Koni shocks with stock springs ok?

[Raven Tooth]

I want to redo my whole suspension with Eibach springs and koni shocks. Except I don't have the money for the full job now. My rear left shock is totally worn out and the shock mount is gone so it clunks over bumps.

Is there any reason why i shouldn't replace my rear shocks with Konis now, while leaving the rest of the car for a while? When I get the rest of the money the springs and front shocks/ struts will go in, but it might be several months.

I feel like if I fixed what was obviously broken the car would be much nicer to drive. Don't know if the springs and shocks need to be matched somehow though. I'm new to this.

[jlevie]

If the rear shocks are blown, you can bet that the fronts are no better. I'd suggest that you replace all of the shocks at one go. You'll be much happier with the way the car rides and handles.

Koni Sport Adjustables will be fine with OE springs. Start with them set for full soft and bump them up a 1/2 turn when you switch to the Eibach springs.

[Raven Tooth]

Thanks for the advice, that's helpful.

However, aren't the fronts going to be a lot harder to do myself? I think I will have to take out the spring etc which is not all that easy on jack stands in my carport.

I thought I could get the rears out pretty easily myself which is kind of what makes the difference, wouldn't have to pay for labor. I'm pretty noob to be doing more difficult stuff.

[einstein57]

I'm kind of a lazy fuck and say just replace the rear for now untill you have the funds for springs. Sucks to pull the front strut twice.

[87e30]

The fronts are definitely more difficult, but definitely doable in a car port. And you're in CA... so hopefully it's not even too cold out.

I'd suggest setting aside a couple days for doing all 4, you'll feel rewarded at the end and it's all quite simple really.

I agree with above post though... sucks to do twice, how long until you will have funds for springs? I can't see any huge loss for replacing just the rears. Not sure how new struts in the rear will affect handling, if you're not at the limit I'm sure you won't notice anything but a better ride.

[Hellabad]

My vote goes to just doing the rear, and making the car safe first. Also, rear shocks get wasted faster than front struts.

Its a way to figure out what tools you need, where you are going to work on the car and you won't get stuck. You can even take the car to school or work when you're halfway done with the job if you have to.

[LivingLegend06]

I would just do the rears for now and then when your ready to do the springs and shocks in the front you can do it all at once.

An impact can sometimes be necessary to take off the nut on the top of the front strut. There is also a chance of destroying the boots on the control arms and tie rod ends, so its best to take it apart as few times as necessary.

[jlevie]

If you have the necessary tools, replacing the front shocks is not difficult. You need a ball joint press, spring compressor and may need an impact wrench. The whole job, front and back, can be easily completed in less than six hours.

[87e30]

If you have the necessary tools, replacing the front shocks is not difficult. You need a ball joint press, spring compressor and may need an impact wrench. The whole job, front and back, can be easily completed in less than six hours.

By the sounds of it he does not have the appropriate tools and little experience. I imagine the job would take much longer, I know it took me quite a lot longer my first time around.

[xwill112x]

If you have the necessary tools, replacing the front shocks is not difficult. You need a ball joint press, spring compressor and may need an impact wrench. The whole job, front and back, can be easily completed in less than six hours.

did my entire suspension without any of this. in 4 hours first time around.

[Philo]

Jlevie does things by the book and how a shop/pro would do it. Sure there are backyard methods that work just as well, but his advice is for the masses and is the most appropriate.

Although I like to live life on the edge and use a pickle fork to separate the ball joints (after a quick prayer to the 'save the grease shield' god). I also enjoy letting the top hat shoot off the spring instead of getting out the spring compressor.

[xwill112x]

you can shoot the stockies off the struts, just make sure everything is out of the way in the direction your pointing them.. and all for the ball joints..a good wack with a hammer on the side works fine.

[Philo]

Ninja edit, bitch.

[xwill112x]

beat me to it. lol there is no need for a pickle fork either. hammer works better :)

[Philo]

In my experience the hammer on the housing rarely works. I've done a handful of cars, and the pickle fork was generally needed.