thanks guys...

now tell me, is it advisable to go with another shock, or just stick with the originals unti they die and then upgrade...further...cutting the springs...because they are not made that way, are there going to be any detrimental effects?

 

I would never cut the stock springs and I know of no reputable mechanic who would recommend it. The Eibach Pro Kit sells for under $300.00 and is designed for the car. I installed mine 3 weeks after I purchsed the car because I know what an improvement they make to the look and handling of the car. Why don't you want to do it right?

The stock shocks are excellent and don't need to be changed. Just cut down the bump stop 3/8" and you should be good to go.

 

i hear what you are saying, but the kit is not readily available in australia...i have had one quote for $650 dollars...either way...would have to import form the states.

 

If the Spring does not seat properly (because it is shorter) it will wear the spring pad and could pop out.
I'd consider that a detrimental effect... Especially on the rear because it will bounce. Talk to a real Certified Auto Mechanic. He may laugh at you, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

 

I would just cut the springs, I had eibachs on my '04 and they are just less 1 coil ! but remember to trim the bumpers in your shocks. Konis are the best and I think only replacement and they're adjustable!

 

what exactly does it mean to "trim the bumpers on your shocks" ?

what are the bumpers?

 

Part # A

 

don't buy the Eibach kit, cut about .75 to 1 coil off your springs, also speedybenz sells a special lowering pad/ or block that mounts to the lower a-arm, it's really slick and allows you to raise and lower the suspension with a wrench, great for corner balancing

here are some of speedbenz design camber kits made for hop
http://www.bnzsport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10008

 

well...rears done....easy, and looks the bomb.

getting onto fronts....got some spring compressors but they are worthless...damn...fronts mega hard...enjoyment has ceased in this project...

 

Has anyone tried to lower the rear using the stock springs and the thinest pads? What sizes are available?

 

LOL.... The fronts are a little more difficult. If you have not tried already, disconect the lower control arm at the inner location and not at the ball joint. With an old style spring compressor like below it is not too bad.

 

I don't think there is any room for that old style spring compressor, the front springs require that you use mercedes benz special spring tool, it costs $500 but you can rent it from several websites on the net. trust me it's worth the extra time in waiting for the correct tool.

try searching the mbz forums, as many people there have done this mod.

 

well i found the instruction manual on another site. will disconnect the a-arm. will use the compressors i have...but to be honest just looking at it i dont think that they are needed! will use the jack to suppport the spring.

another day dawn. front will be done. the will look the bomb.

what is the part number of those adjustable koni's?

 

Maxell.... Have you actually changed the front springs on a Crossfire? I have. A $500 tool is NOT required. The one in my post worked fine.

 

I have a set still in the box if anyone needs a set

 

well the fronts are done.

let me tell you that the a-arm does not pop out easily. i found it had to be man handled. anyway. you dont need th spring compression tool. just a jack ot lower the arm and it works out well.

found to it be a really fiddly job.

also. one coil may not be enough on the front. may need another half. will wait a while and see.

ride nice. feels good.

 

OK...maybe you will have better luck but here is the deal with cutting springs. From the manufacturer the spring ends (cup seat) are flattened to evenly distribute the spring load into the cup. when you cut a coil off it makes one side of the coil higher (not flat anymore). this puts a lot more pressure on one side of the spring cup. The last one i saw cut wore a hole into the spring cup after a year and a half. it was an easy fix by putting a metal doughnut into the cup but sucked none-the-less. could be wrong though.

 

Not on the Crossfire...here's a pic - both the top and bottom of the spring are the same

 

I saw the pics of the specific springs and looks like it will work, they are not the typical euro spring. thanks a lot to whomever sent the pics!

 

let me assure you, it works a treat. but the fronts are bastards to get out.