I got some new springs for Christmas - Pink Wagon Springs! They are to arrive tomorrow, and I can't wait to install them. If there is anyone here who has done this before, any help would be appreciated, or if you would like to help with the install, that would be awesome. I perused the thread on scoobymods about strut replacement (it is all the same steps even for just the springs) and noticed that it might be a good time to do SS brake lines as well. Any tips to avoid stupid mistakes?
definitely get yourself a set of spring compressors. Sears sells them and you can return the, afterwards. The install is pretty straight forward, and being that you have a wagon, it can be a LOT faster. When are you planning on doing the install? Depending on the day, I may be able to help as I've done quite a few suspension installs.
Springs came in today! Are there any differences in spring compressors? In other words, is there something specific to look for that would help?
i rented some from autozone for a couple installs for free...just another option, good luck with install, they re pretty easy
when gotsol and I did my springs the first time, I rented the wrong ones from autozone. Then I went to sears and 'rented' the correct tool. The manager there told me to buy them, use them, and return them and he'd just put them in the tool rental bin anyway... http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...hanics+Tools&sName=Automotive+Specialty+Tools these are the ones you want. strut spring compressors.
yeah, Autozone and Advanced Auto both have tool rentals. Go get them there. They both refer to the compressors as strut compressors. If you'd like some help, PM me.
That's great, congrats! Definitely post some before and after photos as well as what you think of them. The STi pinks are by far some of the best springs out there However, a lot of people tend to find them too soft (even if these springs are above the stock rates). I am curious to see what you think.
I got ONE of them on the strut. If the spring is a hamburger, then the two metal pieces that hold it are the buns...so, how do I know if I have aligned my "buns" correctly. Furthermore, how do I get my buns to sit still while tightening the top nut an/or letting the tension off the spring compressors?
The spring SHOULD sit evenly under the spring perch. There should be a little groove or something where the end of the spring should sit. That's how it doesn't move. As for getting it to not move, you have to VERY firmly hold the spring and perch as the other person tightens down the nut on the top. Does that make sense? http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2666 Try that on for size
I was actually in the process on putting drop springs on my friends sedan when I posted that first response. This is how we did it.....I dont know if your strut does or not, but the bolt that the nut goes on has a hole in it for an allen wrench. Holding the allen wrench in place , we put a socket on the nut and used a vice grip to turn it. It turned out to make it easier to tighten or loosen the nut. I dont know if that helps or you might have already done it.
^^^ Thats exactly what I've had to do each time. Its a lot easier if you break the top nut free while the struts are still bolted on the car.
Thanks for the help, guys! I think I got one correct, but I can't tell if the TOP of the spring is in the right place, because the rubber is deformed by the stock spring, so I can't tell if its sitting tight or not
One more thing: I forgot to mark the position of the front top hats............... So does it really matter which way I put them back in?
We didnt do any marking....I think as long as youre able to fit the bolts back in the holes at the top and bolt the brake assembly back up you should be fine....can anyone confirm that?
Umm, I can't see three dots. There are two that are on the upward facing surface. I will be getting an alignment hopefully by friday, so maybe they'll be able to sort it out.
Springs are ON THE CAR...finally! I stripped one of my camber bolts, so I had to get a new one. Alex, I know the three dots you mentioned, that part (the black metal top hat) is aligned correctly. I was actually talking about the rubber part (which I thought was called the top hat bc it kinda looks like one) at the very tope of the strut, it seems to fit no matter which way it is turned. I will have pics tomorrow! Thanks for all the help guys and especially Ped!
Finally, some pics of the springs on the car. The drop was not as even as I was hoping for, but then again, I really don't want my front end to be any lower.