Shock installation Saturday, May 17th

Does your idea of a great Saturday start with installing some Vmaxx coilovers on a Miata? If so, I've got great news! I'm planning on installing my new suspension on Saturday morning this very week, and you're more than welcome to come help out. All kidding aside, my mechanic skills are so far limited to changing oil and swapping out wheels, so a seasoned pair of eyes would be very helpful. I've done my homework, and it doesn't seem like a terribly difficult job, but some guidance certainly wouldn't go amiss.

I should have all the tools I need (10mm - 21mm sockets, extenders, ratchet, torque wrench, jack, 2 jack stands), but if you can think of anything else that can help and wouldn't mind bringing it along it would be greatly appreciated. I just need to get some PB blaster to soak the bolts on Friday night and I'll be good to go.

I'm located in Plano, and I'll be starting around 8-9am. Beers available afterward (or during if you're into the morning drinking thing). PM for details.

They're full assembly coilovers? If not you'll need some spring compressors.

I've got compressors. Bring it by here, we can knock it out in an hour or two.

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Originally Posted by OZMDD

I've got compressors. Bring it by here, we can knock it out in an hour or two.

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PM sent. Hard to tell if it made it, though. Nothing ever shows up in the sent box.

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Originally Posted by stinkydragon

PM sent. Hard to tell if it made it, though. Nothing ever shows up in the sent box.

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That's controlled thru your settings under 'Sent Private Messages:'.

http://www.dfwmiata.com/profile.php?do=editoptions

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Originally Posted by sammm

That's controlled thru your

http://www.dfwmiata.com/profile.php?do=editoptions

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Learn something new every day. Thanks!

As far as spring compressors go, correct me if I'm wrong, but using the long bolt method you just leave the top hats in the car and use the jack to slowly unload the spring, correct? So no need for the compressors. That's the assumption I was operating under above. I'll be reusing the stock top hats so this makes it easy to not have to remove them at all.

Edit: actually now I'm not so sure. I'm reading conflicting information on different explanations of the "long bolt method". Guess I'll have to do more research.

That's how I did mine.

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Originally Posted by stinkydragon

As far as spring compressors go, correct me if I'm wrong, but using the long bolt method you just leave the top hats in the car and use the jack to slowly unload the spring, correct?

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That's why I asked if the new coil-overs are complete assemblies. If they are, no spring compressing needed!

PS
Yes, long-bolt is the way to go.

Ok, thanks everyone. I think I've got a handle on it now. Probably going to start Friday night to give myself some buffer time in case anything goes wrong.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sammm

That's why I asked if the new coil-overs are complete assemblies. If they are, no spring compressing needed!

PS
Yes, long-bolt is the way to go.

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I can't emphasize on this enough. I tried to avoid the long bolt and try to go with the method with the bolt under the shock and took me hours to put it back in. Thanks miata.net!

I've seen OZMDD swap whole suspension in like an hour but if it's your first time and you take your time and do it right using long bolt method by loosening the front sway bar and all, it should not take you more than 4 hours at most. I might be down to help on Saturday after around noon if you need a hand. I need to swap my soft top and do some other stuff on the car so if you want, maybe we can do a tech day. I have 2 more jackstands and a few basic tools that I can bring to help :)

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Originally Posted by S2K_MoZo

I can't emphasize on this enough. I tried to avoid the long bolt and try to go with the method with the bolt under the shock and took me hours to put it back in. Thanks miata.net!

I've seen OZMDD swap whole suspension in like an hour but if it's your first time and you take your time and do it right using long bolt method by loosening the front sway bar and all, it should not take you more than 4 hours at most. I might be down to help on Saturday after around noon if you need a hand. I need to swap my soft top and do some other stuff on the car so if you want, maybe we can do a tech day. I have 2 more jackstands and a few basic tools that I can bring to help :)

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Thanks for the offer! I've actually got some plans Saturday afternoon, so I'm hoping to get the shocks done in the morning. However, if I'm still at it by then, I'd definitely appreciate the help and I'd be happy to lend a hand with the top if you need it.

Dunno why you guys hate the "short bolt method"?

It's worked well for us for years. I guess its all in what you're used to.

This should help muchly. I have a buddy that is also doing his suspension but is waiting on bumpstops. If you want to make a suspension swap next weekend you are welcome to join. I have all the tools, to include spring compressors.

http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/22-...lt-method.html

Thanks everyone! I got them put on tonight (just finished at 2am, but it was worth it). Took it for a quick drive, and it's a definite improvement over my 80k mile stock bilsteins.

Quick question. Everyone says to torque the parts to spec when all four corners are on the ground, but how do you reach in there? Also, what's the best practice for adjusting ride height? Do you just lift one corner at a time and adjust the perches?

You don't have to have the wheels on the car to torque with preload, just use a jack to raise the control arm till it just starts to lift the car and then let the jack down ever so slightly and torque bolts. As far as height adjustment, ya I just did one corner at a time and when initially setting ride height it took a few adjustments but after the suspension settled and I had to raise it, I managed to adjust each corner the first time. I just installed Fat Cat Motorsports coil overs last weekend, not to difficult at all. :chug: