i know some people installed their shocks themselves and others paid to have it done. i do not have the tools required to install them myself. i called around and am repetedly quoted around $300-$350 just in labor to install my bilsteins. im rather upset to say the least...thats how much i paid for them in the first place. any suggestions? ive heard the rears are easy to install but i still need jacks and basic things. frusterated...please help.

thanks,
adam

 

If you don't have a jack/jackstands and the basic tools, you're screwed. I can give you a link to my spring/shock install page. Look it over and note the requirements. There aren't many "special" tools you'll need. In the front, you need a Torx bit to loosen the drivers side shock tower bolts. If you plan to separate the front springs and shocks yourself, you need a spring compressor. But you could just remove the complete spring/shock assembly and take it to a local shop, where they should separate it for low $$$$'s.

If you don't have the basics like a socket set, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc., now is the time to buy them. Spend the cost of the install labor on a good set of tools.

http://members.aol.com/InjuneerZZ/HALEibch.htm

 

I'd go with what injuneer said, instead of spending money on the install go out by a haynes manual and tool with all the money that you would have spent on labor. You'll learn something about your car and have tools around to work on it too.

 

ive got a nice set of sockets and wrenches. i also have screwdrivers all shapes and sizes haha. i just meant that i do not have jack/jackstands and a spring compresssor. i have a helm manual. i think im actually just going to go for the install myself. ive got a couple friends that have done quite a bit with cars, so im sure it will all work out. thanks for the advice.

adam

 

Dude it is so easy trust me. I just did it along with replacing pretty much every bushing/ball joint up front. Thanks to injuneer's guide, dont worry you wont have a problem doing it yourself. Just make sure you got all the right tools torx-50, 3/8'' allen wrech (had to make a few trips myself)

 

You can rent the spring compressors at autozone or buy them, i think they're around 30 dollars, not to bad.

 

I bought my spring compressor for $13.99 at harbour freight.

 

wow i'll have to check them out, i've seen they have some good prices on power tools, never really looked into any of the automotive stuff.

 

alot of people dont understand when u tell them about renting stuff at autozone

it doesnt cost you any money

u just have to put deposit to borrow the tool and when u return it u get the deposit back, u spend nothing, its great

but theres a general rule of thumb, if u hav to borrow it twice, you're better off buying it

 

This is not an easy job on the front of these cars.

A guide will help alot and shoeboxes is good. But this is hard work.

You should do the rear shocks first. They are much easier than the front. If you have a hard time with them. Then take the car to a mechanic and have them do the fronts. You will have saved at least part of the labor by doing the rears yourself.

I did both ends myself so I know what I am talking about.

Best of luck.

Z28

 

I agree. The front take a little more time than u think. But not impossible. I did mine in a few hours. the only thing is the frontend makes a funny clunking nosie now. I think it a ball joint. when I was doing it i noticed they all were ripped. But were tight still (no play).

 

Come on down to my garage w/ a case of beer and we'll git 'er done.