A 'How Hard Can It Be' Tech Question

"Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2" (pompei426)
07/16/2014 at 22:52 • Filed to: None

This winter when I will be home from school I'd like to overhaul my suspension. I'm talking Billy HD shocks and struts, H&R springs, and an ST sway bar. It'll cost around $800 for the parts. But being a college student, it's hard to get what I want. I could go with shittier parts and pay a mechanic to install them, or I could buy the 'best' and do it myself (I hope). My question is, should I do it? I have the 2002, but honestly 90% of the work that's been done has been done by my mechanic. He's a 2002 savant. You see, I haven't really done anything big. I do home improvements in the summer and I like to learn, but I'm just not sure. So, how hard is it to replace all of these items? Be honest.

DISCUSSION (23)

DasWauto > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/16/2014 at 22:58

Rear shocks and springs are easy bolt ons. Lift up the rear of the car and you should be set.

The front will require removing and taking apart the struts for which you'll need a spring compressor. Not and expensive tool (though I think you can rent them too) but it is a bit more time consuming and potentially dangerous. Doable if you're not afraid of a little challenge.

Edit: apparently it's doable without removing the strut completely. You'd avoid having to align the front suspension afterwards by doing so.

Edit 2: Looks like the 2002 strut isn't mounted in a way that requires an alignment if removed. That's good.

AM3R > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/16/2014 at 22:58

If it's your first time, it'll be manageable but it will be time consuming.

You're in the DC area right? If your willing to make a drive down to NoVa there's a guy that's well known on the local sections of BMW forums. He basically has a full service garage. He charges great rates and I believe you can even just use his lift to make it easier on you.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/16/2014 at 22:58

Get him to assemble your struts, and the rest is easy.

Zibodiz > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
07/16/2014 at 23:10

This. I installed new pre-assembled rear struts in my FWD car, and it took less than half an hour. Something like 8 bolts total. It's about as hard as rotating your tires.

The sway bar is SUPER easy to install — just hold it up and bolt it on. These are the fun sorts of car mods — the parts aren't heavy enough to be difficult, but they're also not tiny enough that you're dropping parts in hard-to-reach places. They are also simple enough that you don't need a book to figure out where they bolt on. If you're interesting in getting into wrenching on your own, these are a great place to start. Just be sure to plan ahead and only do one thing at a time — i.e. don't take all 4 wheels off at the same time. If you don't get it finished in one swing, you don't want to lose bolts or anything, which always seems to happen when things are left in pieces for multiple days.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 23:37

That is a possibility. My mechanic is really good, but expensive. I also know of two 2k2 owners in MD. One is on here, CleverUsername. I don't know if they'd be willing to help, but I'm sure they could at least offer some advice. Plus, I asked a friend of mine if he would want to help and he's more than willing. So, while I'm not that experienced, two guys in a 2 car garage with endless knowledge on tap (internet) should be able to figure it out, right?

AM3R > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/16/2014 at 23:40

Good luck man, let us know how it goes! With how many DIY's up on forums it shouldn't be hard. Just lemme know if you want the guys info.

It should definitely go by a much faster if you have your friend helping you out.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
07/16/2014 at 23:40

Even with the simplicity of the car, online resources/guides for my car, and a friend?

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/16/2014 at 23:41

Do you have a strut/spring compressor? Springs are incredibly dangerous.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Zibodiz
07/16/2014 at 23:42

I will definitely not take off all 4s. Especially if I only have 2 jack stands. Plus, I already see myself after 2 hours cursing the damn thing and walking away for a beer. I am looking forward to the sway bar though.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
07/16/2014 at 23:44

I don't, but I have a very cool friend who has all the tools I could ever want, and a Pantera, I want that too.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 23:46

I'm hoping so, and DasWauto found a blog of someone with another 71 2k2 replacing his suspension with the exact setup I want. I have high hopes.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/16/2014 at 23:46

Just make sure that he knows how to use one if he has one.

I can't stress the danger of them enough.

AM3R > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/16/2014 at 23:49

what set up are you going with? If you need an extra hand maybe I can make the trip up to MD to help out. I've never worked on a 2k2 though.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
07/16/2014 at 23:50

Ummmm, that looked bad from the start. They didn't have any spring clamp on there, the guy was just holding it with his hand, and I would take the strut assembly completely out before I take it apart.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 23:53

Hey, you're more than welcome. Refreshments (beer) and food (steak) will be available, but I don't know if you want to drink with two 19 y/os. Don't judge me, I'm an RA and class treasurer too. Anyway. I think I am going to get Bilstein HDs, not sports, Ireland Stage 1 springs (they are linear), and a ST 22mm front and 19mm rear sway bar.

thebigbossyboss > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/16/2014 at 23:55

Not that I have the same type of car as you but I am a fairly novice wrencher and when I did my struts and springs all 4 corners took about 7 hours total. When dealing with struts get a friend to help you so that one can hold it and one can bolt it. A lot easier that way.

AM3R > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/16/2014 at 23:58

I'm putting HD's on my own car. Pairing them with either eibach or B&G springs.

I've done my fair share of underage drinking haha..

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > thebigbossyboss
07/16/2014 at 23:59

I plan on it, thanks for the estimate.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > AM3R
07/17/2014 at 00:01

Are they progressive or linear springs? At first I wanted progressive, but I heard they are somewhat unpredictable. I know sporty linear springs (IEs) might be a little harsher, but I'd like some predictability.

AM3R > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/17/2014 at 00:09

the Eibachs are progressive. I too have heart they are unpredictable but I read through a 5 page thread on M3post about how it wasn't an issue with the mild eibach springs.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > AM3R
07/17/2014 at 00:13

Hmm, thanks for letting me know. I'm still clueless about which ones to buy. H&Rs or IEs. Both lower the car about 1.25", so the only difference is the rate.

707Miata > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/17/2014 at 02:28

Suspension is fairly easy if rust isn't an issue. If it is, be prepared to get busy with propane torches, angle grinders, and hammers. Other than that though it's just a pretty simple bolt on bolt off. Make sure you torque everything, and when torquing anything with a bushing, preload it. (tighten while it is level on the ground)

As far as spring compressors... I didn't bother using them for the front of the Miata. I unbolted the upper control arm (double wishbone suspension), raised the lower one with a hydraulic jack, and slowly undid the shock nut. Lower the jack and bam, no spring compressor needed. Reverse for installation. I did have to rent the compressors for the rear though

Old-Busted-Hotness > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
07/17/2014 at 07:27

Depends on how much rust you have to deal with, and whether you have air tools or not. On any old car, assume that every nut & bolt will fight like hell to stay in place.

Also, don't buy shitty parts. Usually what makes them shitty is how well they fit.