MProrok@gmail.com wrote:
> On Feb 16, 8:41 am, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>> MPro...@gmail.com wrote:
>>> Hello- I recently bought a '99 Civic HX, which the previous owner had
>>> put in a coil-over kit that stiffened the suspension and lowered the
>>> car about 1.5". Now I have changed jobs and have a much longer
>>> commute, and the hard ride is starting to get old (handles great
>>> though in cornering and quick maneuvering). The car has low mileage
>>> (65k) and gets 40+ MPG, so I'd rather restore the original ride height
>>> and quality than sell it for something else. I have two questions
>>> before I get too far along:
>>> Is this reasonably do-able for a weekend mechanic?
>>> and
>>> What tools and parts am I likely to need?
>> if you have the right spring compressor, it's easy enough. but the
>> right spring compressors are not cheap or common for hondas because the
>> coils are very tight. you can fudge with bad ones, but they're not a
>> good idea [potential damage] or safe to use.
>>
>> you can often find stock pre-assembled units for sale used or from a
>> junk yard because ricers swap everything out and get rid of the stock
>> units cheap. check your local craigslist.org. if you're new to the
>> suspension game, that's the easiest way to go.
>>
>>
>>
>>> I did see in another post the suggestion to get the shop manual for my
>>> car, and have ordered one.
>>> Thanks!
>
> What does the pre-assmbled unit consist of? Would installing one
> still call for a spring compressor?
> Thanks for the suggestions too.
>
the "unit" is a pre-assembled shock, spring and end cap, so no special
tools [compressor] required. great for a the d.i.y-er. if your
existing gear is high mileage or you live in the rust belt, it's a good
idea to change out all this stuff anyway.