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  1. #1
    Hi-Tech Redneck HondaMan's Avatar
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    Question How to on Installing Springs?

    It appears after calling around to several places it will cost me $175 or more to have springs installed and the alignment checked/done.

    [list=1][*]NAPA sales a spring compressor for $82.[*]I can do this install myself and save approx. $100.[*]Is the wheel alignment that important? I plan to get H&R Sport Springs.[*]Any feedback on this would be appreciated![/list=1]
    Thanks!

    A good friend (part-time auto mechanic) and myself installed a suspension kit/system on my '89 Civic Si, but that has been a good 10 years ago and he has the spring compressor in Georgia. I can probably wing it but could use any feedback/advice.

  2. #2
    4u2nv
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    you need a 4 wheel alignment after lowering your car. before you lower your car check with your dealer. mine said i could lower my car and not void the warrenty, but it had to be done by a reputable shop and an alignment must be done

  3. #3
    FireFighterSI
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    I wouldn't try it...

    I wouldn't try lowering it yourself unless you have years of practice and experiance. The new Si has ball joints, rather than your typical hinged joints like other civics. Now your going to need a ball-joint spreader to get them apart. And if you do it wrong of break them, which is easy if you don't know what your doing, then your screwed. Also you might be overlooking one big thing.... how are you going to lift the car high enough to get the joints and suspention apart?

    I guess it is possible, but this isn't a light fixture...this is a major part of the vehicle.

    Good luck, and happy driving!

  4. #4
    ephatch member
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    If you do it yourself you don't have to buy a spring compressor...lots of places will rent them out or let you borrow the tools to do the job...i.e. pep boys/auto zone/kragen (checker, shucks)...and it's not all that difficult to do...just take your time and enjoy the install, don't treat it like it's work...also, most manufacturers will include directions with the kits that you buy...

    An alignment is a good idea...but, if you don't do it it won't kill you, just your tires/suspension...the rear is not as important because, unless i'm mistaken you only change the camber not castor or toe...the front on the other hand will whack out all of the above. A good camber kit, (i believe sprint or someone has them available...will get you close to if not right on factory specs with an alignment.

    Good luck with your project...

  5. #5
    Hi-Tech Redneck HondaMan's Avatar
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    Hmmm...I'm leaning toward getting it done for me @ the price of $175...I'll just have to save up my "allowance" for the next 3 months. ;)

  6. #6
    ephatch member 2k2civicSi's Avatar
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    will the dealer do 4 wheel allinement

  7. #7
    Hi-Tech Redneck HondaMan's Avatar
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    $175 = wheel alignment and installation

  8. #8
    United Porn Star 1fastminivan's Avatar
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    you migh want to wait and save up for a camber kit also man......I did a drop on my old civic and they couldnt do an alignment with out a camberkit and it ate up my tires quickly. it was a 1 3/4 drop from tanabe..thier superdownprecedos springs. I dont know about the alignment on the new si....I dont know if it will affect it bad. Just my 2 cents. Keep in mind you have some expensive rubber on your car.hehe

  9. #9
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    $82 for a spring compressor is way overkill... are you talking about a clamshell compressor? that's one of the big dogs that you don't need for your application. Mine was $28, and works just fine. The clamshells are of course less likely to injure anybody, but that only happens with people without any safety knowledge.

  10. #10
    Hockey Freak SBC31's Avatar
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    Unless you have done many spring jobs in the past, leave it to the pros. This is one thing that is best left to someone who has experience in this.

  11. #11
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    Have you tried it before? I never say that, until I know that I can't do it. And the only reason I know I wouldn't be able to do it myself is if I don't have the correct tool. But spring work is not difficult. Two hands, jack-stands, sockets & wrenches, a spring compressor, patience, and you're all set.

  12. #12
    boognish David K.'s Avatar
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    One other thing to keep in mind is that our cars have a McPhersion(spelling?) strut setup. I had my H&R's installed by a local import performance shop and they aparently didn't have a working knowledge of this setup. From what I understand the whole strut assembly rotates with the wheel when you are turning and if you do not reassemble it properly you will get binding and a really nasty popping noise when you turn your wheel. I had to take my to another shop (Jotech) to get the prob. corrected. IMO it's worth it to have this done correctly the first time.

  13. #13
    Hi-Tech Redneck HondaMan's Avatar
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    Yeah, I found out a spring compressor is only like $28 via Harbor Freight. I could do it but I'm thinking a pro needs to do it now. The camber plate is a serious consideration, cause I do have some expensive rubber on my ride.

  14. #14
    4u2nv
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    Originally posted by HondaMan
    Yeah, I found out a spring compressor is only like $28 via Harbor Freight. I could do it but I'm thinking a pro needs to do it now. The camber plate is a serious consideration, cause I do have some expensive rubber on my ride.
    h&r's cause 1.8 degrees of negative camber in the rear. if you decide to get a cmabe kit go ahead i was told by my shop that it will handle great at 1.8 and shouldnt wear the tire too much. the front is self-cambering so no problem there

  15. #15
    Hi-Tech Redneck HondaMan's Avatar
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    Originally posted by xlr8

    h&r's cause 1.8 degrees of negative camber in the rear. if you decide to get a cmabe kit go ahead i was told by my shop that it will handle great at 1.8 and shouldnt wear the tire too much. the front is self-cambering so no problem there
    Ah, great info...thanks bro!

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