Putting springs on..the proper way

[240sx_sr20det]

Could someone explain to me step by step how i can put springs on my 1990 240sx se without having the spring launch, seen it happen on a wrx, and could you please give me the step by step instructions on how to successfully put the springs in? i searched but could not find, i think im gunna go with intrax since it looks like they have the best drop 2.1 in front and 2.2 in the rear. Thanks!

[S13-Silvia]

I found this, but its for an S14. I will be similar to an S13.
http://importnut.net/240springstrut.htm

[los_inc]

try this (http://www.240projects.com/89hatchback/240sx89_struts.html) out

[240sx_sr20det]

thanks those two sites definitely help out alot!

[Eric240sx1990]

well first, you must take many safety precautions. The spring is held onto the strut/shock with a perch and a plate at top. The plate holds the shock in place on the spring perch. YOU MUST get a spring compressor. The ones that you can rent from like autozone are fine. They will be 2 clamp looking things.

When you compress the spring, evenly screw both spring compresssors half a turn each time, so as to not make the spring bend one way, that is the lead to it slippin off and shooting across the room(or into your head). make sure you have the spring strut combo firmly gripped in a vise. Ok once the compressors are far enough down where you have play in the spring ,you must now unscrew the bolt on the top. This bolt holds the top spring plate on, and is what keeps the spring from flying off. You may need a impact wrench, or 2 ppl to unscrew it. All you need to do is hold the strut in place so the piston doesnt spin.

once that is off slip the top plate, the spring and the spring perch, if it is removable, off. now your set to put ur lowering springs on. Just follow those steps backwards. and your done. Just be sure to take as many safety precautions that you can, wear gloves, eye protection, possibly a helmet if your that worried.

You could also take the old springs/struts and new equip. to a tire or brake shop, and they will probably do it for you in like 10 mins for 20 dollars.

Have fun

[MOUNTAINGARAGE]

must use spring compressors???? NAAAAAHHHHH Cooter says,".....just use an impact on the top shock tower(3) and strut bolt(1).......after that, when you jack the car up everything will fall out." (use your head and unclip the brake line first).

if you get real low springs you can usually get away with assembly by yourself without a spring compressor. If you weigh less than 150lbs. get help.

thanks, have a happy new year.

[240sx_sr20det]

thanks again guys all this is of big help.. any requests on what springs i should get?

[projectRDM]

FYI, the rear springs on both S13s and S14s are not under enough compression to fly off, so there is no need to compress them. I've done dozens like that with just hand tools. The fronts are under tension though, and for the beginner I'd definitely use a compressor.

[Leetheslacker]

you can take the shock out, put the top hat in a vice and shoot the shock across the floor into some pillows or something.

but if the new springs are tall enough to have tension, you need compressors to put them on.

[HyperTek]

do what mountaingarage said, remove the spring while they are still in the car..

[240sx_sr20det]

yeah hypertek and mountaingarage thats how i was originally going to do it because i heard it from a friend but i wasn't sure if that would work..i think ill get a spring compressor just in case

[the terrible one]

don't be stupid. use the right tools for the job. BE SAFE. do what Eric240sx1990 said.. get the spring compressors from autozone or something. they let you rent it out and ask for a $40 deposit. when you return them theyll give you back your $40. so its basically free.