Having trouble replacing shocks/springs

[merqury]

Car - 95 Talon tsi AWD

This car came with blue Tokico shocks, but I think they have a coilover kit at the top. The springs in there are broken and when I ordered Eibach Pro Springs, they were conical, ie the top was much wider and it narrowed out at the bottom. They sit well on stock ones, but not on the current setup.

I have NO knowledge about suspensions so I need to know how I can replace the broken springs. First of all, I dont think Tokico makes coilovers. So what exactly is the setup in my car? Where can I find springs to replace those? Do I have to buy just a coilover kit to replace them? Help is appreciated

 

[kronus]

Coilovers require a special spring. It sounds like you have a sleeve coilover kit. Depending on the producer of the coilover kit, you can get replacements springs. Or you could take the sleeves off of the struts and use the springs you purchased.

Oh, and take some pics and post em up. It'll make it easier for us to see what's goin on.

 

[merqury]

Thanks kronus. So I have Tokico Shocks with an aftermarket sleeve coilover kit that sits on top of it? So I can get any other coilover kit to replace it?
Or If I wanted to just put springs in its place, how hard is it to take out the coilover kit? Would I need anything else if I wanted to put springs (eg strut mounts, bushings etc) ?

I know pics would help but the car is at the mechanic's right now. If I remember correctly, this is what they look like

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[kronus]

Thanks kronus. So I have Tokico Shocks with an aftermarket sleeve coilover kit that sits on top of it? So I can get any other coilover kit to replace it?
Or If I wanted to just put springs in its place, how hard is it to take out the coilover kit? Would I need anything else if I wanted to put springs (eg strut mounts, bushings etc) ?

I know pics would help but the car is at the mechanic's right now. If I remember correctly, this is what they look like

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Well, that looks more like a 1-piece coil over... I don't have a picture right now, but my GC sleeves sit over the normal strut, except I've cut off my spring perch.

Here's the install for a 2g; So just do the reverse for uninstall: http://vfaq.com/mods/GCkit-2G.html

Here's the install for a 1g, so this might help a bit too:
http://vfaq.com/mods/GCkit-1G.html

Hope that helps. I don't have any experience with a 2g, so I can't give you all the help you want. But I do hope this helps.

EDIT: Here's a pic of the trimmed strut with the GC sleeve. (Not mine, but the author of the Vfaq.)

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[merqury]

I don't think Tokico makes 1-piece coilover. Maybe the guy cut off the spring perch and installed this sleeve; I'm not sure. I'll try to get a picture today.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

You have a broken spring on your car? Like, snapped? WTF

 

[ClassicalBor]

im running a similar set up with tokico gas shocks/eibach pro lines... only thing i wanna say is if youre planning on a desent lowering job watch your rear camber angle

 

[merqury]

You have a broken spring on your car? Like, snapped? WTF

Yes broken. 2 parts. That was my reaction too. The Tokico shocks have lifetime warranty on them, but I dont think the coilover part/spring came with any warranty.

So is it a coilover sleeve for sure? Can I somehow use the Eibachs on that or put the spring perch back? Like I said, they are blue tokicos with this at the top -

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[kronus]

So is it a coilover sleeve for sure? Can I somehow use the Eibachs on that or put the spring perch back? Like I said, they are blue tokicos with this at the top -

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If that's what you have, then yes they're sleeves. And no you can't use the Eibachs on those sleeves. And no you definitely can't put the perch back on, period. I'm not sure if most of the coilover sleeve designs are the same, but, if you wanna try this, give Ground Control a call.

http://www.ground-control-store.com/index.php

The GC systems use Eibach springs that are specifically designed for coilovers/sleeves. One thing that you will notice, however, is that the ride on coilovers/sleeves tends to be a bit stiffer than riding on progressive springs. Progressive springs, like your Eibachs you have now, have less space between a few of the coils which absorb the smaller little bumps. Coilover springs, as I'm sure you've noticed in the pictures, have no differentiation in spacing between coils. What does that mean? Stiffer ride. Again, this is just a generality and is not necessarily always true, especially with higher end true coilover setups (JIC, Tein).

Now, for your situation. You've just purchased Eibach Prokits. You have to decide what you want from the car, and how much you want to spend. as of right now, you'll need new struts for those springs, or at least 2 new struts. (the front most likely.)

The other possibility would be keeping your struts, and trying to find some quality coilover/sleeve springs that will fit on the hardware you have. Again, calling up Ground Control and getting sizes on springs would be the most beneficial to you.

But here's another word of warning: If you do stick with the coilover setup, chances are that the hardware (the sleeves themselves) is kind of cheap. Obviously you had a spring break - this tells me a couple of things.

1. Someone cheaped out before you and bought ebay sleeves.
2. Someone was NOT taking care of that suspension.

So, you might wanna think about the quality of the hardware before you make your decision. Either way, you'll be purchasing something expensive whether it be new springs or new struts.

*Whew. Done with that lecture.*

 

[merqury]

Thanks a lot for your help. Went to the shop today and turns out the guy already ordered skunk2 coilover kit (sleeves and springs). I guess I'm going to have to go with that, even though I know the ride is stiffer. I returned the Eibachs.
The next time they go bad, I'm going to go with springs+adjustable struts.

Strangely, the spring perches on the front shocks are there. I've heard people cant lower the front without removing these. I wonder how the previous guy managed that..

 

[kronus]

Thanks a lot for your help. Went to the shop today and turns out the guy already ordered skunk2 coilover kit (sleeves and springs). I guess I'm going to have to go with that, even though I know the ride is stiffer. I returned the Eibachs.
The next time they go bad, I'm going to go with springs+adjustable struts.

Strangely, the spring perches on the front shocks are there. I've heard people cant lower the front without removing these. I wonder how the previous guy managed that..

Super small hands maybe?

I dunno, my hands are pretty small in general but I had to cut the perches off or else I could never have been able to tighten them down. But what's this about a guy ordering parts for you? It's your money right? Then purchase what you want, don't let someone hassle you just because they already ordered them. Things can be returned as you've seen, and who knows, you might want a different brand based on reviews of other competing products, but again, it's your decision as well.

Either way, keep us updated.

 

[merqury]

I meant removing the perches so the coilovers can sit lower.

Anyway, today finally eveythings put in but the car still sits high at the back. Even with the lowest setting, the back is sitting really high. What can I do about this?

 

[kronus]

I meant removing the perches so the coilovers can sit lower.

I know, but the perches don't stop you from lowering it more, they stop you from tightening them down. Trust me, I have them, I know.

Anyway, today finally eveythings put in but the car still sits high at the back. Even with the lowest setting, the back is sitting really high. What can I do about this?

What do you mean everything is put in the car? The new set up, the old? Details please.