How much should it cost to install springs? Should I do it myself?

[RideOrDie]

I wanted to get the Eibach Z4 springs installed and the quotes I got from the shops around me were all asking ~$1800 for the install + alignment. Is that typical? It's been a while since I had any work done at a shop, but that seems like a lot, especially since the springs are $400.

For that price I was considering just buying the tools and installing them myself. Watched some YouTube videos and it doesn't seem too bad.. I do my own oil changes and put in an intake/downpipe myself. Anyone have experience with this? Any advice?

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[Excalibur]

I was quoted 850 plus alignment where I’m at. I’m in South Carolina.

 

[swrdply400mrelay]

That's really high, are you in NorCal or SoCal?

 

[RideOrDie]

I'm in NorCal.. all the quotes were from "performance" shops. maybe I'll have better luck with standard mechanics

 

[Eastwood]

Most shops I know in SoCal are $250-350 for spring install, not including alignment. Cash (preferred)

For coilovers, $700-850, some shops include alignment if they have an alignment rack in shop.

 

[Subydude]

I did it myself and it was pretty simple. You can do it without removing the front shocks (and they're likely quoting you R&R on the shocks). Get the spring compressors (or rent them) and make sure to do things slowly. There are several write ups on line so I'm not going to write it all here, but it's easily done without removing the shocks.

The rear is also easy and the only thing you really need is a jack to hold the main control arm.

I think it took me 3 hours the first time. Getting an alignment after is needed though, so get that lined up and then do the spring swap the day before. If you have toe plates you can get things close, but that's not really needed as long as the alignment shop isn't stupid far away.

 

[Eplejus]

The Supra is acctually one of the easiest car I've ever changed springs on.

A cheap spring compressor set that clamps onto the spring from each side, a strut top hat nut removal tool (19mm if I remember correctly) and a regular spanner and socket set are all you need.

You don't even need to remove the front struts from the car. Just push the strut down while leaving it attached to the spindle. Put a cloth between the strut and the fender to avoid scratching the paint.

 

[RideOrDie]

Alright, you guys have convinced me to try to install the springs myself.. wish me luck!

 

[kungfujedis]

Alright, you guys have convinced me to try to install the springs myself.. wish me luck!

Hopefully you noticed that bearing is split in half before you reinstalled it... I had that same thing happen to me when installing camber plates. Its a common thing to break when pulling the shock off the mount. You can get new ones on ebay from febi for $20-40 (31306869888).

 

[Eplejus]

Hopefully you noticed that bearing is split in half before you reinstalled it... I had that same thing happen to me when installing camber plates. Its a common thing to break when pulling the shock off the mount. You can get new ones on ebay from febi for $20-40 (31306869888).

I just squeezed them back into the top hat and mounted them. They've been good for the last 6000+ miles since the springs were installed, with no rattling or noises so far.
Can't say I remember any of the ball bearings missing.

I didn't even know they were NOT supposed to come off like this before you posted this

I guess I'll order a couple of new ones and change them out when I do maintenance while the car is in winter storage. Thanks for the info.

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