Just Got Tokico suspension kit! HELP

HP Addiction

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Jun 14, 2002

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Long Island

Jul 2, 2004

#1

• Jul 2, 2004

• #1

Well after a bunch of power mods, I decided that it is time to focus on handling. Thus, I purchased Tokico shocks/struts (non-adjustable Illuminas) and Tokico progressive springs which claim to give a 1.5 inch drop on all corners.

I really would like to tackle this myself, but I'm a little apprehensive, as I have never done suspension before. I was wondering if anybody has done this or a simmilar set-up and would like to share the procedure. A write up or a link to a write up would be awsome.

As far as tools, I have some pneumatics (impact wrench etc.) and a decent set of sockets and a bunch of basic hand tools. Do I need any "specialty" tools?

 

HP Addiction

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Jun 14, 2002

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Jul 2, 2004

#2

• Jul 2, 2004

• #2

Anyone?

 

damacman

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Aug 12, 2003

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Phoenix, AZ

Jul 2, 2004

#3

• Jul 2, 2004

• #3

Rear = breeze, no sense in going into details it's so easy. You just need to get into it and you'll see.

Front = breezy, hardest part will be to get the tie rod ends off to get the lower A-arm down far enough to get the stock spring out. Use a hammer and hit the tie rod end directly on its face repeatedly and it will pop right off. Again, you'll see when you get into it.

Would be a perfect time to upgrade your UCAs and LCAs . . .

 

0

03gtmustang

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May 26, 2003

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Northern Va

Jul 2, 2004

#4

• Jul 2, 2004

• #4

The springs are pretty easy, just time consuming. They probably take around 4 hours maybe longer. The only thing youll need for the springs is a spring compressor, you cant do the job without it. As for shock/struts Ive never done them before. Make sure you get an alignment too, but not too early. Id say give the springs two weeks or so to settle. Youll probably need c/c plates also. You can go to www.mustangworld.com for a wite up on the install. Send me a PM if you need more details.

 

SHOStang

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May 8, 2002

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Jul 3, 2004

#5

• Jul 3, 2004

• #5

This link should help you out.

http://www.stangnet.com/tech/spring.html

 

AirWolf87

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Mar 14, 2004

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L I, NY

Jul 3, 2004

#6

• Jul 3, 2004

• #6

I had that same exact kit installed at Mustang Magic, they did a great job....ull love it when its done

 

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inferno9898

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May 17, 2003

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Jul 3, 2004

#7

• Jul 3, 2004

• #7

damacman said:

Rear = breeze, no sense in going into details it's so easy. You just need to get into it and you'll see.

Front = breezy, hardest part will be to get the tie rod ends off to get the lower A-arm down far enough to get the stock spring out. Use a hammer and hit the tie rod end directly on its face repeatedly and it will pop right off. Again, you'll see when you get into it.

Would be a perfect time to upgrade your UCAs and LCAs . . .

Click to expand...

I didn't take the tie rods off and the stock springs came out. not easily, but they came out. The only specialty tool I used was some kind of garden tool that I found in the garage that I used as a pry bar to help get the spring out. The link that SHOstang posted is the write-up that I followed. Between that and a service manual it's a piece of cake.

 

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yamie700

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Aug 27, 2003

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MN

Jul 3, 2004

#8

• Jul 3, 2004

• #8

I tried using a spring compressor and it didnt even help. It wouldnt fit. Just used a big prybar to get the stock springs off, just be careful when they are still under a little tension. Don't be afraid to really pry on them and they will come out.

 

AirWolf87

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Mar 14, 2004

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Jul 3, 2004

#9

• Jul 3, 2004

• #9

this is exactly why i paid a little more to have them installed...i dont think going through this is worth it.

 

HP Addiction

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Long Island

Jul 3, 2004

#10

• Jul 3, 2004

• #10

Thanks for the input. Suspension is in, the drop is just what I wanted. Car handles great too. Gonna wait a couple weeks and get the alignment done.