First off let me say that it isn't the most difficult task, but it's highly frustrating even if you're using the right tools. I didn't bother to take any pics because frankly I was installing this myself and didn't have time to take breaks and do it.

The unfortunate part was that it took me two afternoons to do, so it's a damn good thing I took advantage of the long weekend. The first day I tackled the front end, withouth much problem. I did have some trouble with my spring compressors (the so-called sticks of death) fitting correctly but a while they finally compressed enough for me to get everything together. In the process, however, I did scratch up the finish on my springs.

Rather than cover the steps, as they've been done plenty of times, I'll just give some tips.

* A breaker bar is a MUST. I bought a 25" 1/2" drive model from Harbor Freight for $12, and it came in SO handy.

* When compressing the springs, I'd suggest one of two things -- either take them in to Midas or someplace that does the work, and have them swap everything out for like $40 or so. Other than that, I'd suggest getting a spring compressor that's worth a crap, like this:



* Take your time, and give yourself plenty of time to complete the task.

I know ACK154 had the same problem, but getting a spring compressor on the rear springs was an absolute nightmare, and pretty much impossible to compress it enough to bolt everything back together. I ended up doing it the way I'd NOT recommend, and that is by attaching the unassembled strut + spring to the lower mount, and then using my jack to lift it into place. It's dangerous, it's risky, but it works and to be honest, I didn't find it to be much more risky than using the spring compressors that look like sticks but it's all a crapshoot anyway when you're working with suspension.

That's about it. In regards to the springs I bought, I installed the Hotchkis springs and I'll be doing the sways later. I'm really happy with the ride quality and height of the springs, and I'll take some pics of the setup tomorrow.

 

are you riding on stock struts? i'll be getting a set of these springs soon, and don't know if i should install them because i still have stock struts.

 

yeah stock struts. I'm not too worried about swapping them out for the time being.

 

cant wait to see the pics! I plan on buying hotchkins pretty soon after getting my rims! Could you tell a big difference? driving and handling wise?

 

pics!!

 

Ok I took pics last night, trying my best to get the long shutter function of my camera to work, and they came out like crap. I'll try to get a pic tonight before it's dark.

 

Good notes jaydub. I don't think I've seen a spring compressor like that though... but that may be b/c I've never seen a good one that would work.

I also have these on stock struts. Love the stance though. You can see SSM pics in the link noted in my sig... but I'm also curious to see them with an FM.

 

yeah I dunno if it's just pics or what, but mine does look lower than yours. :o

Perhaps I'll run out at lunch and snap a camera phone pic. :D

 

any pics jaydub?

 

yeah i took some this morning, sorry for the poor quality but I wanted to put some up since I had promised them. :D

 

yeah I installed mine during this long weekend...took all day monday from 11 a.m. to about 7 p.m.

the back ones are a PIA.......

but like stated above if u can take it somewhere to have it compressed it worth it...

I also scratched the finish on my springs...lol

 

LOL well it's good to know that I wasn't alone in that...

Glad to have it done thuogh.

 

looks good! cant wait to put mine on! where did you buy them from and how much?

 

Ah yeah I guess I should give them a huge plug. :D

I got the TVS1 set from McGeorge Scion. $350-ish shipped!