I have springs + sways on order from Hotchkis. I have tokico DSP 9's sitting in the garage. What do I need to install this crap? I have a metric socket set, jack, jack stands. Would I need a spring compressor? Anything else I need?

 

No suspension vets can answer this?

Basically, I need to install springs and shocks. Can I do it with just a socket wrench set on jack stands ?

 

okay...this is not all inclusive, but hopefully helps.

there is a DIY on here for springs and somewhere also for sway bars...but here is a quick summary and some tools you will need.

I am doing this exact same install right now, as well as rear camber arms and front upper control arm.

-jack and jack stands which you have

-Metric socket set. I believe the most used are 10, 12, 14, and 17 mm. It would be wise for you to have the deep socket versions as well.

-Breaker bar. My 15" breaker bar served me well. An pipe or socket extension with a socket can also serve as a leverage tool.

-A socket extension set. 3" and 6" should be good.

-You may need to remove the rear portion of your exhaust. Some people can manuever the rear sway bar on...I could not.

-The bolts and nut that attach the front sway bar to the car were ridiculously on tight, so just a heads up.

-you'll need a vise or hammer (this is used to bend the alignment washer on the front sways to allow you to use it with the Hotchkis- the instructions will show you what i mean)

-you can do the front shock/spring assembly without a spring compressor. this requires you to remove the upper control arm out of the way (which in turn requires you to replace the cotter pin). if you don't want to do this, than you will need a spring compressor.

-adjustable wrench is also helpful just in case you don't have 2 of a particular socket size. The wrench will let you hold the nut while you turn the bolt.

-might also need a plier

-mallet would be nice

hope this helps. if you have any questions on the way, feel free to PM me.

good luck and have fun.

vinh

 

plus...if you need to assemble your hotchkis and tokico, might need an impact gun to get the top bolt off the strut.

and a torque wrench if you wanna torque everything down to factory spec.

 

Thanks for your reply Vihn. I just wanted to get an idea of what I would need. I put on a plenum and spacer by myself...how do these installs compare to that?

 

The plenum & spacer install is fairly easy compared to the DIY you're about to undertake . . .

 

yup. the spring/shock/sway bar install is prolly a 6 or so, with installing pistons and cylinders at a 10.

the plenum and spacer is prolly a 2 .

 

I did everything you are planning on doing, except I installed coilovers instead of seperate components, with basic hand tools and the help of 1 buddy for the coilovers. You will not need a spring compressor. It took around 2 hours for the coilovers and about the same to do the sway bars (by myself).

Best of luck!