STONER

I think you have to remove the trunk liner.

Adam2562

iTrader: (2)

that seems simple.... on my solar ai had to removce the back seats the side panels in the rear and decklid to get to the strut tops lol.... i hope its juts the liner.. i'll go look right now

Adam2562

iTrader: (2)

aaha! u were correct.... sweet i cant wait to install 2 of my coils tonight and the other 2 tomorrow.... i'll post up pics for u guys.. and i juts installed my TTE front lip.... its gonna look great

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

Adam2562, did you install the Tein CS's?
Any comments on how this thread helped? Any snags when installing the Teins?

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

Is it this involved if you just want to change the springs?

Adam2562

iTrader: (2)

engin_ear hey yes i did install my coils myself with a friend ... we've done our suspension work on ours cars together since we ever started modding yrs ago.. and yes this site did help but i've had prior knowledge of installs i've always had toyotas before so it wasnt much of a challenge.. same concepts..

KaneDL25 ... if u want to juts put springs in alone.. that is much more difficult u will need a spring compressor and better to have power tools... u have to disassemble the shock assembly in order to just put springs.. i've done that many timesand its not worth the trouble... especially where u cant adjust anything.. i'd say save up and get coilovers

(sorry i'm getting used to my new keyboard lol)

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

I think this should be made into a sticky, there's a lot of useful info in this thread.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

You know I did this mod this past weekend and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I really wish I could have gotten coilovers but just springs will have to do for now. It took a long time to get them in but it didn't feel like a long time. Like they say, time flies when you're having fun.

BA_GS400

iTrader: (1)

I agree, it really should be a sticky.

Lexizm

iTrader: (2)

I third that motion. I just did it with a friend and i took a long time, but we had to go back to auto store two times. The instructions were right on mark, again, great write up. The very next day I went to the track and put it to the test. I would not have tried changing my springs and shocks without this write up. We had to remove the upper suspension (that bolt some didn't have to remove) to get the shocks out. Oh, and using power tools (airgun) works best especially with the spring compressor.

jtgs400

iTrader: (1)

For all that have done this, I just have a few questions. To get the spring/shock assembly out do I have to compress the springs first or can it come out fully extended? Also when reinstalling the aftermarket ones do I have to recompress it to get them back on? I'm contemplating on whether I should try this myself or have the shop do it ($240). The springs and shocks I'm getting come assembled already so it's just a direct swap.

o2GS43o

The whole assembly comes out in 1 piece... If you have the shocks and springs already together, then you don't need a spring compressor, it's basically a direct swap...

Lexizm

iTrader: (2)

Ditto man...

45jimmy

iTrader: (2)

this comes in handy

Zishan

Well, I can see years and years have passed and this thread has helped many people. I just want to add myself to this list.


I ordered some Tein springs and decided to do the install this weekend. I did the front first, got the strut out, took the OEM spring off without a spring compressor, went to mount the new Tein spring, and F@#$%@#$%!#$, they sent me IS300 springs. So I went, got a spring compressor, tighten the OEM spring using hand tools, and put it all back together. <--this was a beach!!!

I talked to the vendor and the correct springs are now on their way. Doing the front will be no problem for me, and I will figure out the rear as well.

I will re-attempt this weekend. But here is some advice.

1. Power tools are your friend, but who needs friends
2. You do not need to press out any ball joints, but you will need to use a little muscle to get the strut back in. Turning the steering wheel is a must
3. Aligning the strut after mounting it is possible. I did this by tightening the top bolts and the taking a long screw driver and placing it in the bottom mounting hole of the strut. With some WD-40 and some muscle, you can turn the strut to align it.
4. It helps to have someone around to hand you tools, smoke with, and cuss at when things don't go your way.
5. It is not that hard, if any local guys need help, I can assist.

Good luck,
- Z