Suspension Install Questions - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

blinkwatt · 12-31-2007, 10:12 PM

Alright so I can't seem to find anyone to install springs for a reasonable price so I'm going to do it myself.I could really use your guys help. Please where you know the answer(s)

-What special tools will I need?

-Does the whole front/rear need to be lifted while working or could I just raise one side at a time?

-From what I've seen after you remove the front spindle nut you should be able to remove the strut assembly by pushing the shock down correct? Where will there be space to push the shock down? The directions in the Bentley and on Renntech say to push down....push down on what? The top of the shock located where the 3 nuts are moved?

That's according to these directions;
http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=7073

-I've seen 3 or 4 different ways of taking apart the rear. Mladen,what's different from the front and rears?

der Geist · 01-01-2008, 08:43 AM

The link you posted is for a 996. I think this is the link you want:
http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=4091

There is a much easier/better way to do it posted on this forum by djomlas. As far as special tools I think you will need some long socket extentions, and a spring compressor which can be rented. Other than that it is pretty straightforward.

blinkwatt · 01-01-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by der Geist

The link you posted is for a 996. I think this is the link you want:
http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=4091

There is a much easier/better way to do it posted on this forum by djomlas. As far as special tools I think you will need some long socket extentions, and a spring compressor which can be rented. Other than that it is pretty straightforward.

Thanks.

Looks like I with the money I save I will just buy coilovers instead of springs.

I can't believe the least expensive quote I was given was $700 for labor at a indy shop.....$1.4k for labor at the dealership.

blinkwatt · 01-01-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by der Geist

The link you posted is for a 996. I think this is the link you want:
http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=4091

There is a much easier/better way to do it posted on this forum by djomlas. As far as special tools I think you will need some long socket extentions, and a spring compressor which can be rented. Other than that it is pretty straightforward.

Hmm look like I just need to get a ball joint and I could do the job on my own. Not bad.

Anyone know where I can find it?

djomlas · 01-01-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Hmm look like I just need to get a ball joint and I could do the job on my own. Not bad.

Anyone know where I can find it?

look for that thread i had on the install...you dont need a ball joint removal tool at all...
i did it all myself...takes about an hour or so per side....once you do one the rest will be easy.
i posted step by step kinda thing w a picture explaining what to take off first.

yeah, i cant believe they charge that much to install something as simple as springs...

blinkwatt · 01-01-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djomlas

look for that thread i had on the install...you dont need a ball joint removal tool at all...
i did it all myself...takes about an hour or so per side....once you do one the rest will be easy.
i posted step by step kinda thing w a picture explaining what to take off first.

Alright now I'm 99% sure I can this!

Dude your technique of wacking the ball joint out with a hammer kinda scares me. You didn't rip or bend anything that way?

racer_d · 01-01-2008, 07:14 PM

While I never changed my springs, I recall the issue being the rears are more time consuming than the fronts. Not sure if it is an access issue (ie the top) or having to do with removing more parts of the rear suspension to get the parts out. Yes, you will need new ball joints and perhaps even a specialized tool to remove the ball joints. You will also need a 4 wheel alignment once completed. (est $250-300). Your quote for $700 seems average to "low" compared to numbers I recall being thrown about when I was considering an upgrade?

What will you be upgrading too (spring wise)? If significantly stiffer than stock, you will want to either have your existing shocks (dampers) revalved or replaced to work in harmony with the new shorter/stiffer springs.

* Generically, any "coilover" is a situation where a coil is wrapped around a shock. In essence, your car already came with a "coilover" system

djomlas · 01-01-2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Alright now I'm 99% sure I can this!

Dude your technique of wacking the ball joint out with a hammer kinda scares me. You didn't rip or bend anything that way?

its a rubber hammer, so no harm.
it sounds weird, but once you get in there you will see what im talking bout.

boxs2000 · 01-01-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Hmm look like I just need to get a ball joint and I could do the job on my own. Not bad.

Anyone know where I can find it?

NAPA autoparts or ebay is the cheapest. I know Napa can order it if they do not have it in stock. The only problem is that I forget what size it is. I bought mine there for less that 20 bucks and it did the job.

blinkwatt · 01-01-2008, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxs2000

NAPA autoparts or ebay is the cheapest. I know Napa can order it if they do not have it in stock. The only problem is that I forget what size it is. I bought mine there for less that 20 bucks and it did the job.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=11407&st=0&p=56444&#entry56444