It's not as hard as it's being made out to be. I did a coil swap last summer with a spring compressor I rented from AutoZone (free, basically--you get your money back when you return it). Didn't have to modify anything. The nut must be on top and it's true that you should not use an impact gun on it...just turn it by hand with a ratchet. They key is getting the correct type of spring compressor. Only took about 5 minutes per side to remove the old springs. Keep your head and face away from the spring while it is compressed...
Got them installed! Haven't driven it yet and it seems high, but I thought it would be. But... The new springs appear to be slightly thicker material, and are exactly 1 coil shorter than the ones I am taking off, when uncompressed and sitting on the garage floor. The new ones seem to be taking more muscle to compress, so I am guessing that they are "heavier" springs. I am hoping that after a few days driving, and letting the car sit on the springs, they may drop 1/2" or so, maybe 1", which would be about where I want them. If not, I can take them off and cut one coil off. The car feels stiffer sitting in the garage, and hopefully, after the drive, it will sit more even and settle in just fine. Thanks for all the help. Scott
I'd like to see a pic. They should settle some overnight. If it's still too high, removing one coil should do it...
You asked for pics. Keep in mind that those tires are 195/60r15, and I plan on going to 225/60 before I drop the front end, so it should fill in some of that space. Right now, it looks like I left the jack under the front end, it is so high! People look like this when they look at my grill emblem.
Those tires are obviously too short, which adds to the "high-boy" appearance, but it's definitely time to cut a coil...
