1.
I was wondering if anyone left the stock pads in and just added springs. I know the rear will be lower but as long as it doesn't rub with the stock rims.
2.
I was wondering how easy it is to change the pads, do you need to take the whole strut assembly apart?

Not sure exactly what you mean by the first question. People run different spring setups all the time as well as spring pads depends on how they like their car to look.

To change the spring pads you will need to loosen the assembly in order to get the pads to come out. The spring pads sits on top of the springs.

i lowered my car w/ springs only and left the original spring pads on the car. the gap b/w front and rear are about same distance.

the rear gap is a bit higher than the front, but its perfect when you carry people and stuff in the trunk..

i wish it was a bit lower, but I don't want to rub the tires...

i left my pads stock

I am in the same boat.. I installed renntech springs and it has a slight rake to it, I wish it did sit level, but a lot of times I am carrying kids and stuff in the trunk so I was worried about it rubbing. I am begininng to re-think this and lower the rear one notch.. I like the lowered level flat look, and regret not doing it to begin with...

What is involved in switching out the rear pad... does anyone know what tools I will need? Also I forget, if I wanted to go one pad lower from stock what pad would I get?? thanks

if anyone wants some pads, I have 2 dimple and 3 dimple pads. It came stock with 3, I went with 2 with my H&R springs, but that was too low, so then I went back up to a 4 dimple and the height is much better

I will grab those from you, how much for the "2" pads....?

I paid a little over $10 each from the dealer, and they were used about 4 months. I'll sell them for $10 shipped if you want, PM if interested.

psk - What did the dealer charge to replace the pads. I had one tell me that the pads cost about $10 each and that the change our, for all four corners, would cost about $800!!!

there are only 2 pads on the left and right rear sides. No pads in the front. they're trying to screw you.

I did it myself. Jacked up the car, removed the lower bolt and popped the spring on and back on with the new pads. I left the wheels on, but it might be easier with them off.

just go to your local tire and wheel shop and pay them $100 buck to do it..

here in cali, I got my springs installed for $150, therefore if i wanted to change my pads, I bet I can have them do it for half that price.

its not very hard work, its more of the hassle.

By the way, in order to best cover up my gap with 255/35/18 tire, I'm going to change to 255/40/18, more comfort for the kids and eat up some of the 3finger gap.

Lots of questions. Does changing rear pads change front alignment, or just the rear? I assume that thinner pads just lower the rear, not the front. It probably gives no more negative camber in front where we need it. Would it also require a new alignment due to the change in rear camber, or at least a check of the rear alignment.

rear spring pads has nothing to do with the front. Changing the rear only affects the rear ride height and camber. When you change to aftermarket springs alignment is always recommanded.

I left the stock spring pads.