2G Install time on springs and struts

[Street_Killer]

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

 

[RedTurboEclipse]

These are the only guides I used:

http://vfaq.com/mods/GCkit-2G.html
http://www.planetstoli.com/tokicoInstall/index.htm
http://www.plymouthlaser.com/2gsusp.htm

 

[Street_Killer]

Oh swee, the second link is what im doing.

 

[Street_Killer]

Reading through these, none of them have said anything about a spring compressor? WHy is it so necessary to use one? Id rather not if its easy to do it without one.

 

[snowborder714]

I just read through all 3 of those links and the first and last mention using a spring compressor. It really seems like you have something against using it which boggles my mind. As stated before, you don't NEED to use one to do the job. They're free to rent (just put a down payment and receive it back once the tool is returned) and easy to use. I don't see why you just get one. They will prevent the spring from flying off either the old shock or new one (not sure if you have to take off the mount at the top and reuse it as I didn't install shocks/springs) and hitting you or your car. It's just a safety precaution and may make the job easier. But if you don't want to use it, then don't. Easy as that.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

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.

Good to know, do you have a source for this revised part?

 

[snowborder714]

Good to know, do you have a source for this revised part?

It is talked about here:

http://www.plymouthlaser.com/2gsusp.htm

 

[KGB Pilot125]

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

I know you were kidding but we are opening 3 locations in the next 60 days plus looking for an apprentice at an exsisting location and a fulltime tech at another location. (the full time tech got arrested.) We are always looking for really good help. also we are opening a grease monkey in gilbert AZ. in the next 90 days.

Josh

 

[asexton6969]

Either rent a spring compressor or buy one. I bought mine from Advance Auto $20. Works great and what do you know, I've installed alot more than just my set of struts. Ive used it on my parents cars, friends, even installed struts for some people I didnt know. $20 isn't too much to ask. Besides you never know if you mess up the first time and will need it again.

 

[No_Skillz]

Good to know, do you have a source for this revised part?

I ordered a new endlink from the dearlership that was near me and the one I recieved was the revised model. I'm guessing that all mitsu dealerships have switched over.

 

[Street_Killer]

What is the spring compressor even used for, im confused? Getting it on the shock or bolting it up? I dont get why you would need it, if you take all the weigt off your car.

 

[No_Skillz]

Because the stock springs are still under load when you remove the assembly. When you take off the top bolt you run the risk of that spring unloading and hitting something like your hand and breaking it. Personally I've always used a spring compressor (except for installing aftermarket springs, which are shorter and stiffer) so I can't say how much the stock springs are under load or how hard they'll spring up.

I'm going to go ahead and suggest that you use one, since like everyone else has said... they're free/cheap to rent, so why not?

 

[Street_Killer]

Cause im lazy, and like to be difficult. Im just kidding. So you never had a problem with aftermarket springs being installed without a compressor?

 

[jtmcinder]

What is the spring compressor even used for, im confused? Getting it on the shock or bolting it up? I dont get why you would need it, if you take all the weigt off your car.

Bolting it up.

Please google "pre-load." Thanks.

Edit: sorry. That was bitchy. Stock springs are still under load, even when the shock is fully extended. This means it will fling the top-mount when the bolt is taken off the shock's shaft. It also means it can be difficult to install a new spring.

- Jtoby

 

[No_Skillz]

Cause im lazy, and like to be difficult. Im just kidding. So you never had a problem with aftermarket springs being installed without a compressor?

I've only ever installed Ground Controls. If my memory serves correctly, I needed the compressor for the fronts but not the rears. But I did use compressors for taking out Eibach Sportlines and stock springs.

 

[Street_Killer]

My dads being wierd and doesnt want to mess around with it, and he said he will pay for the install, so I guess all this info is going to be used for someone else now.

 

[ludevtec93]

u can do it the ghetto way witout a spring compressor.. works good for me.. i use the floorjack method.. i sit the fork which is bolt to the shock onto the floor jack.. jack it up a little bit and loosen the nut so it will de-compress.. as i do that i lower the jack a little bit so there's less pressure

 

[Street_Killer]

So I got a qoute for 137 from a local guy to do it. That sounds likea damn good price to me/