My neighbor owed me a big favor and returned it this weekend by installing my new Eibach Pro's in my 02. It took him, his son and myself several hours to do the install. We really appreciated the several write-ups that were available here.

After they were finished I took the car to a local tire place and had an alignment done. The alignment was definitely necessary, although I still plan on going back next month (it's included in this service for free). For those who are curious the car dropped about an 1.5" in the back, a little more in the front. I didn't think to measure it.

Without a doubt, I can say the car handles much better now. I already have a FSTB and RSB and never noticed the kind of improvement as with the springs. It may be that the FSTB and RSB work well in conjunction with the springs (I'm not an expert in handling). The ride is considerably firmer than before but IMHO well worth the trade off.

I did not replace the springs (cost as well as I wasn't convinced I needed to). The car corners unbelievably now. Best ~$300 I've ever spent (230==springs, 60==alignment). I'm going to wait awhile before I decide if I want to replace the shocks/struts.

 

I hate to be negative but I just want ot let you know. I had eibachs on stock shocks on my 02. The rears only lasted 5000 miles. I live in NYC so that may have been part of the reason also. My suggestion to you is when you get the struts get the KYB AGX the difference in ride compared to stock struts is worth the extra money. I wish I had done it all at once but I learned the hard way. Just my .02 Good luck

 

I put my eibachs on at 10k and I have 76k now. Need new struts now but the lasted along time.

 

This kind of input is always good. Everyone must realize that "your mileage will vary". I would have gone with the struts/shocks but for two things: 1) I have a hard time throwing away perfectly good struts/shock and 2) I want to wait till I can buy dialable Koni or KYB provide out-of-the-box (no modifications needed) sets so that I can really adjust my ride.

 

HOW WAS YOUR INSTALL? are you using 4th or 5th Gen Eibachs and Cattman's AGX? hope you realize that your OEM shocks did not last long on Eibachs, because the 2002 SE's came with a softer suspensions. i had used my 2001 SE shocks on Eibachs before and they ride fine...i live in NY too...

 

i have eibachs and stock shocks...i have had them for almost 10,000 miles..the ride is fine....DUDE...i have no clue what you were talking about when you said they went out in 5,000 miles....

 

my thoughts also.. i had stocks on for almost a year before i replaced them to tokico's, and i'm not even sure if they were bad when i replaced them.

kafene.

 

Albert he might be right, because i think the 2002's SE suspension came softer than the 2000-2001, so they will not hold up with the Eibachs. I know some people was looking to replace their 2002 and 2003 SE suspensions with 2000-2001, because they are stiffer. I have 2 complete sets home if any 2002-2003 wants to buy them off me.

 

All I am letting him know is that on my 2K2 my rear struts blew after 5000 miles. I am not saying it happens to everyone but I just wanted to let him know my experience.

 

it's all good man

 

we believe you man. as long as you are happy with your toks..

 

I've had my Eibachs on for 15k miles now without any problems. When the install was done, I did not trim down the bump stops. This should effectively keep the stock shocks from traveling too far, thus keeping them from failing.

 

This is a good point about the stops. I did not trim mine either. Perhaps this is the issue for some of the shorter lived struts (or perhaps its just mileage varies).

 

get the AGX....cheaper and easier to adjust the rear struts..



congratns on the install!!!