backyard DIY spring install
#93
I purchased these two from Harbor Freight Tools and did the springs install today. To my surprise, the electric impact wrench actually works great! I did spray some penetrating oil and let it sit overnight, then when I tried to use the impact wrench, it took about 10 seconds before the nut begin to turn. I was worried for the first 5 sec that it might not work, then it just started to turn slowly, and more afterward. The total install took about 4 hrs for front & back, that also includes the rear camber kits (which was very easy). I will wait until I get the Eibach Sway Bar before get them aligned. Thanks for all the help on this thread!
1. 1/2" Electric Impact Wrench Item #68099 $49.99
2. 13 Piece 1/2" Metric Socket Set Item #67904 $21.99
Btw, I have a 2012 G37 about 3 months old, so the nut that everyone is having hard time to get loose may not be as easy as mine when the car is older. I just want to share my experience with my install, with the tools I used.
1. 1/2" Electric Impact Wrench Item #68099 $49.99
2. 13 Piece 1/2" Metric Socket Set Item #67904 $21.99
Btw, I have a 2012 G37 about 3 months old, so the nut that everyone is having hard time to get loose may not be as easy as mine when the car is older. I just want to share my experience with my install, with the tools I used.
Last edited by apexi350z; 01-22-2012 at 12:12 AM.
The following users liked this post:
teonguyen (08-11-2013)
#95
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
FYI for any canadians out there that want to do this but don't have a spring compressor. Canadian Tire will lend you one for free. well what they do is give you a used one but charge your credit card for a new one. Then when you bring it back they reverse the charges. They do this for alot of tools.
#97
Lexus Defector
iTrader: (60)
FYI for any canadians out there that want to do this but don't have a spring compressor. Canadian Tire will lend you one for free. well what they do is give you a used one but charge your credit card for a new one. Then when you bring it back they reverse the charges. They do this for alot of tools.
#98
Registered User
iTrader: (12)
Leave it on and just drop the whole arm. Have someone help you. It's a little less safe as the spring will have a little bit of a kick, but it's so much faster and easier. I somehow got my drivers side with a breaker bar, but stripped the passenger side after 25 minutes of switching between an impact with a 6 pt socket and the breaker bar. That thing wouldn't budge...
This time I went the "drop the whole arm" way and it was a lifesaver. Saved a few bucks doing it myself. I still used a spring compressor to the OEM spring so it didnt come out like a jack in a box. Those Eibach springs are scary to compress as pretty much you have to go all the way for them to fit correctly. Walking on eggshells for the first side, but much faster the other side (even with installing the sway link nut instead of the actual top hat nut on the strut , I did correct that though).
If anyone else has issues with that bottom strut bolt, this method would probably be a less of a headache.
#100
Registered Member
just accomplished this last night...for a 11g37x Sedan on Eibach springs
Backs were cake only took about 10 mins with air tools...
Fronts were a PITA...With the X models you have to remove your cv joints an remove the top control arm...
On one side though we removed the Strut Arm (towards the bottom of the strut, one bolt) and it came out much easier...
But heres some pics...I f*ck'd up my cv boot
Before
After
I'll post more later...
Backs were cake only took about 10 mins with air tools...
Fronts were a PITA...With the X models you have to remove your cv joints an remove the top control arm...
On one side though we removed the Strut Arm (towards the bottom of the strut, one bolt) and it came out much easier...
But heres some pics...I f*ck'd up my cv boot
Before
After
I'll post more later...
#101
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
A friend and I actually just put the Eibachs in on my 08 G35x on Monday. We began at my house... but then went to his for his air setup. I can't even imagine without it. We just unbolted the upper wishbone and with a bit of pressure pulled the strut out.
Just went to Orileys for a spring compressor as well, easy job overall just time consuming.
Just went to Orileys for a spring compressor as well, easy job overall just time consuming.
#104
Registered Member
Yeah had the same issue... with one side. But it worked out just fine afterwards...
#105
Lexus Defector
iTrader: (60)
Sometimes it lines up perfectly the first try and sometimes it needs coaxing. Having a jack and a rubber mallet helps so you can jack the lower spring bucket up or down and tap it with the mallet to line up the hole for the bolt. Also a long thick screwdriver or something similar helps to put through the hole and push or pull it into alignment so the bolt slides through easily without damaging the threads on it.