2G Install time on springs and struts

[Street_Killer]

My title pretty much asks my questions. Also wondering what the labor charges would be?

 

[perley03]

I know at the local shop they were going to charge me 1 hr/wheel for installation, and I was going to have a 4 wheel alignment as well. Total estimate came to $362 for 4hrs of labor and a 4 wheel alignment. I wound up renting a spring compressor for $22, a 24-pack of bud light and a friend, and it took us 1 1/2 hours to change them. It's not too bad doing it yourself, just some rusted bolts/nuts you have to fight with. Grab a can or two of PB Blaster and you should be set.

 

[Street_Killer]

Anyone else have experience with this?

 

[jtmcinder]

I'm down to under 10 min per side in the rear and about 20 min per side in the front, but I've done it more times than I care to count. YMMV.

- Jtoby

 

[snowborder714]

I installed coilovers (not springs and struts) but it's pretty much the same thing. It took me the good part of a day to do because I had a lot of bolts rusted. If you don't have bolts rusted, or think ahead and hit them with PB Blaster, then you should be able to get it done in a few hours. I don't know how the spring compressor part works as I didn't have to worry about it but shouldn't add too much time. The actual installation is extremely easy. I'd say go for it for yourself. It's a great learning experience and you'll save some money.

 

[Street_Killer]

So for a new person doing it, say with my dad. We could probably figure it out and do it pretty easily?

 

[knight007]

couple hours especially if the bolts aint rusted or you if you have a impact wrench

 

[Street_Killer]

If I decide to do it myself, will I new a spring compressor with eibach pro kits?

 

[xxraptor660xx]

I have a program at work called "ALLDATA" tells you what the dealers prices and labor hours are..Want me to check tomorrow morning?

 

[Street_Killer]

That would be great. Can you check les swchab, or is it universal data kinda thing?

 

[snowborder714]

If you're installing springs and struts, you'll need a spring compressor. You can usually rent these from local auto parts stores (Advance Auto Parts, Autozone, etc.).

I'd also recommend getting a Chilton/Haynes if you don't have one. They are pretty reliable sources and tell you a lot about the car. I used my Chilton to do my suspension swap and it helped a lot.

 

[romeen]

If I decide to do it myself, will I new a spring compressor with eibach pro kits?

I recently swapped my Prokit for H&R's on my 2G. In my case, the spring compressor was needed for the fronts, but not really necessary for the rears. Autozone loans out spring compressors for free (at least the one locally does). I had to put a $40 deposit down which was fully refunded when I returned it. You can keep it in your possession for 90 days (no, I didn't need it for that long ).

I had never done any kind of suspension work when I swapped out my springs using a print out from VFAQ and my Chiltons. It was much easier than I would have guessed. Took me the morning and part of the afternoon, but I was working very slow and had to completely redo the first one (didn't align the mating marks).

Once you get into it you see that it is very straightforward.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Flat rate pays 2.1 for fronts and 1.8 for the rears. So your estimate was about rate depending on hourly rate. We are $90/hr down here but if differs.

 

[KGB Pilot125]

This is straight from alldata

Part OEM Part Price
Suspension Strut
Front
10 - Strut MB910500 $120.00 Notes
1 - Rear MB948091 $98.00 Notes


Labor Skill
Level Mfg.
Warranty Standard
Suspension Strut
Replace
Front
One Side B 0.9 1.3 Notes
Does Not Include: Alignment.

Rear
One Side B 0.7 1.0 Notes
Both Sides B 1.0 1.5 Notes


2.6 hours for the front
1.5 for the rear labor would range between 75 and 110 dollars an hour depending on your area. plus an alignment

 

[asexton6969]

To start, installing new springs and struts is not too difficult for a mechanically inclined person. I have worked on my car in plenty of situations but had never messed with suspension work. My only real problem was rusted bolts, but thanks having just started working in a shop (at the time) I had an impact and sockets. I went to my dad's house beause we have a nice shop set up and it honestly only took me about 3-4 hours.

Things to keep in mind and replace. It would be a great idea to replace all the rubber mounts and also the isolator cushion (I call it this because I nor my local Mitsu dealer can find a name for it) My local advance auto parts got me KYB strut mounts for about $15 each. (Will need four) If you would look at this diagram (http://www.machv.com/frsustandsp.html), what I call the "isolator cushion" would be number 40146. (again a total of 4) I would definately recommend a spring compressor. If you are taking off stock springs you will need it for sure. Just remember how the mounts come apart in order to put the new ones in correctly. I just set everything out to see in what order they go in. Don't rush, just take your time to do it right. Trust me, once you do this once, it will only be easier. If you have any questions please PM me.

Oh and if you have any bolts that are pretty rusty, anti sieze is your friend. I know I love to use it when I'm doing alignments.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

This is straight from alldata

Part OEM Part Price
Suspension Strut
Front
10 - Strut MB910500 $120.00 Notes
1 - Rear MB948091 $98.00 Notes


Labor Skill
Level Mfg.
Warranty Standard
Suspension Strut
Replace
Front
One Side B 0.9 1.3 Notes
Does Not Include: Alignment.

Rear
One Side B 0.7 1.0 Notes
Both Sides B 1.0 1.5 Notes


2.6 hours for the front
1.5 for the rear labor would range between 75 and 110 dollars an hour depending on your area. plus an alignment

I wanna work with you guys! Ours is based on Mitchell.

 

[jtmcinder]

Isolator, not insulater.

- Jtoby

 

[RedTurboEclipse]

It's easy if none of the bolts are rusted and they all cooperate to come out. It's when they don't that adds to your total time.

 

[xxraptor660xx]

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Shot at 2007-08-10

Labor rate- $75/hour (We have good prices here)
"Mfg warr." prices are labor rates that extended warranty/insurance covers.
We use the "std" price.

 

[Street_Killer]

Has anyone ever did it withough a spring compressor? Is it a must?

 

[Simpleman1]

If your dad is going to help you, probably 3-4 hours. Rent a spring compressor and buy Hanes or something similar to help you figure out the proper torque of each bolt & nut. I used Kroil It on rusted nuts the night before I started working on them. Get it align after.

 

[No_Skillz]

Spring compressor isn't a MUST, but neither is a seatbelt while you're driving.

If you are doing this for the first time, get revised swaybar endlinks for the front. Chances are they are rusted to hell and you will tear them up getting them out. The revised ones are much easier to get on and off since they don't use a stupid allen wrench hole like the old ones.

 

[h8r]

IMO.... Spray down the bolts a day before you start...Lets the PB penetrate.. I allways do this on my cars when rust is an issue! Especially on exhaust and suspension.

 

[Street_Killer]

Anyone got some instructions online for me?

 

[xxraptor660xx]

Edit:

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Shot at 2007-08-10