sub $100 spring install in the BA a myth?

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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:03 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by rugmonkey
dammit I knew it would turn into a DIY thread, it always does. Now I'm forced to contemplate my own glaring inadequacies for the remainer of the day. tnx i-club, you've ruined another weekend.
well i think post #2 summed it up. just get it done at a shop
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:14 PM
  #17  
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ehhh...i rather give $150 to someone you has the proper tools and training..I dont need that headache!
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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yaeh you don't want to shoot an overcompressed spring into your face on accident lol
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:22 PM
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Book time to change springs is ~5hrs.
So anything less than that is a deal.
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:28 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by rugmonkey
dammit I knew it would turn into a DIY thread, it always does. Now I'm forced to contemplate my own glaring inadequacies for the remainer of the day. tnx i-club, you've ruined another weekend.
I am also guessing none of the people here that have worked on their cars started out as born install geniuses. There is nothing inadequate about it, more respectful than anything else if you ask me. I would LOVE to have done everything that's on my car myself, by I simply don't have the time or the tools.

Do-it-yourself will always be an option and it will never be wrong. At the end of the day you get what you paid for (either your time or your money for someone else's).

Originally Posted by Paul@dbtuned
Book time to change springs is ~5hrs.
So anything less than that is a deal.
Really?!? I guess I was slightly off on my assumptions Thanks Paul!

Last edited by LxJLthr; Jan 16, 2009 at 04:31 PM.
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:41 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by Paul@dbtuned
Book time to change springs is ~5hrs.
So anything less than that is a deal.
thats what alot of shops have based their quotes on, but then most offer a "friendlier" price along the $250-350 range. I got one quote for $240 with an alignment, which I guess is pretty good. I walked into one shop that actually scolded me and said "we dont do that kind of thing here"; which is rude.
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:42 PM
  #22  
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Other than the dealer, I can't think of one shop that charges anywhere near booktime.
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by rugmonkey
thats what alot of shops have based their quotes on, but then most offer a "friendlier" price along the $250-350 range. I got one quote for $240 with an alignment, which I guess is pretty good. I walked into one shop that actually scolded me and said "we dont do that kind of thing here"; which is rude.
That sounds more reasonable....the price, not the rudeness.
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by LxJLthr

Do-it-yourself will always be an option and it will never be wrong. At the end of the day you get what you paid for (either your time or your money for someone else's).

Maybe for you, but for me, DIY is almost always wrong- it takes more than tools and time to do a lot of these types of jobs.

If I were to undertake changing springs, my car would be on blocks for at least a week, and I'd probably lose a bolt or two not to mention probably wrecking the alignment.

For some of us the only solution is to pay a pro, not only do they have the tools and time but their experience and skills often more than justify their cost.

Now when I had a BMW and was looking at $250/hr shop rates- well, that was a different story.
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 05:06 PM
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I'm surprised no one mentioned AI.. They can do it for $180..
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by psoper
Maybe for you, but for me, DIY is almost always wrong- it takes more than tools and time to do a lot of these types of jobs.

If I were to undertake changing springs, my car would be on blocks for at least a week, and I'd probably lose a bolt or two not to mention probably wrecking the alignment.

For some of us the only solution is to pay a pro, not only do they have the tools and time but their experience and skills often more than justify their cost.

Now when I had a BMW and was looking at $250/hr shop rates- well, that was a different story.
Yes, I completely agree with you that nothing replaces professional experience, but that comes at a price. Unfortunately, not all people can afford that experience, but still like to have a tuned car. So, IMHO the options at that point is to do it yourself (and have your car on blocks) or not do it at all (I don't consider cutting corners yourself or finding shady shops as an option). Also, for many people nothing can replace the satisfaction of doing the mod yourself and having intimate experience with that process...That's just my $.02.

On a side note, I thought that an alignment is required with a height (or any major suspension) change regardless of who installs it?

Originally Posted by Ballz
I'm surprised no one mentioned AI.. They can do it for $180..
AI?

Last edited by LxJLthr; Jan 16, 2009 at 05:30 PM.
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 05:39 PM
  #27  
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auto innovations.
Old Jan 16, 2009 | 05:47 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by LxJLthr
On a side note, I thought that an alignment is required with a height (or any major suspension) change regardless of who installs it?
True, but like I was saying, if I tried to do that myself I probably wouldn't be able to drive it to the alignment shop....
Old Jan 17, 2009 | 12:42 AM
  #29  
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Ya under an hour would b PUSHING it.

I have it down to an hour and a half start to finish. That is properly torqued, properly seated, seats in and wheels on, and with not power tools. Give me an extra half an hour for time to hit the toilet and grab some water...

And I am not even a professional mechanic, I have just done it about 4-5 times
Old Jan 17, 2009 | 01:59 AM
  #30  
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You could do it in an afternoon with a buddy, provided everything isn't rusted to hell. The only thing stopping you is honestly your lack of confidence. I threw myself into my spring install with a DIY partially memorized in my head.

There's nothing technical about a spring install. Just be organized about where you keep things and use WD-40 or PB blaster liberally.



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