Installing Spings

[AdamGardner]

Hi all,

I've had a search around and haven't really found much on people installing springs themselves (not shocks). Is it that difficult?
With my car im pretty keen on doing most of the modifications myself as i find it most rewarding etc etc. Although with things like suspension I want to be able to know that is has been done properly and is reliable. How many people have installed springs themselves? Would you reccomend it?

Cheers

[kcpwns]

I've done them before. But I ended up just taking it to my front end specialist as it had massive camber and I didn't have spring compressors for the front.
If you haven't done it before or don't really know what you're doing I'd probably leave it to the professionals.

[Brett_jjj]

If your a bit mechanically minded when it comes to cars, and you have a half decent set of tools and chassis stands etc, then Id suggest getting a workshop manual, some coil spring compressors which are available fairly cheaply at auto outlets etc or online, and follow the workshop manual and have a go at it yourself. Its not hard or complicated work, the only thing is the wheel alignment will be out after its all reassembled again, and this usually cant be set yourself, so dont go driving it and expecting it to be better, even though it is always tempting to "try it out" when its finished, just drive it slowly to the wheel aligners, wait until the wheel alignment is set, then test drive it properly to see how it drives etc..
If the front struts (which are the front shocks basically) have done over 100,000 k's, then its probably wise to replace these at the same time as the springs.Also replace the strut bearing and top strut mount, and lastly the front end bushes, you can fit nolothane or any other brand urethane type bushes.These type of bush will last better than the standard rubber ones, and will give way better "road feel" back through the car.
With this all done to the front end, the front suspension will be all new again, ready to tackle another 100,000 k's or more of our crappy "so-called" highways and roads,and it wont cost too much if the work is done yourself. You'd probably end up saving a grand or two in labour costs doing this work yourself.Ive done all this to my VS front end recently for well under a grand, doing all the work myself.

[johnno010684]

If your a bit mechanically minded when it comes to cars, and you have a half decent set of tools and chassis stands etc, then Id suggest getting a workshop manual, some coil spring compressors which are available fairly cheaply at auto outlets etc or online, and follow the workshop manual and have a go at it yourself. Its not hard or complicated work, the only thing is the wheel alignment will be out after its all reassembled again, and this usually cant be set yourself, so dont go driving it and expecting it to be better, even though it is always tempting to "try it out" when its finished, just drive it slowly to the wheel aligners, wait until the wheel alignment is set, then test drive it properly to see how it drives etc..
If the front struts (which are the front shocks basically) have done over 100,000 k's, then its probably wise to replace these at the same time as the springs.Also replace the strut bearing and top strut mount, and lastly the front end bushes, you can fit nolothane or any other brand urethane type bushes.These type of bush will last better than the standard rubber ones, and will give way better "road feel" back through the car.
With this all done to the front end, the front suspension will be all new again, ready to tackle another 100,000 k's or more of our crappy "so-called" highways and roads,and it wont cost too much if the work is done yourself. You'd probably end up saving a grand or two in labour costs doing this work yourself.Ive done all this to my VS front end recently for well under a grand, doing all the work myself.

agreed ^^ i did my vx clubby not long ago, it was simple really replaced all bushes in front end with nolathane now car feels sooooo solid on the road and steering is so much more responsive and direct.

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

Spring compressors are not needed when fitting lowered springs to a Commodore.

[ephect]

Spring compressors are not needed when fitting lowered springs to a Commodore.

Correct, but are needed when removing the standard height springs from the front assembly


Oh and a little hint, do not engage the handbrake, it will hold up the rear frame causing u grief trying to remove the current springs

[bevvscommy]

i got a vs commy and i got a deal today well some bloke i ment i got springs and shocks for the rear of my car it cost $100 for the lot its pedders brand and its super low cant wait tomoz i will be putting them in my car and iam getting the front ones $100 as well and 2 1/2inch exhurst for it $100 as well and they are brand new

[VTS5]

Hi all,

I've had a search around and haven't really found much on people installing springs themselves (not shocks). Is it that difficult?
With my car im pretty keen on doing most of the modifications myself as i find it most rewarding etc etc. Although with things like suspension I want to be able to know that is has been done properly and is reliable. How many people have installed springs themselves? Would you reccomend it?

Cheers

Yes,easy enough as long as you know the diff between a tyre and spanner.Make sure to have a spring compressor,(short one).

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

Correct, but are needed when removing the standard height springs from the front assembly

Nope, don't even need them to remove the standard springs. Done heaps and can get all four done in under an hour.

[AdamGardner]

Cheers for the replies!

I'll let you know how i go.

[kizza50]

Nope, don't even need them to remove the standard springs. Done heaps and can get all four done in under an hour.

Agreed, take top nut off then the next nut, and then jack it up, u will de compress the spring as u jack it up