Satan;1374189 said:
As far as the mounts go, I admitted my mistake in a previous post. As far as using a compressor, I only said it could be done, that I had done it, and I did not recommend it for inexperienced people.
suspension install too expensive?
- Thread starter 91supra
- Start date
As far as the mounts go, I admitted my mistake in a previous post. As far as using a compressor, I only said it could be done, that I had done it, and I did not recommend it for inexperienced people.
gaboonviper85;1374245 said:
I've done the spring/strut swaps on 4 MKIIIs, 1 MKIV, and a few other cars. I know that the top cap and/or strut can travel very far, very fast (we tried it, just to see). Ain't claiming anything other than to not use effective, free, sensible safety/tools is a mistake. Our stock springs are like any others when compressed by the strut and cap.
It is a big enough deal and I've seen 'em in action. Maybe your struts were so blown that they were already extended by the spring. I've removed good struts to replace/lower my MKIIIs and the springs had alot of tension. Our experiences are different, but all it takes is one time. Please don't attack me for what I think is good advice, based on my experience. I am not the smartest, but I will outlive some of the dumbest.
really, when i got my aftermarket springs n shocks my dad helped me swap from stock to dropped in less than 1 hour. granted hes a mechanic but really its so easy that when i upgrade them next week i will know what to do and get it done within an hour/
rayall01;1374296 said:
I also did mine without a spring compressor. im sure it would have been a bit easier with one, but it wasnt too hard without one. I used my impact gun for the center nut and nothing really flew anywhere. Just lay them flat on the ground when you do it, DONT have your chin above the top of the strut or you will be eating teeth and tounge for lunch!
rayall01;1373824 said:
gaboonviper85;1374245 said:
mastergrader007;1374501 said:
You guys can do what you want and I don't care how experienced you are...doing what you suggested without a spring compressor is dangerous. Might get away with it, but sooner or later you're going to get hurt. Suggesting doing this to a guy that is obviously inexperienced is almost criminal. :3d_frown:
91Supra - Do this with a spring compressor...rent one from AutoZone or whatever. Don't even think about doing what these guys did...frankly it's just plain stupid considering the tool is available and easy to use.
Please carefully re-read each of my posts in this thread, because this is getting way out of hand. At no point did I recommend to the OP not to use a spring compressor. And an experienced mechanic should know enough about their talents and tools, to make their own decision.
By saying you did it, it implies that it's ok to do...regardless of the "experienced" recommendation. This is an instance when it might just be better to not say anything.
It is a safety issue...any reputable shop owner would stop that practice (technique) by any mechanic that worked there in a heartbeat. If I were the owner, it would get one warning. If it happened again, I'd fire the mechanic.
It is a safety issue...any reputable shop owner would stop that practice (technique) by any mechanic that worked there in a heartbeat. If I were the owner, it would get one warning. If it happened again, I'd fire the mechanic.
I don't see how saying he didn't use a compressor and then him suggesting NOT to do it that way is implying that it is ok?
Anyways, I used a crappy $10 spring compressor when I did mine, they were the ones people use to compress or spread truck springs IIRC. Didn't really do much, but nothing exploded. Assembling aftermarket springs and shocks didn't require the compressor though.
Anyways, I used a crappy $10 spring compressor when I did mine, they were the ones people use to compress or spread truck springs IIRC. Didn't really do much, but nothing exploded. Assembling aftermarket springs and shocks didn't require the compressor though.
I have 27 years experience in the miltary training, managing and supervising young men & women on how to use very dangerous pieces of equipment. I can tell you for a fact that a noob will not hear the "I don't recommend" part"...they will hear the "I did it this way" part. A noob will get in a hurry and forget the piece of equipment that makes a repair or build action safe, remember the "shortcut" and give it a try, almost always with bad results.
I've seen way too many young people taken to the hospital with a permanant injury to not say what I did...some never came back from the hospital. I also helped investigate or read the safety reports and know exactly why it happened. Care to guess what one of the most common causes was? I did not step in here to be a dick...if you guys can't see what was suggested here as very dangerous, you might need to rethink it.
I've seen way too many young people taken to the hospital with a permanant injury to not say what I did...some never came back from the hospital. I also helped investigate or read the safety reports and know exactly why it happened. Care to guess what one of the most common causes was? I did not step in here to be a dick...if you guys can't see what was suggested here as very dangerous, you might need to rethink it.
jk
Seriously tempted to clean this thread of the bullshit.
Let me explain a few variables in this whole thing. Are the springs pre-89, or 89+? Are the shocks original or aftermarket? Have the springs sagged? Have the springs been cut/heated?
Pre-89 springs are higher than 89+ springs. Some aftermarket shocks are shorter rods (MORE TENSION). Some springs are old and worn. Some have been modified.
Case in point, YOU DON'T KNOW. Much like never pointing a gun at something you don't plan on killing (even if you think it's unloaded), always use a spring compressor!
Let me explain a few variables in this whole thing. Are the springs pre-89, or 89+? Are the shocks original or aftermarket? Have the springs sagged? Have the springs been cut/heated?
Pre-89 springs are higher than 89+ springs. Some aftermarket shocks are shorter rods (MORE TENSION). Some springs are old and worn. Some have been modified.
Case in point, YOU DON'T KNOW. Much like never pointing a gun at something you don't plan on killing (even if you think it's unloaded), always use a spring compressor!
i appreciate all the feedback, & it seems like everyone goes about their own ways to install their suspension. i'll take all feedback into consideration.
& as far as using a compressor, i think it's a good idea to use one. it'll save me alot of probable trouble in the long run.
can't wait to have this done & get pictures up.
once again, thanx for the input guys.
& as far as using a compressor, i think it's a good idea to use one. it'll save me alot of probable trouble in the long run.
can't wait to have this done & get pictures up.
once again, thanx for the input guys.