My car came with H&R lowering springs, but I want to swap them out for Tanabe DF210s. Will I need a spring compressor in order to reassemble the struts? Thanks

 

Yup. Rent 'em--they're cheap.

 

it'd be easier if you did.
anytime u disassemble the strut, it's always easier

 

Okay cool. I think my local Schuck's autoparts has them for rent...

 

its not any harder without one, but its fuggin scary!

 

I know what you mean! haha

But, like I said the car is on H&R springs right now and I just want to swap them with the DFs.

I never did the spring install so I don't know how much compression there is on the springs right now and if I'll need to compress the DFs for reinstallation (the hard part might be getting the bolt back on the piston rod). According to the posts above, I'll still need a spring compressor.

 

You don't need one any more. only for oem springs.

 

Mistakenly followed your advice...

For clarification:

For removing the H&R springs, no compressor needed. It will just pop a little when removing the piston rod bolt, but nothing catastrophic.

However, you DO NEED the compressor for INSTALLING the DF210s. I couldn't get the spring caps/hats(not sure the proper term) bolted back on, unless I compress the DF210s. I tried to do it the "ghetto" way and use the car's weight to compress the spring in order to get the piston rod bolt back on, but the DF210s have a stiffer spring rate.

Gonna go rent a spring compressor in a little bit

 

Do you have a 300 or a 400? How old are your struts?
That sucks, but I did not have that issue

 

Might as well rent the tool. In the end, it'll cost you a bit of time, but well worth it. It's better to have tools than not

 

just curious. why the switch to DFs? i have H&Rs too. the ride is OK. if theres something better...

 

I have a GS300. Not sure how old the struts are, but they seem to be in really good condition. I've tried pulling the piston rods out further, but the struts have too much pressure.


Yeah I went ahead and rented the tool. I just got the fronts on but then it got too cold outside when starting on the rears. Gonna have to continue in the morning.



You're right, the H&Rs ride pretty good. The H&Rs lower 1.4"f 1.3"r and the DFs are 1.8"f 1.3"r. I guess I wanted the extra .4" drop in the front ...I guess to even out the wheel gap compared to the rear. Coilovers would have been a better option though, but we'll see how I like the drop.


Here's a pic of the front with the H&Rs, 2 finger gap (pic doesn't have a good angle). I don't have a picture of it with the DFs, but it's 1 finger gap now. BTW, those are brand new 20" wheels. 20x8.5 +35f and 20x10 +40r. I'll post a pic of the entire car once I get the chance.

 

truuue. how about spring rates, which springs are harder? thats a shiny *** car btw!

 

I'm not too sure about the spring rates. The H&R website doesn't mention the spring rate, but the Tanabe DF210s are 6.0 / 5.6 (doesn't specify units of measure).

I'll let you know how they ride compared to the H&Rs once I get a chance to test drive. I still have the rears to do, and I have to roll at least the front fenders.

BTW, the pic is deceiving. The car's paint isn't really that great (swirls, scratches, chips, etc...) because of neglect from prior owners, but I still keep it clean.

 

the units are most likely in kg/mm