And how hard is changing struts and springs and how hard is it to use a spring compressor??? I would try to do it if it's not that hard. I put my AEM cold air intake on myself, and my front strut bar so compared to those tasks how hard is it to do? Thanks,
Rob (GSsport)

Yes you can rent a spring compressor. It's pretty easy to use. Also, you won't need a spring compressor to install lowering springs. Most of them are short enough that you can just push them down enough to get the nut started onto the strut. I would say "Yes" that you should be able to install them yourself, if your careful. Remember to get your re-aligned after you install the springs.
Joe
97 GS w/ Hahn stage 2
Keep cruisin' & keep the shiny side up.
http://joeseclipse.homestead.com

Yeah, just as BLKOUT said, it's pretty easy as long as you take your time and do it right. It took me about 3 1/2 hours to install springs and struts with front and rear camber kits....also with an impact wrench. Also, I rented a spring compressor but never used it. The stock springs only expanded like another 1/2 inch. It's up to you though. Either way, you shouldn't have any problems.

John
john99rs@hotmail.com
http://johnseclipse.homestead.com

if you have an RS it will be easier because no sway bar links to unbolt. those damn things added about 2 hours of time to my install. it took me six hours to do just the front, after doing the front left twice cause i didnt knock off the spring perches when installing the coilovers. if you have a GS the sway bars will likely give you a hard time, if not, lucky you, its still easy though
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blue2gnt@hotmail.com AOL IM - ThreeRedDiamonds

you're wrong there bucko the RS has sway bars in the front.

Chris
Project RS
"I wish my car was a chick magnet....instead it's a cop magnet!"
chrisdishmon@hotmail.com
http://www.geocities.com/chrisdishmon/project_rs.html

all this talk about spring perches has got me wondering. i have coilovers installed, but i don't know if they were knocked off. does anyone have a picture of a strut's "spring perch" or can you describe what it is to me? would it be possible to notice if i look to see if they were knocked off? also, do the back shocks have spring perches or is it just in the front? i wanna make sure everything is set up right, and i hear that if the spring perch is knocked off, the coilover will sit flatter. or is it lower?

let me know... pj
1996 Talon Esi - Eclipse rear end

The spring perch is simply the seat that the spring sits on. When you install factory (regular) style spings, they sit on the metal seat and then they are topped with the upper spring bushing and mount. However when you install CO they have they're own lower mount which is movable up/down, hence the adjustablilty. This lower mount is installed on a threaded sleeve. In order to install the sleeve you have to remove the factory lower spring seat (spring perch). I know you probably know most of this, but I put it here in case someone else doesn't. Hope this helps a little.
Joe
97 GS w/ Hahn stage 2
Keep cruisin' & keep the shiny side up.
http://joeseclipse.homestead.com

you can rent a compressor at auto zone for free, if you leave a refundable deposit. I didnt use. You dont need it at all if you use lower springs. as for difficulty: Its not *difficult* at all... just takes a ton of time... mine took close to ten hours. Do yourself a favor and get a breaker bar (i didnt have one at the time) and save yourself 5 hours.

dude, i have seen your car, believe me your perches are gone. that bitch was slammed what, 4 inches?!? no perches there. if you had perches you couldnt go lower than stock. i had my coilovers set all the way down with the perches on and it RAISED my car! i had positive camber! you dont want to see positive camber either, that shit is funny, i could have climbed in my fender gap and slept in there it was so big. so your perches are off
http://www.geocities.com/blue2gnt