I may have totally overlooked the .pdf or the DIY for installing the new suspension, but if someone could direct me to a knowledgeable source it would be very much appreciated. I know getting to the top of the struts in the rear goes through the hatch, but I would prefer some insight so that I don't have another lowered vehicle that rides like a log-wagon due to my mistake on installation (RIP '92 Accord EX and expensive fix on my '98 Talon TSi). Thank you guys in advance for any knowledge you may impart.

 

So it sounds like you are looking to lower with new springs and shocks right? There are some great write ups here that are spot on

How to remove front springs to DIY lower;

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...5-srt-6-a.html

How to remove rear springs to lower;

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...-pictures.html


keep the comfort with adjustable sway bar links;

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...your-ride.html

&

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...djustable.html

with a set of these to correct rear camber;

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...-hardware.html

and how to install;

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...mber-arms.html


The front shacks are straight forward, the rears need the two fabric covered panels inside the back hatch area removed to remove the 17mm shock nut. Some members have made an access door/window for the adjustable Koni's

Hope this helps if not the search feature top right is REALLY easy.

 

It won't be because of your mistake, but it will ride very harshly, and depending on how low you go, keep in mind all the other necessary parts you need. Springs for sure, camber bars in the rear, camber Kmac kit up front, adjustable sway bar links, more than likely different spring pads to fine tune, etc.

It will cost north of $1,000 to properly lower this car, not trying to dissuade anyone from doing it, because it is a fantastic mod, when done correctly, just trying to give you a heads up this is not 'off the shelf' project...

 

I already have the Koni shocks and Eibach pro kit springs. Have the camber kit Rob sells on the way. So best as I can figure I just need the sway bars and pads.

I have previously checked all of those links listed above, but could not find a real clear method for installation. I will certainly check on the aforementioned parts I don't have yet and then have a go. I don't plan on going very low at all, just enough to eliminate the gap between tire and fender.

 

I cut 7/8 of a coil off my fronts that had a factory 3 dot pad and it was too low for 245/35ZR19's. I cut 1 full coil off the backs that had a factory 2 dot pad and it rubs slightly at the inner fender wheel well with 285/30ZR20's. I would start off cutting a 1/2 coil like the links suggest and work your way down either cutting more or adding thinner spring pads.

I know the removal of the rears in the thread isn't a step by step with pictures but it is pretty straight forward. Remove the inner lower control arm bolt (22 mm deep socket), the sway bar links, the upper control arm inner bolt (19mm shallow socket and/or open end wrenches), the upper control arm outer bolt is a torx bit and needs asan open end wrench to hold the nut, the top shock nut (17mm deep socket) after pulling out the inner rear side panels, and the spring falls out.

I felt like the fronts were even easier just having to remove the shock nut (17mm deep socket), 2 inner lower control arm bolts (22 mm deep socket), and sway bar caps (1 each side with 2 each 13mm deep socket nuts), and the spring falls out.

I found that putting everything back together was easier to tighten the shock nut first by jacking up the lower control arm under the shock area, then jack the lower control arm into place. Use two people with a good jack (aluminum racing rapid jack) to fine tune the alignment to just easily slide the bolt in. For the front lower control arms I found putting the rear bolt in before the front helped it align easier.

I have taken the front apart 3 times adding different spring pads and it gets easier every time.

I hope this reads how it sounded in my head and didn't confuse the issue more. It is easier to just get your hands on it and it will all make sense.

 

This thread may have the information you're craving. Lots of pictures!

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ravaganza.html

Les

 

Exactly what I was looking for Les, thanks man. Also appreciate the input Jesse, what you mentioned did give me a better idea of what I will be enduring.

 

You can do it yourself if your brave. The rear is easy. A helper is beneficial when doing the front. I did it all myself and hated life while fighting to get the front A-arms to line up. But I managed.

Les

 

Just wondering if it might be easier to use a lift instead of jacks? ideas?

 

The easiest way is with the proper spring compressor. But most owners don't have one or think it's worth it to buy one. So, the cheap way is the hard way. Here's one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Sus...#ht_1451wt_702

Les

 

a lift will be safer than jack stands. You may gain some working room but not much. The jack needs to help push the A arms back into place to line up the holes to insert the bolts so it will have to be lowered to the ground at the end to use the jack to do this.

 

Not trying to be a debbie downer, but he only sells the front bolts ($70) and the kmac kit is around $400. The bolts will not get you back in spec if you intend on lowering much at all. Most of us here have them on our cars, myself included, and I am still .4° out of camber spec.

Don't let it slow you down, the rest of the components you have will yield an awesomely responsive suspension, but I just wanted to give you the real deal before you got further into it. Post pics when you are done

 

I was under the impression that adjustable "rear camber arms and spacers" was the rear camber kit... Also, Les, I have a spring compressor, bought one when I did the accord and used it for the Talon as well. I have helped a couple of people that preferred to not use the compressor the first time, but ended up using it on the other three wheels. SO MUCH EASIER

Edit: Forgot to mention mine is the '04 6-speed.

 

Correct about the rear camber kit being the rear camber kit, I was saying that on Needswings website, they only have the front collision repair bolts for sale, not the KMac kit, as you suggested you got everything from Rob. These bolts will only get your a few tenths of a degree of change, so if you lower it more than an inch or so, plan on buying the KMac kit for your FRONT comber issues.

You will use the compressor on the front for sure, but not the rear...