urbanknight

iTrader: (14)

This how-to is based on my install of the Tein Coilover suspension kit, but it should be very similar with Jic Magic, Ralliart/Eibach and most other shock/spring combinations. You can also use these instructions if you are just installing springs.

Tools required:
- floor jack and (4) jack stands (or a lift)
- impact wrench (or spring compressor)
- socket wrench
- breaker bar (long socket wrench without ratchet)
- sockets: 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm (maybe others)
- wrenches: 12mm, 17mm, 19mm (maybe others)
- flathead screwdriver
- pliers
- rubber mallet
- hole punch (or any rod about 1/8-1/4 inch diameter)

Instructions:
1. jack car up onto jack stands or lift *never work under a floor jack
2. remove wheels (impact wrench or breaker + 19mm socket)
*mark tires to remember where each one goes

Removing original front shocks:
3. remove (3) bolts from top of strut tower in engine bay (14mm + socket)
*if you have a strut bar, pull that off at this time.
4. remove clip that holds the break line to the shock (screwdriver and/or pliers)
5. remove (2) bolts holding the shock to the axle (breaker + 19mm + 19mm wrench)
*might require impact wrench and mallet
6. slowly push axle down and pull shock assembly out
*do not pull axle too far down
7. remove top parts from shock assembly (impact or spring compressor + 17mm)
8. repeat steps 3-8 on other side

Installing new front shocks:
9. follow shock diagram on manual for assembly of new shock & spring
*some parts off original shock may be needed
* notice any fitment of cap to top of spring
10. Set ride height and/or dampening per shock manual (Tein = 30mm, level6)
*does not to apply to non-adjustables, such as Eibach/Ralliart
11. tighten shock assembly (reverse of step 7)
12. remove brake cable bracket from original shock (12mm)
13. install brake cable bracket on new shock (13mm for Teins)
14. put shock back on with (3) strut tower bolts *hand tight for now (re: step 3)
15. Install and tighten the bottom bolts holding shock to axle (re: step 5)
16. tighten strut tower bolts from step 14
17. replace brake cable clip, holding cable in place (re: step 5)
*if you have a strut bar, you may reinstall it now or after the entire install
18. repeat steps 9-17 on other side

Removing original rear shocks:
19. fold rear seats forward
20. remove (2) plugs and plastic panels behind rear seats (screwdriver)
21. remove trunk liner (just pull it out)
22. remove (4) plugs holding trunk interior (push centers & pull plug)
23. pulling back trunk interior, remove (2) bolts from strut tower (14mm + socket)
24. Remove (2) bolts holding axle to shock & control arm (breaker + 17mm + 17mm wrench)
*might require impact wrench, mallet, and hole punch
25. remove sway bar bolt from control arm (14mm socket + 12mm wrench)
26. repeat steps 20-25 on other side

27. Push control arm down and pull shock assembly out
28. remove top parts from shock assembly (impact or spring compressor + 17mm)
29. repeat steps 27 and 28 on other side

Installing new rear shocks:
30. follow shock diagram on manual for assembly of new shock & spring
*some parts off original shock may be needed
*notice any fitment of cap to top of spring
31. Set ride height and/or dampening per shock manual (Tein = 30mm, level6)
*does not to apply to non-adjustables
32. tighten shock assembly (reverse of step 27)
33. put shock back on with (2) strut tower bolts *hand tight for now (re: step 24)
34. repeat steps 30-33 on other side

35. install bolts for axle, control arm, and shock *hand tight for now (re: step 24)
*might require mallet
36. repeat step 35 on other side

37. tighten bolts from steps 33 & 35
38. reinstall and tighten bolts for sway bar (re: step 25)
39. repeat steps 37-38 on other side

Finishing up:
40. recheck the dempening levels
*does not apply to non-adjustables
41. reinstall trunk interior (reverse of steps 19-22)
42. replace wheels *once on the ground, torque lug nuts to about 80 lb

*Tein does not recommend use of an impact wrench, so use with caution and discretion. Short blips with "authority" are best
**place all fasteners and small parts in a safe location to avoid losing them (ie. kicked under a car, etc.) before the reinstall
*** author is not responsible for any misquoted tool sizes, missed steps, or any other liabilities related to this article

SPECIAL THANKS to Rob and Gabe at Road///Race for advice, help, and use of their shop and tools for this install

Discuss thread here

urbanknight

iTrader: (14)

Make sure to get an alignment after any suspension modifications. Also, I plan on installing Tein camber plates on the front soon, and will do a respectove write-up.

CadiLuva

iTrader: (4)

Here are some pics of the front passenger side strut disassembly.. 3 bolts on top of the strut in the engine bay.. and two large bolts near the brake assembly.. also remember to take off the brake line clip.. the clip has a lip at the bottom just grab some pilers and pull it down..

CadiLuva

iTrader: (4)

Here are some pics of the rear passenger side.. i suggest removing the 2 bolts on top of the strut before anything.. the strut WILL NOT COME DOWN on its own.. i actually had to pull down on it pretty hard.. also take off the 1 large bolt on the bottom of the shock and the other large bolt under the brake assembly..