Spring Install...Hints & Suggestions, Please

[Robert Coats]

I want to install a set of Eibach springs over the holiday break, and any tips, hints, suggestion, etc. are welcome.

I have the spring compressor tool, and air tools, etc. and also the mostly step-by-step photos from a recent magazine article that did the same job on a C4 just like mine.

Any comments, advice or dirty jokes are welcome (NOW, before I get started

Thanks in advance.

[schubee]

Robert,

I can't help you much because I had mine installed here locally. I went with H&R's. If you go to Rennlist.com on their 964 Forum, do a search and you will find tons of info.

I was fortunate to watch 'Darin' at West End Alignment install, align, and corner balance the car. It took about 5-6 hours. There was a trick installing the front springs. He did not remove the strut assembly. He was able to remove the spring from the top mount holes. This saved a lot of time. The rear required removal of the airbox and.....*****, what ever is on the left side (I'm still learning) to get to the top shock mounts.

After watching him, it seems like something I can tackle on a weekend. However, I would strongly recommend getting an alignment and corner balance afterwards. Here are my specs:

LF - 619 lbs.
LR - 985 lbs.
RF - 601 lbs.
RR - 967 lbs.

Front weight - 38.5%
Rear weight - 61.5%
Car weight (with driver)- 3172 lbs. wow, what a difference compared to my SC

Front Specs:
Camber Left - 1.5 neg
Camber Right - 1.5 neg
Caster Left - 5.0 pos
Caster Right - 5.0 pos
Toe In - 1/16

Rear Specs:
Camber Left - 2.0 neg
Camber Right - 2.0 neg
Toe In - 1/8

Fender Heights:
Front - 24.75
Rear - 24.50

Good luck and have fun!

[Robert Coats]

Originally posted by schubee
If you go to Rennlist.com on their 964 Forum, do a search and you will find tons of info.

Yes, been there and found two procedures, both pretty detailed.

There was a trick installing the front springs. He did not remove the strut assembly. He was able to remove the spring from the top mount holes. This saved a lot of time.

I was wondering about that. It seems like you ought to be able to tilt the strut far enough out of the wheel well to get the spring off, without having to remove the lower part of the strut itself. However, I have a C4, so there's that pesky driveshaft which may not allow this. Another advantage is I'd think you wouldn't have to crack open the brake lines, thus preventing an otherwise necessary brake bleeding.
Now that I have the hints, I just need some warmer weather! Garage floor concrete is kinda cool this time of year in North Georgia.

[JonSeigel]

Robert-

If you have specific questions, you should e mail Adrian Streater. He's very generous about responding, although he doesn't look at or respond to e mails on weekends.