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could a newbie install TRD struts and springs?

Discussion in 'Suspension & Brakes' started by highonscion, Jan 27, 2009.

  1. Offline

    highonscion New Member

    Member Since:
    Oct 24, 2008
    Location:
    2006 tc
    about a month ago i was going to order some TRD shocks/struts and TRD lowering springs from trdsparks. i called Lexutech (the place i've been taking my car for warranty stuff and checkups) they told me that installing the TRD struts/shocks and TRD springs would cost $860 not including the price of parts. this obviously pissed me off but i decided to get an AEM CAI instead of spending over a grand of my savings on suspension stuff. now im considering attempting the install myself and i've installed some CAI's on a couple cars but unfortunately thats the extent of my experience around a car. would i be able to get some spring compressors and do the install myself without totally fouling up my car?
    any info/opinions/experiences would be great!
    highonscion, Jan 27, 2009
    #1
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    • Staff / Moderator

    navylife59 Super Moderator

    Member Since:
    Mar 22, 2006
    Location:
    2005 Scion Tc
    It can be done with the right tools and lots of patience. Just like replacing brakes, do one side at a time. Our Tech Section has everything that you need. http://www.club-tc.com/forums/suspension/

    Tools Required:
    1. torque wrench 1/2" drive preferable
    2. Breaker bar - 1/2"
    3. 1/2" drive impact wrench
    4. 1/2" drive socket wrench/set
    5. Jack stands
    6. 1 ton floor jack.
    7. Metric wrench set 10mm~19mm.
    navylife59, Jan 28, 2009
    #2
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    bdis3 New Member

    Member Since:
    Jan 20, 2008
    Location:
    2008 Scion tC
    Its tedious. I can do a lot with my car, but I left that one to my friend was a mechanic. If you're confident though, go for it!
    Good Luck
    bdis3, Jan 28, 2009
    #3
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    SquallLHeart New Member

    Member Since:
    Feb 4, 2007
    Location:
    '06 Scion tC
    damn.. struts and springs should be at the most a $300 install... most places are more around $200.. and a decent shop that knows what they're doing can be as low as $150

    if i were you, find a buddy proficient at installs and have him help you out.
    SquallLHeart, Feb 3, 2009
    #4
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    highonscion New Member

    Member Since:
    Oct 24, 2008
    Location:
    2006 tc
    awesome!
    now i just need to find that buddy who actually knows his ish about cars...
    highonscion, Feb 4, 2009
    #5
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    StreetBrawler89 New Member

    Member Since:
    Nov 20, 2008
    Honestly, I dont know much about suspension but putting the springs and struts on with the right tools was easier then I thought, once you have done one wheel you can do them all, the hardest part, for me at least was getting a spring compress. Also, after you do the install you should take it to your local stealership and ask them for a 4-wheel suspension alignment, they have the specs for the TRD springs and will do a better job than midas or any other shop, also the alignment should only cost you around 80 bucks
    StreetBrawler89, Feb 5, 2009
    #6
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    highonscion New Member

    Member Since:
    Oct 24, 2008
    Location:
    2006 tc
    where could i get a spring compressor?
    highonscion, Feb 8, 2009
    #7
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    Redneck4csa Premium Member

    Member Since:
    Oct 2, 2008
    Location:
    07 Scion tC
    You should be able to pick one up at your local auto parts store.
    Redneck4csa, Feb 8, 2009
    #8
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    navylife59 Super Moderator

    Member Since:
    Mar 22, 2006
    Location:
    2005 Scion Tc
    Yes, Autozone has tools like this for rent/buy.
    navylife59, Feb 10, 2009
    #9
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    Mengsta <font color="#fb7014"><b>Club-tC Supporting Vendor

    Member Since:
    Feb 13, 2007
    Location:
    07 Tc
    LOl wow $860 bucks? geez. Anyway you should definitely do it yourself. But I would advice to keep a full day open, maybe even two. In case you run into problems, things can always happen. It might not be much a big deal if you had another car. But anyway if you want personal experience, the front struts were a B*TCH. Top nut for the mounts didnt want to come off, instead it would just spin the whole shaft. Besides that its easy lol.
    Mengsta, Feb 10, 2009
    #10
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    navylife59 Super Moderator

    Member Since:
    Mar 22, 2006
    Location:
    2005 Scion Tc
    Impact wrench solves that problem though not recommended by some manufacturers. You have to use a large box end wrench on the nut and smaller one on the shaft. There are some specialty sockets also. Lock nut only has 35 ft.lbf torque on it. When using wrenches, it might make it easier to break the torque (Not Remove!) on the lock nut with first with the strut installed and weight still on the wheels. The same can be to get the final torque. Remember, DO NOT remove the nut until the strut is secured in the spring compressor after you have compressed the spring of course.
    navylife59, Feb 17, 2009
    #11
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    StreetBrawler89 New Member

    Member Since:
    Nov 20, 2008
    And dont do like me and strip the lower connecting strut bolt!
    StreetBrawler89, Mar 1, 2009
    #12
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    Mengsta <font color="#fb7014"><b>Club-tC Supporting Vendor

    Member Since:
    Feb 13, 2007
    Location:
    07 Tc
    Lol yeah i've stripped my share of bolts. Lesson learned.

    I cant stress enough on a good set of tools. Ive noticed that a 12MM will not always be the same as a 12MM from a decent/good brand. Especially when it comes to alot of torque, a socket that isnt exact can strip a nut.

    And i dont mean you have to get a super expensive brand, I have Stanleys and they are half the price of Craftsmans, yet the quality is stilll good and grabs way better than the no-name brands at wal-mart or so.
    Mengsta, Mar 2, 2009
    #13
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    StreetBrawler89 New Member

    Member Since:
    Nov 20, 2008
    Yeah, I was using a Lowes brand and it did the job but I got some sand from the wind in the grooves and didnt realize it so when I tried to tighten it it rubbed, stripped, and I had to limp it to a dealership to get it fixed.
    StreetBrawler89, Mar 2, 2009
    #14
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    navylife59 Super Moderator

    Member Since:
    Mar 22, 2006
    Location:
    2005 Scion Tc
    Even Craftsman is being made overseas. I prefer to pay the price for US made. Better quality and usually comes with a true lifetime warranty. I have a few Snap-on tools (Snap-on - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia), that belonged to my Grandfather who owned a garage/ fill-in station from 1920's to sometime in the late 40's. These were passed down to my Father who, in turn, passed them down to me. I have used and abused these tools and they still are in great shape and work like a charm. I plan on passing them down to my Sons.
    navylife59, Mar 8, 2009
    #15
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    StreetBrawler89 New Member

    Member Since:
    Nov 20, 2008
    Snap-on is a great brand, but like navy stated they are a bit more expensive, if you plan on doing anymore mods or really anything else that requires tool fork over the cash for the good quality and American labor, but if you just need a single tool to get a single job done, just get whats around
    StreetBrawler89, Mar 8, 2009
    #16
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    Sifu New Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 17, 2009
    Location:
    2005 Scion tC (BSP)
    I know I'm a bit late but maybe someone else can benefit from this. Fragmented because previous posters already answered them.

    You can do the install yourself just make sure you have all the right tools!!! Do not think about getting farther until you do. If you don't have decent tools then either borrow some from a friend (then sucker them to help you).

    A spring compressor will save you hours but is not necessary. It is highly advised to try to get one though as hand cranking the spring compressor gets tiring and loosening seized bolts (even with a nice breaker bar) will start testing you.

    The only problem we had were the rears. You have to make sure they are aligned properly or they will not fit. It took us a couple of tries and the spring compressor decided to conk out on us. We must have spent close to two hours compressing and uncompressing the springs and re-aligning them for every try. Oh yeah I also forgot... Don't forget to get an alignment after your done.

    Now the debate about tools. If I could I would purchase Snap On tools. They really do have some of the best tools in the industry but they do come with a very hefty price (the kit I want is near $6,000; that's without the impact set). Crapsman; although not the best are still better than the Chinese/Taiwanese stuff you get at the local autostore and for the garage mechanic are very decently priced (until you start getting into their newer lineup of tools). Those cheap Chinese/Taiwanese sets will just ruin the bolts, screws, snap, etc. Don't buy a headache.

    Sears is always having sales on tool kits. I recently purchased my second set of 150 auto mechanical tool kit for about $110. That set I just keep in my trunk.

    Hope that helps anyone.
    Sifu, Mar 19, 2009
    #17

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