(M2 Springs Installed) Some tips for installation of lowered springs for noobs

[D&D]

Originally Posted by Henry_mak16

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Don't underestimate the time it will take
This job can be very tedious and frustrating if you are doing it for the first time. You may even need to run to home depot for tools you thought you wouldn't need.

Raise two wheels at a time
(Two front/two back of course) I'll explain in the other tip.

Use your emergency scissor jack (or a floor jack)
to compress the rear spring so that you can take the bolt and stud (or w.e.)

Spin the rear spring
to plop it out if it doesn't just pop out. A way to wiggle it.

Compress front spring w/jack to reduce torque required for front 19mm bolts
The 19mm (2 bolts) was the hardest for me to take out. It is factory set for 141lbs and I only had a 25-100lbs torque wrench ($80 at home depot-_-). I fricken broke my ratchet wrench trying to unscrew it and it almost hit my eye! However I compressed the spring up and loosened it from the side with screw sticking out. You need a wrench that is strong and long.

Be prepared to remove the cowl
It is possible without it, but you better have some skinny ass offset wrench. I bought one but the neck was too fat to get a good grip. I used a through-ratchet from home depot (has a hole in the middle for allen key) and improvised my old jackstand to hold the allen key. This part made me want to cry, the top nut is so hard -_-. And when you finish loosening it your strut falls all quick.

Be prepared for the tedious work of using the spring compressors
That shyt takes forever to loosen if you're using a monkey wrench.

Get every part of the spring with the spring compressor
I left the bottom two twirls of the spring uncompressed and the shock went flying a bit.

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Don't forget: Loosen your lug nuts before you go and jack the car up!




I installed these exact springs about a month ago. Got them on eBay for $80. The quality and fitment was better than expected for the cost.

I didn't like how the rear was lower than the front though, and this did not change after 2-3 weeks of settling. I was happy with the height of the rears though, so I just cut off 1/4 of a coil off of each end of the front springs. Sits VERY nice now and has just the tiniest amount of rake (which I think all cars should have).




**Also, I didn't use a spring compressor and don't think you need to. I just laid the strut/ spring on it's side, stood on the stock spring while loosening the top nut to release the tophat, and had the bottom of strut body up against the wall. When it finally let go it gave a good pop, but nothing flew more than a few inches and I felt zero chance of injury doing it this way.