I'm installing a set of Tokico blues to replace my original stockers with 85k on them. I also have a new set of Suspension Techniques springs to go on.

Question: will I need a bench vise to take apart the strut assembly? I don't want to blow a hole in the wall or lose my head. Also, will an 18" breaker bar be sufficient to loosen things or should I have a cheater in case?

Springs: how much should I be cutting down the bump stops? I'm after reliability more than performance, (but you can tell that by my parts choices).

Dave

 

You should use a spring compressor, not a vise. You can borrow them from AutoZone.

 

I have the spring compressor. I think the installs I read used the vise to hold the assembly while taking it apart - were you able to disassemble it safely using only the compressor and hand tools?

Dave

 

Oh, no, I didnt need a vise for that. Actually a vise would have helped, but it's not required. The whole assembly can be quite a handful, and the vise would help with that.

 

No Vise needed, a friend does help.

Spring compressor is a must to take off OEM springs, especially the fronts.

EXCEPT for the rear OEM SE MODEL ONLY! That spring/shock asssy. can be disassembled without the use of a compressor. Loosen the nut about 2/3's of the way and you can press down on the upper spring perch and feel that there is tension, but not that much. Just keep a little pressure on the top so it doesn't pop off and hit your car. It just pops slightly, it doesn't fly off anywhere. You can even reinstall OEM SE rear springs without compressors. (as long as you weigh about 190 lbs!)

The GLE & GXE springs are much longer in the rear and you need compressors to safely get them apart.

Some aftermarket springs can be installed without compressors because there short enough to get them on and the top nut caught with just some body weight pressing down on the strut mount. Off the top of my head, H&R's & Eibachs don't need compressors to install. B&G does for the front only.