Springs are a LOT easier than UP/DP. Access to them is easy - unlike UP/DP.

I'm not sure about the '05, but on the '02, the rear brake lines are held in by these odd square spring clips. You have to stick a screw driver in the edge and they slide out. It took us a few minutes to work this out - obviously we didn't want to break anything.

Another thing was that the suspension bolts are 160 lbft torque. This takes some serious undoing - and the nut/bolt tends to spin without undoing. We worked out that you can stick a spanner through from underneath and brace it against the suspension member. This lets you lean on the breaker bar without the nut spinning. Don't brace it against the disk covers or anything else that looks fragile.

An impact wrench is useful for the top nuts, but there are work arounds as you'll read. One useful tool set I got is a pass-through socket set. Lowes has them from about $40. With this, you can still get to the bolt top through the center of the socket. They are great in tight spaces as well because the socket/wrench combo is very shallow compared with normal.

We took it very steadily, and it took us about 3 hours - easy job.

 

I'm in the process of installing my coilovers, and they're really easy.

 

+1 for coilovers....so flippin easy.

too bad you're not in the city, I'd be willing to help....experience and air tools and my buddy's shop does alignments for $35 (toe only...camber is an extra $60)

 

+1 -- I remember talking to you about the horrors of uppipe installing. I haven't done springs, but did do the springs/struts at all four corners. It's a much more straightforward procedure than the uppipe.

But make sure you have a six-sided (not twelve) socket for those lower suspension bolts.

 

Installing springs is one of the easier jobs......you will need some patience (getting to the rear strut bolts and twisting around in the back area to unbolt everything is a pain) and a lot of tools.

 

Thanks a lot for the help guys. I see that it's much easier than it appears. I would need someone with tools since I won't have enough tools to do this, and I need jacks/jack stands and someone with some experience so I don't break something. Anyone willing to help either today or tomorrow ?
John

 

+ 1 for install fest

 

^^ haha very steep ^^

Wheel works charges $360

Custom alignment charges $800

for install and alignment

 

$180 for install and alignment is such a good price. and saves you so much time. just spend a little more and get it done fast and good. and anything wrong you can go back there and get it fix.

 

+1000000 for AI

 

IMO you should just rent spring compressors from autozone. They are free.

All you need to do is remove the rearseats (if its a sedan).

unbolt the top hats from the frame unbolt the camber and support bolt from the axel and remove the whole shock assembly.

you can just use an allen wrench and a ratcheting wrench to take off the top hat. (Another reason for the spring compressor is so that the top hat doesnt shoot off just in case)

Also remembe to use your stock jack to raise the rotor makes taking off the shock assembly easier (do not raise the dust shield with the rotor or you will bend it and have to bend it back).

seat the springs, and place the top rubber onto the springs themselves. (should be the flatter side of the springs facing up)

Repeat to all four sides. (but remember to camber the front wheels best you can evenly before lowering the car) (camber bolt is the one with very small notches on it)

you can pm me if you have more questions. Did a spring install just a few months ago.

 

I understand everything that I need to do, and it doesn't seem like I should pay $180 for it. I will do the 4 wheel laser allignment, I think AI does it for like $70? So that saves me $110 for the install when I could do it in 2-3 hours. I did the UP/DP/CBE and if I could do that, I can certainly do the springs. I just need some tools and some free time and I'm good. Don't forget, I'm only 18, so I don't have $180 to just pay for the install, whatever is cheaper is better for me.

WHOEVER HAS AIR TOOLS OR JUST NORMAL TOOLS AND EXPERIENCE, PLEASE PM ME AND HELP ME OUT! Tomorrow seems like a better day because it's already 4 PM. Let me know, Thanks
John

 

The beers not for you kiddo, it's for the thirsty helpers who are gonna save you $180 dollars...Jeez louise

 

lol, how would I get it for you "thirsty helpers" if I don't have a legal ID?

I hope to install these tomorrow, and I want to spray paint my wheels also tomorrow. Then Wax and Photoshoot!