replacing your struts/shocks and springs ... yourself or mechanic?

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Mar 20, 2005 | 09:13 PM
  #1  
curious cuz i know a lot of you have done suspension mods. did u replace your shocks and springs yourself or have a mechanic do it, and if so how long/how much experience would you need to have and if u paid someone, how much did it run you. thanks guys.

-Brendan
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Mar 20, 2005 | 09:26 PM
  #2  
I had a friend help me, when he was working in a garage. I do know that Madxax024 knows how to do it. He's in RI. Maybe you can work out a deal with him. I'd help you, but It looked over my head.
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Mar 20, 2005 | 09:31 PM
  #3  
Mine were relatively easy. I put on coilovers so it was a bit more involved, but not bad at all. Springs and struts would just be taking out the old and putting in the new. There really aren't any surprises. Get a Hayne's Manual. It'll tell you how to do it. Air tools help but aren't necessary.
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Mar 20, 2005 | 10:56 PM
  #4  
You'll need a spring compressor tool and air tools would definitely help a lot.
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Mar 21, 2005 | 01:26 AM
  #5  
You can do it yourself.
Kragen, Checkers, or the like charge you $10 to rent.
Spring compressors off ebay are like $15 shipped.

They're kinda hard to compress without air tools, but not impossible.
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Mar 21, 2005 | 09:40 AM
  #6  
what specific tools would i need, and is this the right spring compressor i woudl need? HERE

-Brendan
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Mar 21, 2005 | 09:42 AM
  #7  
its easy.......u have ***** u dont even need a compressor.....if u have impact gun u can use ur body weight and gin weigh to old everything together while taking apart....i woulnt recommend thouh compressor rental is like 40 bux and u get it all back...and depending what springs u get again body weight will allow u to assemble without the need for the compressor.....good luck on the install...PICS or BAN when ur done
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Mar 21, 2005 | 09:55 AM
  #8  
Quote: its easy.......u have ***** u dont even need a compressor.....if u have impact gun u can use ur body weight and gin weigh to old everything together while taking apart....i woulnt recommend thouh compressor rental is like 40 bux and u get it all back...and depending what springs u get again body weight will allow u to assemble without the need for the compressor.....good luck on the install...PICS or BAN when ur done
I think he's trying to say that you can just use a bit of elbow grease to get everything apart and so air tools are not absolutely necessary. Also, that you can rent spring compressors from AutoZone for a $40 deposit which you will get back upon return of the tool.
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Mar 21, 2005 | 10:04 AM
  #9  
i work on my car.. save myself money.. and learn in the process..
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Mar 21, 2005 | 10:07 AM
  #10  
yourself. get spring compressors ~$16 shipped. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3980
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Mar 21, 2005 | 10:32 AM
  #11  
got to autozone and rent their spring comparessors. Usually they charge you like $40 and when you bring themback you get your moneyback. Deposite type thing. Do it yourself. It is not that difficult, and you get to learn how to do it. It is not to techical of a project so it can be done. Plus a ship will charge you a fortune.
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Mar 21, 2005 | 01:19 PM
  #12  
ive done it so many times that i can do it in about 2 hours.
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Mar 21, 2005 | 02:03 PM
  #13  
It always helps to have a friend that can give you a hand. Good luck, i hope everything works out for you
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Mar 21, 2005 | 02:06 PM
  #14  
all four takes me about 3.5 hours, but i tend to take my time and check any components for wear and tear
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Mar 21, 2005 | 07:59 PM
  #15  
Mine took me more than half a day I guess I'm not the guy to help you out.
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