A few ruca install Q's

[morpheus8486]

I just got a pair of spl ruca's and can't get into a shop until wenesday so I'm thinking I might just try installing them myself this weekend. First of all, it isn't really that hard of an install is it? And could somebody give me the tourque specs on all the bolts? And one more question. Since I have some aftermarket springs and stock struts am I going to need to use a spring compressor? Thanks.

[SpeedMonkeyInc]

2 Bolts. Its really easy. I don't think it would take more than 30min.
1. Jack up the rear.
2. Take wheels off.
3. Get the two bolts, their on there pretty good so use a breaker bar.
4. Make sure your aftermarket arms are the same length as the stock and install.
You will find that how much you can adjust is limited with out toe arms. I had a lot of negative camber and couldn't do anything about it until I had toe arms as well, alignment just went too far out to even drive.

[SpeedMonkeyInc]

Oh wait, you have an S13! I didn't think about that.....Your RUCAs are a loop that go around the shock right? I don't think you need a spring compressor, but still the whole operation is a little more complex, and more tools needed. If I where you I would get a factory service manual and the tools needed and just go for it.

[MakotoS13]

take note of the degree of alignment on the aliugnment bolt. white paint is handy here.

after gaining access to the wheel well unbolt the strut from the bottom and put the RUCA around the strut in accordance to how its supposed to go... this is after you remove the old one of course... bolt it back up (if you break the bolts you need to work out less). line up the mark you made on the alignment bolt (or just take it to a shop and have it done).

i just said fuggit, i needed an alignment anyhow. you'll need rear toe arms to correct the toe out effect but it'll still be drivable.

[lilredstiffy]

Unless the car is wrecked/tweaked toe arms aren't really needed unless the car is very low. However, the rear toe arms definitely make it way easier for you or your alignment guy to dial it in.
From memory you want to torque the bolts to something like 80ft/lbs...do it yourself, its insanely easy. Just get an alignment afterwards.

[ranisron]

thank you for asking this question morpheus8486... I am getting powertrix Toe rod + RUCA... and I was planning to do the install myself...

basically, this is a very straight forward install, right? I guess my FSM would held, and I do plan to get an alignment after the install (I am installing coilovers as well).

[projectRDM]

No FSM needed. Take a glance at it with the wheel off and you'll easily figure it out. If not, you need to find a new hobby. It's as easy as taking the wheel off.

[ranisron]

I am worried that I may fuck shit up... oh well, it will be a good chance to learn though

plus, I need to print off the actual pages...

[Dousan_PG]

pull of wheel
use a 19 and 17mm tools iirc, breaker bar, some liquid wrench and a few hours of your time (if your a scared newb)

botl in bolt out
its not hard. its not rocket science.

and no you dont need toe links. my friends car is DUMPED and still uses stock toe links w/ spl uppers and his toe is fine. he has toes (we are sponsored by SPLPARTS) and hasnt put them on (yet--will be soon).
toe is nice but NOT necessary, does give a more solid feel back there though, i had them on my s13 and have them my s14.

[ranisron]

thx guys.

1 more day I get to buy all the parts :)

[morpheus8486]

Now I'm kinda glad my kyokugen lug nut key stripped out the first day I brought it to a shop. haha, they couldn't get the wheels off so they didn't do any work. It sounds like it shouldn't be hard at all, they only thing I'm concerned about is the springs and probably blown struts, but whatever. I'll see what happens. Thanks for the help.