Do you need to compress the front stock springs , with the mcpherson tool then take the top off or can you just take it off , and in the back how is it done, Thanks so much

 

do you need springs? I can get a couple sets

 

sure how much?, Russ

 

Look in the TECH section... there is a very nice write up that will tell you everything. Or, if you're too lazy to search the answer is NO, you don't need any fancy tools... just a buddy to compress the spring down while you tighten the nut. The backs are pretty much impossible for the novice mechanic. It will probably take you the better part of a day to do it. The worst part is removing the rear driveshafts and the differential. Also, the fuel tank has to come out in order to access a few tricky bolts.

 

I changed out my first set of springs w/o a compressor. I just made sure there was plenty of padding and everyone was clear when I took the strut nut off.

 

That was mean BUT funny!

 

It is best to compress the front springs. There's no sense in doing it dangerously. Harbor freight has a set of compressors for about $10.

As for the back, jack up the rear slightly. Remove the lower nuts on the shocks and pull the shocks off their mounts. Then take jack the car up and switch springs. Then let'er back down and put the shocks back in place.

 

I would rather trust a friend that anything from Harbor Freight. Seriously, it doesn't take that much force to compress the spring enough to get that nut started.
I'd look for another Scion dood in your area and have him help you... make a friend... drink some beer... work on your car. Should be able to crack it out in an hour.

 

moved to corner carvers

 

I'm waiting for a set of 2" drop Goldline springs.

Q: is there any need or possible advantage to change the shocks out, given that the damper piston is put into a new position? The fronts' bumper stops are to be cut one inch shorter. Is there enough travel in the OEM front shocks to accept the new, one inch greater maximum instroke?

ty

 

Stock shocks and struts will almost always have a shorter life when you put lowering springs on them. But, choices in aftermarket dampers are slim. So most haven't even bothered changing them.

 

thanks for the help, Kev!

 

I replaced my stock strups and shocks after 32,000, I have goldlines in mine.

 

you do not need to compress the front springs, they dont fly off, just put the strut assembly on the grass outside and face it toward a tree or gate or something and give it a little kick with your foot, thats what we did and it came off fine, you will need a buddy to help you recompress the springs(which is actually very easy)

 

dont remove the entire sturt assembly that's a huge waste of time , just loosen the big nut then let it "pop" down and then remove through the wheel well. no need for compressing or anything , much safer and quicker than removing the entire strut and then risking stuff flying and popping out and around. the rears take about 10 minutes. this care is quite easy to work on.

 

Very easy to install. I did it by myself (dont reccomend that) and it took about an hour because I had the hardest time comressing the spring and screwing the nut on by myself. Glad im done with that one.

 

JUST PULL THE OLD SPRINGS OFF ANDPUT THE NEW LOWERING SPRINGS ON

 

Some people...
Anyway, you are going to get mixed emotions on compressing the springs. I did just to be safe and because I had some compressers handy. The rears are the easiest thing to change on the whole car possibly, just drop out the old ones and pop in the new ones. Anyway, shouldn't take much more than an hour, tops. Good luck and post some pics.

 

You know, you could just pay someone to do it. I got the dealer to do my TRD springs. Not much to do, and the best part? No work on my part.

Yes, I'm old and lazy. It happens to all of us. At least I admit it.