Ok i am a guy who has never dealt with any major installation. I have always had a garage do it, but i am sick of spending the money on garages. I just bought the tein Basic coilover kit and i was wondering if you would recomend a guy with no experience messing with this. IF so what tools would i need? I will be using new front strut mounts becuase i have a 97 cavalier and the kit requires 00-04 mounts in the front, but i will be using the existing rear mounts. Thank guys, i did a search but i didnt quite come up with an answer.
a simple socket set is all thats needed. if your reusing strut mounts though you'll need a spring compressor to do it safely which can be rented from autozone. its really simple to do a suspension
an impact wrench(air or not) will be great for the top bolt that holds on the mount
definitely go to the garage area at www.bradiscool.com that's where i got all the instructions for doing my first suspension. definitely helped me out a lot. good luck with the project.
carefull the spring can KILL you if you dont have any experience w/ stuff like that. Im serious ive seen a spring compressor brake and the spring went threw a concrete wall(i work @ a dealership) now know one was hurt but just imagine if you were the concrete wall
I would recomennd taking everyting to a shop and have them put the components together....install the mounts on the new suspenison.........it shouldnt be to much....like 40 bucks or so.
then take it all home and install everything your self....should take 2 hours topps for all 4 if they are all put together.
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BradSk88 wrote:TORQUE WRENCH!!!
YES! You'll need one that can tighten up to at least 140 lbs for the two front strut bolts that attach to the steering knuckle.
2000 2200 Cavalier: 9/14/2000--10/23/2006
2007 G85 SS S/C: 10/23/2006--Present
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Changed my g/f's 97 Sunfire SE coupe rear struts with info from that. The lower 18mm bolt at the bottom of the strut was the PITA. The loaner torque wrench from Autozone worked as a great breaker bar
Everything else to change them was cake.
I recommend finding someone who knows what they're doing to help you out the first time around. Post in your regional forum and I'm sure you'll find someone.
They'll be able to give you some pointers and explain things to you so you'll know it's done right. Then in the future you'll be able to do it yourself without wondering whether you've messed something up without realizing it.
When you're done, you're still going to have to take it in for an alignment.
Thanks alot guys! appreciate it..
A sledge hammer is also highly advisable. But I definately agree, if you can, find someone to at lease walk you through it.
I learned everything I know by taking it apart, breaking it, fixing it, putting it back together. But having someone who knows what they're doing makes it 10 times faster.
Yeah i made an appointment at my local garage and asked if i could stick around and watch so i could learn. They said i could. Thanks agian!
Well i am installing my tein basics tomorrow. I have a few of my buddies helping me out. Wish me luck i will post pics when i am done!
