About to Install My Coilover Setup

[Denio24]

Need to decide between these two cheap tools. http://m.ebay.com/itm/Telescopic-Coi...991?nav=SEARCH

between

http://m.ebay.com/itm/271700623796?_...11&_mwBanner=1

Also, any suggestions for ease of installation? I've already read most of the suspension install threads.

Denio24



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[Gmoney1147]

Drop rear subframe for the rear so much easier. 4 bolts done. Make sure you have a jack under rear diff so when the subframe is undone it doesn't fall fast


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[Gmoney1147]

Need to decide between these two cheap tools. http://m.ebay.com/itm/Telescopic-Coi...991?nav=SEARCH

between

http://m.ebay.com/itm/271700623796?_...11&_mwBanner=1

Also, any suggestions for ease of installation? I've already read most of the suspension install threads.

Denio24



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Why are you even buying those?

[Denio24]

Any suggestions then?

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[Denio24]

Also, i wont be dropping the subframe as i dont want it to shift.

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[zcspec]

Drop rear subframe for the rear so much easier. 4 bolts done. Make sure you have a jack under rear diff so when the subframe is undone it doesn't fall fast
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I would agree, dropping the subframe adds a bit more time, but makings installing the springs much easier.

Why are you even buying those?

You need to get a set of spring compressors like these:

From personal experience, when you're "guesstimating" the high you want to set the coils at, it's better to set them HIGHER than lower. Why? Because if they are too low, you'll be fighting the weight of the vehicle and compression of the spring when you're trying to spin the coils up, as opposed to down. Trust me on this.

Make sure you also have a front strut knuckle spreader.

[Gmoney1147]

I would agree, dropping the subframe adds a bit more time, but makings installing the springs much easier.



You need to get a set of spring compressors like these:

From personal experience, when you're "guesstimating" the high you want to set the coils at, it's better to set them HIGHER than lower. Why? Because if they are too low, you'll be fighting the weight of the vehicle and compression of the spring when you're trying to spin the coils up, as opposed to down. Trust me on this.

Make sure you also have a front strut knuckle spreader.

He doesn't need spring compressors if he is getting new front struts with the springs. I did mine all by hand no spring compressor. The first time I dropped my subframe it took me about an hour because I was dumb realigning it but now it takes me 20 mins to drop it and put it back together when I adjust my rear suspension

[Gmoney1147]

What will be a pain is removing the top hat honestly


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[Denio24]

So how did you remove the top hats without spring compressors?

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[Danaldson]

Point them towards a brick wall and fire away with an impact

Drop the subframe. You're going to need to get an alignment after anyways.

[Denio24]

Point them towards a brick wall and fire away with an impact

Drop the subframe. You're going to need to get an alignment after anyways.

Alignment, yes. But if the subframe shifts left and right then thats a different issue. Am i worrying too much? Ive dropped subframes before on b6's but never had the chance to see where the alignment was at. And i agree its way easier than messing around with the springs.

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[Gmoney1147]

So how did you remove the top hats without spring compressors?

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You slowly loosen them and just make sure you kind of stand out of the way. They don't explode but just be careful. I went slow and it came off super easy

[Gmoney1147]

Alignment, yes. But if the subframe shifts left and right then thats a different issue. Am i worrying too much? Ive dropped subframes before on b6's but never had the chance to see where the alignment was at. And i agree its way easier than messing around with the springs.

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You are worrying to much. It's super simple and easy honestly. And besides you have to get an alignment anyways once you are done with adjusting the height

[Danaldson]

Alignment, yes. But if the subframe shifts left and right then thats a different issue. Am i worrying too much? Ive dropped subframes before on b6's but never had the chance to see where the alignment was at. And i agree its way easier than messing around with the springs.

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Ive dropped the subframe multiple times when changing heights, switching over to bags and never had an issue with my alignment in the rear. I think you are worrying too much

[Denio24]

Thanks for these suggestions. Given my wrenching skills i think this install should be super easy.

Only thing i think i will do is get new subframe bolts.

[Gmoney1147]

Thanks for these suggestions. Given my wrenching skills i think this install should be super easy.

Only thing i think i will do is get new subframe bolts.

Why get new subframe bolts?

[Audibot]

Just mark it before it you drop it. I don't know if it's true for the rear, but I know when Audi does an alignment for the front, they need to adjust the subframe slightly because of the whole "virtual geometry" thing. Might be worth a call to see, since you need to get an alignment anyway after the coilovers settle.

[Denio24]

Why get new subframe bolts?

Basic physics of stretch bolts. Each time it gets weaker when you stretch it.

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[Audibot]

[Denio24]

Another quick question. When it comes to getting an alignment, should I take it to a shop that does alot of work on lowered vehicles, or to the dealer. Reason is, that in the event the subframe is off I'm wondering whether it would just be better to bring it to the tech that is knowledgeable about these suspensions (i.e. the dealer.) I called a local shop and they told me it will take longer than the "two hours" shop time for modified suspensions in the event they need to align the subframe.

[Audibot]

Well, it's pothole season, so I wouldn't be surprised if a dealership in your area had a service special on it. However, it seems your local shop knows what's up, so if they're reputable, why not go with them? Alignments are one of those things that usually have a fixed/flat price.

[Gmoney1147]

Another quick question. When it comes to getting an alignment, should I take it to a shop that does alot of work on lowered vehicles, or to the dealer. Reason is, that in the event the subframe is off I'm wondering whether it would just be better to bring it to the tech that is knowledgeable about these suspensions (i.e. the dealer.) I called a local shop and they told me it will take longer than the "two hours" shop time for modified suspensions in the event they need to align the subframe.

Honestly every shop says two hours. My local shop I take it takes 45 minutes. It doesn't sound like you are going super low like I was then just go to whatever you want.

[Lastsummer]

Denio... Ill be honest, I did my coilover install in my garage with a buddy who is local to me. I expected a very smooth process since I had just done the suspension not that long ago. It was quite the opposite and I recommend taking your time and trusting what these guys are saying. I pulled my whole suspension apart to make sure that everything fit and went in smoothly.
What shop did you reach out to? I highly suggest calling Thalmans up in Glenview. He does most of the cars for the guys around me, including myself. $125.

+++ meant to add, I used the McPherson spring compressor myself. Came in handy because of the different size clamps.

[Ringsby4]

This has turned into a great thread with well posed questions/good responses.My Vogtland coilovers arrive in a few days from the Australian importer ( a bit cheaper than from the US but these have warranty )
I've just ordered these Ebay coil compressors for $A20,what ! yep that cheap,there must be a Chinese dealer of these in America.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171794820...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
That would be a turnaround if you guy's had to order from an Aussie seller It would be costing you ~$15 plus freight lol

[Gsf1200m]

I did shocks and springs last weekend. I dropped the subframe on one side but the bolts were frozen solid on the other. With somebody pushing down on the hub's I popped the rear springs out pretty easy with a small pry bar after I compressed them as far as I could.

The pinch bolt on both sides in the front took a very long time and two people to get out. If it wasn't for that this would have been fairly easy.

[Ringsby4]

I did shocks and springs last weekend. I dropped the subframe on one side but the bolts were frozen solid on the other. With somebody pushing down on the hub's I popped the rear springs out pretty easy with a small pry bar after I compressed them as far as I could.

The pinch bolt on both sides in the front took a very long time and two people to get out. If it wasn't for that this would have been fairly easy.

Did you upgrade suspension or restore ?

[Gsf1200m]

Did you upgrade suspension or restore ?

I put in Revmotoring drop springs, bilstein sport shocks and struts, and all new mounts and hardware.

I rented the spring compressors from autozone for $55 fully refundable when I return them.

[martin0079]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Single-Actio...FWeI1E&vxp=mtr

I am partial to this design when dealing with the rear springs. Also great to use to compress the spring when adjusting the perch.

[Lastsummer]

Advanced Auto and Autozone rent the spring compressors that have different cup sizes. Like Martin said, very useful front and rear. Surprisingly, the rears were very easy to take out with a pry bar. My best suggestion would be to unbolt the bottom to bolts in the lower control arms, unbolt the shock and pop it out and see what room you have from there. I took my rotors and dustshields off for good measure but may have not needed to do so.

[Gsf1200m]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Single-Actio...FWeI1E&vxp=mtr

I am partial to this design when dealing with the rear springs. Also great to use to compress the spring when adjusting the perch.

You used that type for the rear springs? I have one like that but it did not seem like it would fit in there at all so I used the Autozone ones and they worked fine.