Upgrading springs & shocks/struts, help?

[jmarshall79]

I am interested in getting H&R HD springs, Bilstein shocks/struts. I am not able to install these parts myself, trying to find help. At the same time, trying not to get screwed over by a mechanic! Was wondering how long the install was for both springs and shocks? With hand tools and car jack? or professionally installed? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

If i do decide to get the H&R and bilstein parts, should i need any additional parts to do it correctly? for alignment, etc?

 

[4.6vertGT]

if you are getting the H&R supersports, then you will need some caster camber plates.

 

[streetstang03]

find a local mustang board and see if anyone there can direct you were to get everything installed at. Im sure some members would help you install them by buying them a case of beer.

 

[BCB00GT]

For the first time DIY, I would say about 4 hours and you will need two jack stands and a jack, preferably a floor jack.

Not sure what a shop would charge, but I am guessing 3 hours at $80/hr.

For CC plates, add another 15-30 minutes unless you get 4 bolt and need to dill the 4th hole.

Alignment afterwards, maybe $60.

All can be done with hand tools.

 

[jmarshall79]

Tell me more about caster camber plates. How hard is it to install? special tools?

 

[BCB00GT]

CC plates are easy to install, the 3 bolt are a direct replacement. Four bolt CC plates aren't hard, but you do need a power drill for the fourth hole and a good drill bit. I installed 4 bolt first in mine and then ended up using 3 bolt later on.

 

[97speedster]

I agree that you will need CC plates spend the extra money and get the 4 bolt it will actually align out better than the 3 bolts will. And obviously all of this work is going to require an alignment so get it as close as you can if you are going to have to drive it to the alignment shop. I would suggest taking strut bolt center line measurements before you take them out so you can get your new ones as close to alignment of the old ones as you can. Hope this helps.

 

[san~man]

Don't even consider buying a 3 bolt plate.

 

[EPIK]

Get the MM 4 bolt...

 

[urban96]

Get the MM 4 bolt...

yep

 

['03GTinFLA]

Check the regional forums on this site for some local help, as stated above. If your near St Pete Fl I would do if for you. It's not too hard if you have some tools. Where are you located?

 

[Serper3]

the bilsteins and h & r;s are a great combo!
i would try to shop around and find some local shops that can do it for u maybe on the side... i had friends who had shocks and springs installed on other cars for 200-300ish...
u dfntly have to go with the mm plates though...
install is pretty simple but i dont know about letting someone do it to ur car if they would be hurrying and havnt one it before....
i would seriously consider maybe getting someone to help u with the whole install and doing it urself...
just take ur time and and its straight forward pretty much....
as far as the allignment, try to find somewhere where they give u a year warranty so u can go back in 6 months so they can check on it for u...
usually lowered cars are charged more because they consider it a "custom" allignment.. i payed 100 for mine...