How hard to fit lowering springs

Swanseamr2 · August 13, 2015, 12:28

I've read the guides on how to fit lowering springs on the Internet. Never done anything on a car other than basic servicing. Looking at fitting tein springs or the Toyota lowering springs from here m http://www.burrowstoyotaparts.co.uk/mr2 ... 0-i64.html m . How hard would it be by myself ? How much would a garage charge ?

AndyM · August 13, 2015, 12:48

Technically speaking not too hard. Mine were fitted with the help of Spit from here (who knows far more than me) on his drive.

Things to consider...

- If drop links are corroded on the rear it can be a right PITA and is probably easier to grind off and replace. The trick we used was to do both sides at the same time and leave them connected but it's definitely a 2-man job doing it that way.

- Getting the top nuts off (and back on again) is a pain. Not least because the strut spins. We did it with an impact gun which made the job easier, I wouldn't fancy it by hand.

- Mark up the positions well (with tipex, etc...) so you can roughly get the suspension back to where it was. Then make sure you get a full 4-wheel alignment ASAP when its all on.

Cost wise at a garage I don't think it should be more than a couple of hours of work for a pro. I had a quote for £80 from one garage (which I think was really cheap) I think I'd be expecting more £120 ish from most places plus an alignment.

PET77 · August 13, 2015, 13:14

If you have no cambolts and mark everything you can do w/o the realignment (though its always recommended), however dont forget to use coil compressors, so they dont blow in your face as you untighten the top bolt on you McPhersons...

Swanseamr2 · August 13, 2015, 13:53

Hmm I think I may leave it to a professional to do . Can see me messing it up lol

shnazzle · August 13, 2015, 14:02

I paid 100 quid here in the North east to have our previous car's springs changed

JoeCool · August 13, 2015, 14:52

Its not hard, but you need specialist tools (spring compressors) and ideally realignment afterwards anyway.

cptspaulding · August 13, 2015, 15:07

I have a set of Eibach lowering springs that have been on the car all of a week. They're coming off again tomorrow as I'm not keen on the damping with these springs & I'll be listing them for sale on here shortly if you're interested. They're not nearly as cheap as the Teins though.

Swanseamr2 · August 13, 2015, 15:32

How does everyone find the ride with lowering springs? Is it very hard and horrible over holes in road etc. the roads in Swansea are shocking!!

AndyM · August 13, 2015, 15:40

My Teins give pretty much a stock feel comfort wise but cut the body roll nicely when cornering. One of the best mods I've done on mine in my opinion and would recommend it.

Only negative for me is you can bottom out on speed bumps a bit.

Swanseamr2 · August 13, 2015, 15:47

does the underneath of the car scrape on speed bumps?

AndyM · August 13, 2015, 16:34

I'm not 100% sure as i've not been able to see any visible marks but I think the front of my underbody brace is the bit that hits now and again. Its not on all speed bumps, only the nasty ones. Even then if you are careful, slow and go over on the angle its normally fine, I just seem to have a silly habit of forgetting and remember about a millisecond before the bang. s:(

s:(

1979scotte · August 13, 2015, 16:50

My car on TTE springs did catch on the worst of the separated speed humps but was fine on the more traditional ones.
Believe it or not I find my meister r coil overs cope better and they're probably a bit lower.

Swanseamr2 · August 13, 2015, 19:29

Thanks for the info. I'll start saving some cash for the springs and fitting lol

shnazzle · August 13, 2015, 20:04

... And geometry s:)

s:) Hey its another 75 quid!

Swanseamr2 · August 13, 2015, 20:29

Haha thanks . More money. Do you mean tracking for front and rear wheels?

shnazzle · August 13, 2015, 20:33

Yes indeed

Swanseamr2 · August 13, 2015, 20:36

Lol this is gonna cost me!