I just ordered a set of Illuminas recently to install with my stock springs. I'll likely have the work done by a mechanic. But I'm not sure if there's anything else I should buy--for instance, the rubber strut mount cushion, strut bearings, rubber spring seats, etc... are there any parts that should be replaced as standard procedure during a strut or spring replacement?

 

The only thing that would need to be replaced is the dust boot covers. But don't buy them unless your current ones are torn.

When you replace the springs, depending on what brand you get, you'll need the rubber spring seats. TEIN S-Tech come with them, but they are the only spring that I know of that does.

 

Where would you purchase these rubber spring seats? Are they required for all spring/strut combos?

 

You can only get them at the dealer, as of right now.

They are not needed if you only replace the struts, but they are needed if you replace the stock springs.

 

So you can get rubber seats from the dealer that work for aftermarket springs? Why would the dealer sell them if they're not for use with factory springs?? Maybe I'm missing something here...Thanks studman.

 

would i need these with the H&R springs or is the drop not enough to worry about these?

 

The rubber seats are required for any suspension setup on our cars. The TEIN springs include them already attached to the spring itself, then you just re-use the stock rubber cover at the top of the spring.

You need them FOR EVERY INSTALL, regardless of the drop. If you are installing TEIN springs, you do not need to purchase anything other than the springs. The only thing you would need to purchase for the TEIN springs are the dust boots for the struts, but that is only if your dust boots are damaged, worn, or broken.

For all other spring manufacturers, you will need to purchase the plastic trim that goes around the bottom and top coil of the spring (where it meets the strut mounting hardware).