Few spring install related questions

Ssiptang · Jul 12, 2012

Currently has K springs + stock shocks and I'm upgrading to sportline + koni shocks.

1. Will I need spring compressor? I remember using it when getting the stock springs out but I don't remember using it when installing K springs onto stock struts.

2. On sportline springs, why is isolator/rubber hose glued in the middle? All 4 are like that... I can't even move them because they are glued so hard. Isn't it supposed to be located at the bottom so it insulates against the strut?

3. I'm trying to pre assemble the strurt + springs so I can just swap it. I'm kinda confused on boot/bump stop position on the strut. Do I position it all the way at the top against strut mount or at the bottom against the strut? Or just right in the middle? Does it even matter because I can move it up and down?

4. Any tip on replacing rear shocks by myself? I won't have any help to hold the shocks while fastening the top bolt.

bcb06gt · Jul 12, 2012

#4. I did mine by myself. Used a small vice grip to grab and hold the shock as I didn't have a wrench to fit. Used a wrench on the nut.

#1. I wouldn't think you would need a spring compressor, though I have no experience with K springs directly.

If you are doing pre-assembly, are you using new mounts also?

Whiskey11 · Jul 12, 2012

The rear shocks are easy. I did mine with everything on the ground. When you install them, put the top in the hole and the bolt the bottom in. The force of the shock wanting to self extend will keep the top in place while you tighten everything down in the trunk.

I used spring compressors when installing my Steeda Sports FWIW.

Bump stop doesn't really matter. If you get the strut to bottom out it will probably stay at the top but pretty much every install I have read has said to place them all the way down on the strut. I haven't checked where mine are on the front after the install and running the car through its paces.

Ssiptang · Jul 12, 2012

bcb06gt said:
#4. I did mine by myself. Used a small vice grip to grab and hold the shock as I didn't have a wrench to fit. Used a wrench on the nut.

#1. I wouldn't think you would need a spring compressor, though I have no experience with K springs directly.

If you are doing pre-assembly, are you using new mounts also?

Yea I got a pair of GT500 mounts.

Whiskey11 said:
The rear shocks are easy. I did mine with everything on the ground. When you install them, put the top in the hole and the bolt the bottom in. The force of the shock wanting to self extend will keep the top in place while you tighten everything down in the trunk.

I used spring compressors when installing my Steeda Sports FWIW.

Bump stop doesn't really matter. If you get the strut to bottom out it will probably stay at the top but pretty much every install I have read has said to place them all the way down on the strut. I haven't checked where mine are on the front after the install and running the car through its paces.

Thanks a lot.
So does this look right?
It won't go down anymore.

20120712_181248 by DannyDoo, on Flickr

Whiskey11 · Jul 12, 2012

Ssiptang said:
Yea I got a pair of GT500 mounts.

Thanks a lot.
So does this look right?
It won't go down anymore.

That looks like the dustboot, is the bumpstop (hard foam) under it? If so you should be fine. Its been a while since I did my install and I don't remember my dust boots sliding that far down though.

MuGsTaNg · Jul 13, 2012

Ssiptang said:
Yea I got a pair of GT500 mounts.

Thanks a lot.
So does this look right?
It won't go down anymore.

20120712_181248 by DannyDoo, on Flickr

I installed Sportlines on mine and install the same way as the pic. Dont worry its ok!! I'm on stock shocks since a while and never hit the bump stop even here in Quebec :beer:

Ssiptang · Jul 13, 2012

Whiskey11 said:
That looks like the dustboot, is the bumpstop (hard foam) under it? If so you should be fine. Its been a while since I did my install and I don't remember my dust boots sliding that far down though.

That yellow thingy is the bumpstop. Its just attached with dustboot.

MuGsTaNg said:
I installed Sportlines on mine and install the same way as the pic. Dont worry its ok!! I'm on stock shocks since a while and never hit the bump stop even here in Quebec

Ok Thanks for the info. So I got nothing else to transfer from stock shock/strut right?

Fullboogie · Jul 13, 2012

Nope, you're good to go. Post up pics when you're done.

MuGsTaNg · Jul 13, 2012

Ssiptang said:
Ok Thanks for the info. So I got nothing else to transfer from stock shock/strut right?

Nothing else! Install and enjoy :highfive:

And like Fullboogie said... PICS,PICS.....!!!

JEWC_Motorsports · Jul 13, 2012

Im guessing thats not the stock strut dust boot?

Ssiptang · Jul 14, 2012

jewc75 said:
Im guessing thats not the stock strut dust boot?

Nope. It came with the springs.

Ssiptang · Jul 18, 2012

Help!!!!

I was tightening the spindle bolts to its torque spec(148lb) and that stopper thing started to twist.
What to do?
I dont remember that thing being that flexible last time i was chaging the springs

20120718_124149 by DannyDoo, on Flickr

Whiskey11 · Jul 18, 2012

Ssiptang said:
Help!!!!

I was tightening the spindle bolts to its torque spec(148lb) and that stopper thing started to twist.
What to do?
I dont remember that thing being that flexible last time i was chaging the springs

20120718_124149 by DannyDoo, on Flickr

have a buddy hold a screw driver so that it sits between the spindle and the bolt head while you toque it down? Shouldn't require much up force to keep it from bending off, just enough to keep it from rotating.

Ssiptang · Jul 19, 2012

Whiskey11 said:
have a buddy hold a screw driver so that it sits between the spindle and the bolt head while you toque it down? Shouldn't require much up force to keep it from bending off, just enough to keep it from rotating.

I just installed it backward so it sits on the flatter side on strut.
It was sitting on the spindle and it couldn't withstand the torque.
Everything seems fine now

Fuerte · Jul 19, 2012

Same thing happened to me but with the updated bolt the torque to 160.

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Few spring install related questions

Ssiptang

Senior Member

bcb06gt

Senior Member

Whiskey11

SCCA Autoscrosser #23 STU

Ssiptang

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Whiskey11

SCCA Autoscrosser #23 STU

MuGsTaNg

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Ssiptang

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Fullboogie

King of the Ski - OG Jr.

MuGsTaNg

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JEWC_Motorsports

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Ssiptang

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Ssiptang

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Whiskey11

SCCA Autoscrosser #23 STU

Ssiptang

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Fuerte

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