I have to say that even with all the problems I had this is probably really easy to do the 2nd time around. You just need the right tools.

My 2 mistakes were not getting the strut spreader tool and a too bulky set of spring compressors. I tried to get away with using the bit socket but that was a PITA. I ended up taking an 8mm allen and grinding down opposite sides with my dremel. Once I did this it was cake.. too bad I didn't think of it until the end.

The backs are extremely easy and the drivers side frontwas also once we were adviced to get a little rough with a pry bar/stand on rotor to get the additional room needed to remove the strut.

Now onto the passenger side front. This is not as easy becasue there is definitely not enough room to pull the strut out. You can see that the axle hits the subframe and even then you still need an 1 to 1.5more inches of clearance to go.


Axle hitting subframe:


Still needs more room!:


If you have a slender set of spring compressors you can use those to compress the spring enough to make your room. My compressor seemed to be over weight. I was given teh advice to use ratchet straps to keep the spring compressed after loading the suspension. This morning I went to lowes and found a heavy duty set that were rated at 1500lbs each. This worked great and I had no problems moving forward.

Over weight too beefy spring compressors:


Strut spring out of car with the straps holding the tension:


Everything out of the car:



I used the spring compressors to hold the tension while removing straps. I then used the spring compressors to compress the springs on the new suspension, added straps, removed compressors, and put the new setup in the car.

Getting ready to go back under compression:



Everything back in the car:


I'm going to wait a few weeks for the impressions because right now I have squishy 16in tires on and want to get my 18s back on before making any comments about the new ride. Initially it seems like the bumps are less harsh. I believe the old suspension was original and pretty worn out. I'll also take additional pictures in a few days after they settle some.

First picture with weight on the suspension:




Tons of thank yous to Ray, Collin, and the others that chimed in with there advice.






































































Ma bitches say thank you also:

 

So far there is a 1/2 in drop in the front and 1/4in in the rear.

 

You are a sick man Ryan. But just shows how important the right tools are to get the job done. That little stupid spreader makes all the difference

 

I hammered a screwdriver in to spread mine. Then I couldnt get it back out.

Good to see it's all back together.

Loving the rims, you should leave those on for H2O, it's got a real mean look.



BTW, say hi to the girls for me.

fat bottom girls you make the rockin' world go round.

 

i did mine at a shop so i had snap-on tools and a hoist at my disposal


lookin good though ryan, i still see wheel gap and hopefully once the springs settle with your 18"s on, i could stop taunting you

 

there is always going to be wheel gap.. just not as much as before. I'm only expecting 1-1.5 drop.

 

^ as "suggested" but it's always lower once the springs/shocks settle.

give it a few months of wear and tear~

edit: well just as long as you can't fist your wheel gap [&:]

 

Sweet! I'm glad you got it yourself without bringing it to a shop, nice work Ryan. Take your bitches for a ride (and I mean drive them in the TT) and I'm sure your new suspension will settle in quicker!

 

^ haha.