inamjetdriver

Hey all,

I just completed the lowering spring install on my car last night. I won't write up a detailed DIY since it seems as if there already is one. However, if anyone has any specific questions regarding the install--tool sizes, etc., please let me know. Also, I took a ton of pics...so if there's something specific you want to see...I'll post the pic.

Apparently, it's difficult to find "star sockets" in the right size--mainly for the big bolt on the front shock. Something I discovered is that if you can find 7-spline sockets, they work on multiple different styles of bolts, including the stars--I bought mine at Northern Tool.

The rears are a piece of cake compared to the front--and the fronts weren't that bad. The rears would probably take 10 minutes per side if it wasn't for having to loosen up the exhaust to make room for the one bolt--that adds a few minutes.

For the front, you will need a spring compressor--there are many styles available. I recommend getting one made specifically for Macpherson Strut springs. It's got u-brackets that hold on to the springs and make it safe and easy to use.

It's extremely easy--and turned out great!

Here's a couple of not so great pics...I'll post more when I get the car outside and cleaned up.

Enjoy!

linjy2

Looks good!

Glad to know the install wasn't too hard. I plan to lower mine whenever I stop being lazy.

abcut973

Yeah install is not that complicated. The pain was that one bolt in the rear.
I re-installed it backwards for future maintenance (like KW install)

sinape62

Nice job! Pat yourself on the back!

ParkerK

Looks great - I don' think the hard part is the install - pretty basic. I think the hard part is getting your alignment setting correct after.


So in looking at your pics it does not seem that much lower...funny part is whenever I look at these things it is hard to tell if they have been lowered or not.


My 507 looks a little lower than that OEM?? But I have 19's which I know should not make a difference. My buddies are all like "you need to drop that thing"...and I would but I don't want alignment issues.


Maybe some spacers now?

QuartzBlueP31

What size female torx socket is needed on the front?

Mort

Going from memory, I did not have the correct torx socket, so I just used a 12 point socket and it worked. Don't remember the size. GL

abcut973

Which torx are you talking about?
There are 3 in the front to release the strut from the front axle and 3 on top in the engine bay.
In the engine bay I think size is 10mm. On the front axle you have 2 small 10mm and one big 15mm if I remember well. It is fresher in my mind since I removed my KW a week ago. GL

Mort

OK I had another look. Memory is weak. I must have used the socket in another location as I have external torx sockets from E6 to E16 in even spacing and it was for a larger size. Also I used a "6 point" socket not a 12 point.

The bolts at the top of the strut (in the engine bay) are E12 and attaching to the spindle are E14. Remember if you do substitute a 6 point socket for the E socket the risk is all yours. The risk is you may break a point off the bolt and have to improvise a way to get it unfastened or you may break the socket as the bolt will not be fully supported within the socket.

GL

QuartzBlueP31

The large one on the front is the bolt I am looking for a socket to fit it. I have the Torx for everything else but the large one is external Torx? So it needs a female Torx socket. But not sure what size it is.

Thanks for the replies.

Thrilla

I just finished the job over the weekend. Here are the torx and female star sockets I used for the fronts:
T40, E12, E16, and E18
Metric sockets and wrenches were 18mm, and 21mm

zcct04

Inam
The car looks great - congratulations!
Am I mistaken, or were you already on someone else's lowering springs?
And why does the pic in your sig on 19's look lower than the 2 thumbnails on stock wheels?
Clif

cooperlee

How does the car ride with these H&R springs in comparison to the stock ride?

hyunman

Hey inamjetdriver (or anyone else that knows this)

Do you remember what size the strut nuts on the OEM front struts were? Maybe I'm not searching correctly, but I'm seeing 21mm or 22mm? Could someone confirm?

VividRacing

Have you noticed if the car pulls slightly to one side even after you the alignment? There are a few people with this issue.

hyunman

Haven't installed mine yet, but I've seen those posts about pulling to the right too. Doesn't seem like everyone with these springs has this issue though. Maybe something gets knocked out of alignment during the install process to cause this pulling effect?