The other day I started installing my new tockico springs and shocks. So far I have only started the fronts because I have been putting in my new bushings, but I have one porblem so far.

I am not sure if it is normal or not but when I have the front dampers and springs installed and there is no weight on them(the car is on jacks) the springs aren't compressed at all. I can spin the spring around out of position. I have to push the damper down about and inch just to hit the spring which makes sense since the springs lower the car an inch.

Any help would be apreciated, thanks in advance,

Rob

 

So with the nut on the top of the strut tight, the spring isn't compressed? They should fit at least flush w/ the top & bottom mounts. Tho, when I used my Mercedes springs for the rear, they didn't get tight until I put the car down. Post a pic of them.

 

The springs are physically shorter then the stock springs are they not? If so then thats most likely whats going on. They're just not taking up the slack. The springs are stiffer and they lower the car so they're most likely not going to be as tall as the stock springs.

 

Ya... with everything installed the spring isn't even hitting, I have to press down on the top a little before it even hits. Now obviously when the weight of the car is on them it's fine. The only thing that would be a problem with this would be if I launch the car off a huge jump,which I wasnt planning on. Im only a kid and I have never installed aftermarket suspension on any vehicle before so I just wanted to make sure this was normal with lowering springs.
Thanks again,
Rob

 

you'll be fine. I rarely take my car airborne... (never)
even if you did, the spring will fall back into place when weight comes back down on the suspension... but trust me, it will make a lot of noise. You're going to bottom out all four struts hard if you ever launch your car.

 

That is normal. It's great to not have to use a spring compressor when working on your suspension! You ever seen one of those come flying off the spring?! Holy CRAP! It could kill someone! They have better one's now that use safety straps but you could still break a hand when they let go.

 

Thanks guys, Like I said I am new to this so just wanted to be safe, I got both my fronts on and they look good. I even boxed my A-arms and painted all my suspension components a really cool gunmetal colr so my car is looking much better.

Also, I was thinking of making my own strut bars and was just wondering if the studs that come up through will be long enough, I figure they should be but just wanted to hear it from someone whos already done this.

Thanks
Rob

 

As long as the steel plate you use to bolt the bar on isn't too thick then you'll be fine. But try to make sure the nuts still fully thread onto the studs and aren't only half way threaded or anything.