So I ordered my S-techs and then I got to thinking about all of the stuff I have heard in the past about installation of springs and I started to worry that I might not have a full understanding of what I am getting into. I have heard that I might need new shocks. I have heard I might need new bushings. I have heard I will need an alignment after installation. etc, etc, etc.

My question is (obviously) what exactly do I need? I dont want to put these on and find out that I blew my shocks and dont have the money for new ones right now. Or find out I will have to pay 40+ bucks on an alignment. So please help!

 

I installed mine without changing a thing and everything was fine. I have 85K miles and still using the OEM shocks. I would suggest having the alignment done. There's no sense in having to replace irregularly worn tires in short amount of time because you wanted to save $40. New tires are much more expensive.

 

Well, I hope that is how it goes. I need to find a DIY article that I read not too long ago on here about installing teins. I looked at the one in the tech section last night and it seems like it was so overdone compared to the one I read on the forums, like there was a whole bunch of extra work that is not need possibly.

 

Instructions come with the springs. The rear is super easy. Disconnect one end of the shocks, jack up the car, change springs, lower the car, and reconnect the shocks. The front is more involved because you have to disassemble the strut. Read the instructions and you'll have no problems.

 

Yep I did the rear in about 15min tops! I have stock struts too figured I'd change them when they blow I'm at 110,xxx springs have been on as of 30K or so still rides the same. Do the alignment if you value the tires though cause they will wear a bit as mentioned also if you have an impact it makes the front strut bolt come off real nice, but like mentioned it's a simple mod!

 

Now if I want to upgrade the shocks & struts, what can I get after I have the springs on? I cant just look for shocks that fit an xb anymore right? Because that assumes its stock?

 

You will have to take the front struts/springs out again and if you paid for an alignment you'll have to do that again as well so it's better to do it all at once if you can..also you will need to get struts that will work with the drop basically they are the same but they will have a shorter stroke I don't have them on mine but a wile back I did a search here and somebody listed some part numbers..

 

Is the rear camber going to change with the drop of these springs?

 

No..they are solid on the rear beam...

 

Want a pic of an xB lowered on s-techs. Give me some time. I'll go out right now and take some pics and I'll post them up. My uncle installed my springs. He did it fast too. he just cut the front bump stops to compensate for the lower height and travel. No problems. I have a rattle noise, but that was because the car was hit before and haven't fix it yet. Great handling. I wish American roads had more turns and banks so I could test THESE springs out.

 

Need a pic? Here's mine.. the directions tell you how much to cut on the bumpstop prety easy to do!

 

THe first two pics are the before and after. Those are the rear pics. The first one is when the springs were first installed, followed by the 2nd after six months of use.

#'s 3 and 4 are the front pics, also first day of installl to six months after.

THe last pic shows a bit of negative camber. I didn't do that. It just happen to be like that since the lowering. The rear has no camber based on my opinion.

 

So about the alignment, if I put these springs on and then immediately go down and get an alignment, am I going to need to get another alignment after the springs settle?

 

Its up to you. I believe alignments are need at certain mile intervals. I got mines the day of the install and ever since haven't got another one. The springs aren't going to drop a lot once they are settled. I don't have increase wear. My rear tires are fine. I suggest that u rotate your wheels ever 5K, just to balance out the tire wear.

My answer. Get the alignment once installed and stay with it for about 10-15K. If u are worried a lot, get another alignment at that time. Honesty, I have driven my car less than 3-3.5k miles with the springs. Just worry about going slow/cutting dips on the streets. You will scrape if u are not careful.

 

[quote="teabox"]Yeah, I'm worried about that. This is my first lowered car. I have always driven trucks and SUV's.

 

After like 2 months, start worrying. It isn't that bad, to tell u the truth. CA roads are pretty shallow, though rough with pot holes. I'm not sure how Arizona is, but just letting u know. If u go any faster than 15-20s on a dip, speed bump,etc, that lip is going to start crying and leave u a nice, big scratch.

So, when ur car gets lowered. Get an alignment. Rubbing issues is not a problem with 160lb passengers in the back, unless u have rims, then I don't know. I'm rolling on stock steelies and there is no problems with rubbing in the back. U are going to love the new feel of the car, trust me. Some say u get a bumpy ride..........not to me.

To do list..............get alignment, cut bump stops for the front and install them.

 

Wait a few weeks for the springs to settle then align it.. I have always driven lowered cars you just change you driving habits a bit, my 17"'s with 205/40's actually raise the car up a bit over the stock tire/rims! Noticed this the other day when I was swapping them out!

 

Well, I installed them last night. They look and ride awesome. One thing I forgot to do though was measure the stock height before I dropped them. Does anyone have theirs written down?

 

Tein says a little less than 2" but ours have been on for over a year and have finallys settled in at about 2".

Also have your camber checked. Our's had to be adjusted by slotting out the plate to be able to achieve correct camber with the new springs. Have been running the OEM struts and shocks without issue. Handles like a go-cart.

 

Did any of you notice any squeeking with the new springs. I seem to be hearing it from both drivers side springs.