Spring Swap ..... Any Tips?

[KillJoy]

Well, I am installing cut springs this weekend. Took a coil off of a spare set I pick up from a fellow MM.net'er. :D Time to put the nose closer to the weeds!

Does anyone have any words of wisdom for this swap, or is it rather straight forward?

KillJoy

[Haggis]

Time to put the nose closer to the weeds!

Does anyone have any words of wisdom?
KillJoy
Yea, stay away from Mexician brown and go for some good purple hair cense.

[Hotrauder]

Yea, stay away from Mexician brown and go for some good purple hair cense.

:laugh: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: 6789

[KillJoy]

Just thought I should add this....just in case: My gas tank will be full when the swap is performed ;) :D

KillJoy

[SergntMac]

Just thought I should add this....just in case: My gas tank will be full when the swap is performed ;) :D

KillJoyAre you cutting with a wheel or a torch?

[KillJoy]

They are already cut ;)

KillJoy

[Jolly Roger]

Well, I am installing cut springs this weekend. Took a coil off of a spare set I pick up from a fellow MM.net'er. :D Time to put the nose closer to the weeds!

Does anyone have any words of wisdom for this swap, or is it rather straight forward?

KillJoy

Been thinking of making this change myself.
Interested in knowing and seeing how it turns out.
How about some before and after pics.:)

[KillJoy]

Pics "shouldn't" be a problem..... But I suck when it comes to taking them. I always end up getting started, and forgetting to take a pic or two.

I will do my best to get a before and after pic of the car parked in the same place.

KillJoy

[SergntMac]

They are already cut ;) KillJoy Okay...Already installed on the springs too?

[RR|Suki]

Okay...Already installed on the springs too?

I think that's what he's lookin for help with is the install

[Bigdogjim]

Just thought I should add this....just in case: My gas tank will be full when the swap is performed ;) :DKillJoy

OK! Now just make sure your jack/jack stands can hold the extra weight:)

[JMan]

KillJoy,
I presume you have a spring compressor? You're not doing that job without one! Since I have done mine, twice, I'll give you my opinion -

1. Get some VHT or anti-rust paint for the rotor hats and calipers while you have them off. Wire wheel the rim mating surface also. If you want 'bling' get some caliper paint. A can of Brake Cleaner is good for cleaning.
2. Secure the damned car well. Set parking brake firmly and block the wheels.
3. After removing the caliper mount (The two larger, inner bolts.) and rotor, secure the caliper using a coat hanger or bungee cord so it doesn't hang on the brake hose. Remove the end link nut for the sway bar from the spindle.
4. Unbolt the three strut assembly nuts under the hood.
5. Unbolt the lower shock bolt from the control arm.
6. Unbolt the upper ball joint nut - there is a hex in the ball joint stem for an allen wrench to keep it from turning.
7. A large pry bar should be used to push the lower control arm down and out of the way to remove the strut assembly (Shock and spring combination.). It comes outboard and rearward. The upper control arm can be pried up as well for greater clearance.
8. Mark the shock and upper plate for later positioning.
9. Using a secure spring compressor, compress the spring slightly and loosen the upper shock nut. Leave some tension on the strut plate initially. There is a hex on the shock shaft if if spins (It does!).
10. Compress the spring until the shock is loose in the mounting and remove the nut fully.
11. If you have greatly lowered springs, it would pay to cut the snubbers (Bumpers) on the shock shaft in half. Although it's not a big deal, I have bottomed out a couple times on those invisible dips in the road at night.
12. Carefully remove the OE spring from the compressor and install carefully the new spring in it.
13. Pay attention to the washer that goes on the shock shaft before installing it into the spring. First person to be a smart-ass and ask why -:gunfire: . Let's just say I have done shock removal five times, okay?

After that, assembly is the reverse of removal. Please be careful of the springs. The have tremendous energy built up in them and can kill you with out the proper tools and equipment use procedures. Don't get paint on the friction surface of the rotor or the slide area of the calipers. I also threw a little anti-rust paint on the rims. The rotor hats rusting leave a stain on the inside of the wheels from time to time and is a pain to clean off. Also, while your wheels are off, you can clean the back sides thoroughly and put a coat of wax on them. I use marine wax on my wheels.

Hope that helps and be careful,

J