Hey all. I just received my hotchkis springs. I'm debating on whether or not to install them with only myself and the help of my father. Neither of us have done anything like this in the past, and I"m unsure if I should take the risk and do it. The package came with step by step directions and pictures. Is this recommended for a first timer or should I let a shop do it? My second question is, would I run into any issues along the way during the install?

 

You'll have problems with the rear springs if you are using autozone spring compressors. The coils on the bottoms are too close together to use the compressor. There are various fixes to this, but none of which I know off the top of my head. Seriously, I had the same dilemma when I dropped the car on hotchkis and I just let a shop do it. Project import in orange does a great job for 100 bucks. That's where I got mine done. Gl on the install dude...

 

probably better to look around town (or find someone in the Cali forum) to do it for you for a c-note and a case of beer or something.

 

give yourself a 6-8 hour window if it's your first time and read over the DIY a couple times. It's not the hardest thing ever. It was actually the 2nd car mod i've ever done and I did it with friends that didn't even know too much about suspensions. If you do decide to do it yourself, pm me and i'll message you all the tips and tricks that will help like hell! =)

 

Theoretically, it isn't that bad.

Soak those lower bolts in PB blaster overnight to make breaking them easier. That is the hardest part of the whole installation.

And be sure you keep the suspension supported when you take out the struts. If it falls all the way down, it's likely to pop out of the joint and break something.


To be honest, you're probably better off saving yourself the hassle, and getting someone else to do it. I'm just going to recommend that from now on. Though expensive, you can be SURE it was done right, and you don't need to work your **** off.

 

yeah that is true unless you really have an interest in cars and want to learn =]. and the axle popping out is a _____! it happened on my friend's rsx and i helped him pop it back in. took awhile.. i noticed a lot of people say use wd40 or watevers for the strut bolts but i was able to just use raw power and do it! keep in mind i'm only 5'6, 150 lbs.

 

The rear hotchkis springs are going to be a pain in the butt to compress though. You could always take the strut and spring and have some suspension place compress it for you if you bring the top mount... Just an idea...

 

just pay the money to get them installed. no headaches then

 

just pay the money to get them installed. no headaches then

 

yah just pay me to do the install! =D

 

install in the back is the toughest project you will have. You will have to jack up the spring and shock assembly into the car to compress the spring.

 

quick question for anyone,
i have a buddy that is gonna install my spings for 75bucks. he told me i would be needing to allign my tires after this! is this true, and if so why hasnt anybody posted it!

 

Yes that is true. You are changing the ride height therefor changing your camber and that will need to be fixed with an alignment.

 

As everyone said, the rear springs are a pain to install. The work around to that is to use your jack to compress the new spring by installing everything with into the car and jacking up the arm until you can thread the bolt on. If you need someone to install them, I've done like 5 spring installs now.

 

hit up 06scioxb. Chris will help you out for cheap. cool guy too. got my hotchkis done by him. excellent.. seriously

 

when u jack up the car to compress the spring wont it just lift the car up more too or will it not lift up the car till its passed the point needed to get the bolt on?

 

It won't lift up the car until the spring is fully compressed. There's enough play to allow you to jack up the strut enough to thread on the bolt. Then you can just ratchet it tight or use an air gun.