Replacing struts/springs at once

[RiceeatingSHO]

I am going to do my struts/springs at once with Sensa-tracs and Eibachs. 1) Can I install the springs on the new struts or will I need to take it to a suspension shop?
2) Will I need an alignment afterwards since I'm just relacing the whole assembly?
3) What else should i get while I'm at O'Reilly's before I do this job?

I am pretty mechanically inclined, I did rod bearings and part of a front 60K (Front Main Seal and belts) by myself) so I'm hoping that this won't be much of a problem in my driveway. Thanks for all the insight, y'all.

 

[Exitwound]

You can install the springs yourself with a spring compressor tool you can rent from Autozone or other part store. I would suggest buying strut mounts too since you really shoudn't re-use old ones if they aren't in great shape. Yes you will need an alignment afterwards.

 

[techi14]

its easy, you might need a spring compressor, but I am not sure with the eibach. I know I had to on the cut cargo coils, but everything was pretty straightforward so I would worry much. I'd be a good time to change the strut mounts like I did, and perhaps the sway bar links.

good luck

 

[RiceeatingSHO]

Strut mounts can be had from the parts store too right? I guess i could get under there and see what they look like, I may not need them, the car hasn't been driven hard until I got it.

 

[Shoaz]

The wear item is really the mount bearing in the front, and you can't see those until you get it apart. They're not expensive and easy to change, so if you have it apart it's not a bad idea to just swap them out.

 

[shobote]

its easy, you might need a spring compressor, but I am not sure with the eibach. I know I had to on the cut cargo coils, but everything was pretty straightforward so I would worry much. I'd be a good time to change the strut mounts like I did, and perhaps the sway bar links.

good luck

You will need the spring compressor to remove the stock springs and to install the Eibachs. The rear strut mounts also wear out quicker than the fronts; both of my rears were shot; i.e., the hole in the center was worn to an oblong and causing clunking noises. Fronts appeared fine but replaced them anyway.
This should be no problem if you did a 60k and rod bearings already.
As long as you are removing stuff, check the sway bar bushings, end links, also the outer steering tie rods and ball joints (lower control arms), as you will need an alignment if you need to replace those as well. Good luck !

 

[rubydist]

^^ +1
The rear strut mounts are typically shot before the struts are, and are the source of all manner of clunking noises. Its not that much money to just replace them compared to the work of pulling it all apart again if you later learn you really should have replaced them...

 

[Shoaz]

Actually, I think what you guys are seeing is that rear mounts that have never been replaced are now wearing out. The front bearings may have been replaced multiple times over that time.

Rear mounts weren't a wear item in the early days when people were routinely replacing front mount bearings.

 

[RiceeatingSHO]

Well, how can I tell if the tie rods/end links/bushings/Whatnot are worn out or not?

I hear a nice clunk over every bump...lol You can see my rear end sag here...look for the 1-2 shift at WOT...lol
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_mvEdSu7o

 

[Shoaz]

Wiggle test works on the end links and a lot of the bushings, along with careful inspection.

 

[RiceeatingSHO]

so if they have play they need replacing?