TCdirtybird

Well I'm in the shop right now trying to get the springs off the front struts but the thing is not budging at all I've removed all the bolts and nuts that I needed too I just don't know what I'm doing wrong?

wrightcomputing

iTrader: (5)

Photos might help, if you have everything removed and it has binded then just give it a swift hit with a hammer to free it up.

EricB

iTrader: (7)

When in doubt, bang it out.

mavictb

make sure you remove the upper A-arm bolts.

TCdirtybird

Thank you for the input it was actually both of those lol.

monchie

What kind of lowering springs are you installing? Maybe pictures after the install? Thanks.

TCdirtybird

just got the H-Techs and just installed the front ones today going back next weekend for the rear ones. It was my first time actually doing something bigger then the basic stuff like Intakes and exhaust and stuff like that ive never really delt with suspension so it was def different and Im glad I did it not only cause of the money i saved which was about $240 but the experience and knowledge of the car and knowing IM the working on MY CAR not someone else. and ill have pics soon

Benji_rx8

sorry to kinda hijack the thread but maybe one of you guys could help, i installed my own lowering springs too (H&R, 45mm drop) but totally forgot to pre-load the rear, this was a few weeks ago and im not sure if the car is sitting as low as it should on these springs so just wondering, will it settle down eventually or am i gonna have to pre load to get the full drop?

sorry again for hijacking the thread!

EricB

iTrader: (7)

preload it.

Benji_rx8

thanks bud!

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

This whole "pre-load" thing is the wrong terminology

What you want to do is make sure you tighten the control arm bushings at normal ride height so they aren't in the wrong orientation.

Easiest way to do it is to use a jack to raise the hub until it is in normal position before you tighten the bolts for the a-arms/links...that's it...super simple

Benji_rx8

yeah i did this on the front but rushed the rears and forgot to do it and tightened it all up while its was hanging down...

will i need to get my wheels alligned after "pre-loading" the rears? coz iv just had an alignment done?

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

As long as you don't loosen the "adjustable" links you are OK All of the others are OK to loosen without your alignment changing too much

Benji_rx8

sick! hopefully will make a noticable difference, we will see...nice one for the help!

wrightcomputing

iTrader: (5)

Surely if it makes enough difference to lower the car it will add -ve camber and toe in, as such would require an alignment.
If I were doing it I would realign the car but I do it myself it might not be worth spending $$$ to get it done.

whiterx8man

A lot of alignment shops will do a free adjustment after 6 months to allow everything to settle. Just ask them.

Johnvx1k

iTrader: (3)

Damn bro I didn't know you were trying to lower your car. I am going to be selling my stechs/tokico blues soon once I get my coilovers in. Bummmmeerrrr!