I just plain old forgot So yeah, take it out and then compress. Once again, my bad. Thanks for catching that mistake Mike. -Tom

Not a problem, just thought I would throw my .02 into it.

 

[TSG59_Steve]

Not a problem, just thought I would throw my .02 into it.

I second your input. I replaced the two front struts in my Civic in < 1hr, and I was just using wratchets and a hammer for the bolt on the bottom of the strut fork (or w/e the tech term is). But definitely take out the entire assembly and then compress the spring. The one time I didn't do that... well... it involved a blow torch, hot metal, and my friends dad going to the hospital.

 

[jabinya]

Ditto on using the spring compressor. As far as using a impact tool, I stay away from those intentionally. Using your own force to loosen and tighten the bolts and springs is a good work out and helps to keep you in good shape.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I hope you haven't started this project yet.

I just did my spring AND shock install yesterday, Tokico Illuminas and Eibach Pro-kits. It was cake.

My concern is that you are trying to drop your car 2" on stock shocks. That is just crazy talk. Not only will the ride and handling characteristics be terrible but you will blow your shocks in no time at all.
But thats not all. Not only are Eibach Sportlines too low for a daily driver (especially without upgraded shocks to handle the excessive drop) but the spring rates of the Eibach Sportlines are actually even LOWER than stock springs which means you will be bottoming out hard and often. Your car will more or less be riding on the bump stops with little to no suspension travel at all.

I want you to take this seriously. Many will disagree with my points but I believe the informed majority would have to agree.

My suggestion is to return your sportlines and invest in some decent shocks and definitely better springs. One more thought, have you already purchased a camber kit for the front and rear? You will need them.
Just my 2 cents, good luck.
Post back with your plan.

 

[calreef18]

Breaker bar and a little muscle is all you'll need to get the bolts off. On my 2g spyder all I needed if I remember right was a 12 or 14mm (can't remember right now) and a 17mm wrench, and a spring compressor. Take everyones advice and don't drop that low on the stock shocks, I put tein s tech on my stockers and cut about 1.8" as stated in the instructions off the bump stops, been doing fine so far.

 

[bigbro6785]

I actually am dropping on stock shocks Im not worried about a crappy ride tho ### the streets arent bad where I live and im use to a shitty ride because I had my integra lowered on ebay coils with stock shocks for 2 years. But I will be looking into new shocks when i get my income tax. I have heard alot of bad about sportlines since they drop the car so much, but I like the drop that they give. Im also use to having to be careful not to scrape since my teggy was slammed and had a lip kit on it (it was hella low). I actually decided not to install the springs myself due to lack of time. I found a shop thats gonna install the springs, camber kit, and do an allignment for 195. Not a bad deal IMO. Ill post up some pics next week.

 

[TSG59_Steve]

$195 sounds pretty good to me. But then again I'm not too sure how much it would cost normally since I always do it myself.

 

[Artago]

Listen to PieEyedPiper, he's 100% correct. The best direction to go in is the Tokico Illuminas and Eibach Pro-kits with a Camber kit. If you go with anything else you will probably regret it. You want the pro kit because it doesn't lower as much and has better spring rates. The illuminas are also the right choice because they're adjustable. For best appearance and handling go with Tokico Illuminas and Eibach Pro-kits. My $0.02. Good luck.

 

[7"exhaust_tip]

you don't need an impact gun, just lots of PB blaster

 

[bigbro6785]

I was thinking pro kit at first, but from all the pics I have seen with those springs with stock rims you cant really tell that the car is lowered. Im going more for appearance than handeling.

 

[Ray_G]

PieEyedPiper and Artago are dead on. The drop from the pro-kit is sufficent and the illuminas do a decent job; not to mention if you're going to have it done you might as well wait and get the shocks to go along with everything else you're doing...otherwise you'll put on the springs, get the camber kit on, do your alignment and then promptly blow out your shocks and need a new set...so you'll end up tearing into the whole thing again.

I've got the pro-kit and the tokicos, did it myself with the usual range of tools (and spring compressors from Sears since I've changed enough springs now to make that worth it). I personally think the stance is perfect for the car-the gap between the tires and wheel well is minimal and overall the car looks as it should. If you're looking to slam it for the sake of slamming it...well, that's your choice but I'd still highly reccomend getting shocks and making one comprehensive install.
r-
Ray