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03-30-2000, 04:58 PM | #1 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 292
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Elmer, NJ USA
Vehicle:2011 BMW 535i Havana Metallic |
Update on suspension work (H&R's)!
I don't get the H&R's til tomorrow, but I figured I would start tonight to see what was involved in taking off the factory struts/springs on my 99 Legacy 2.5GT.
OK, first of all, it took me about 3 hours to get the drivers side items out. For reference, I could take my DSM suspension all the way apart and both together in 2 hours (after doing it a dozen times, you can breeze thru it). I learned some new profanities trying to get the the top mounting nuts on the rear struts. What a massive PITA! Also, my brake lines were attached to the front and rear, so I had to dremel the brackets and bend them (so I don't have to bleed the brakes). It's a very doable job...I did it alone. And I will be finishing it alone. I will swap the springs tomorrow night and reinstall the drivers side and PRAY that my 47mm offset wheels don't rub. This may all be for nought. Questions for Jamie: 1) Where do you mount the brake lines when you switched the the AGX's? I know you mentioned that you zip-tied the speed sensor cable up on the front, but I don't remember you mention the brakelines. Do the AGX's have mounting tabs? 2) How do you adjust the AGX's? Are the fronts top adjustable and the rears have a dial on the outside of the housing? Thanks. I will keep everyone informed. Kevin www.lagging.com |
03-30-2000, 05:49 PM | #2 |
GC84Ever
Super Moderator Member#: 301
Join Date: Sep 1999
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: WA
Vehicle:1970 FF-1 & '70 Van 02 WRX/01 RS |
The brake lines:
There is the same mounting "bracket" on the AGX's as on the stock strut. You will have to get a little hacksaw... cut them... bend gently.. insert brake line... and bend back to original position. Adjusting AGX's There should be a "little" screwdriver enclosed w/your struts.... if not, you'll need a small screwdriver in order to adjust them... - fun adjusting the rears... get to climb underneath the car and get all dirty... yummy! lemme know if there are more ?'s Kev!! |
03-30-2000, 06:11 PM | #3 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 292
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Elmer, NJ USA
Vehicle:2011 BMW 535i Havana Metallic |
Hacksaw??? Hehe, nah, that's for ppl who love to maximize the labor. I bought a dremel, and it works wonders in situations like this. I will just cut them all and bend with some pliers.
My back is killing me...must have pulled something during the initial work. Hope it's better by tomorrow! BTW, were you able to mount the shorter H&R springs without compressing them? I was able to do this with the Eibachs on my Laser (I could start the nut on the top hat without having to compress the spring...makes it easier). Lower and slower in Jersey, Kev |
03-30-2000, 09:25 PM | #4 |
GC84Ever
Super Moderator Member#: 301
Join Date: Sep 1999
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: WA
Vehicle:1970 FF-1 & '70 Van 02 WRX/01 RS |
YOU hurt YOUR back???
R Squire says "HAHAHAHAHAHA!" as he hurt his as well helping me work on my struts!! LOL! ANYWAY...... we compressed all the springs... not too labor intensive w/the compressors... u should be ok... although i couldn't imagine doing this all alone |
03-31-2000, 04:16 AM | #5 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 292
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Elmer, NJ USA
Vehicle:2011 BMW 535i Havana Metallic |
I end up doing all my mods alone...funny thing is I help my friends and all do their stuff, but when it comes to working on my cars, they are always busy. Go figure.
I think I aggravated something in my lower back the day before when I was lifting. It felt fine while working on the car, but after I was done yesterday it was killing me. It's off on the right side above my glutious maximus (sp?), and it's not any better today. And I have to fit the H&R's tonight...this is gonna be fun. Any advice on a tool for getting at those top mounting nuts on the rear struts? There is not enough clearance to get a ratchet/socket in there, and using an open ended 12mm is a PITA. Also, that little metal 'hat' over the top of the bolts really makes it tought to get anything securely on those nuts...I am thinking of leaving the hat off when I reinstall. I measured the before height of my car and will post the before/after numbers when I am done. Anybody know the best way to 'roll' a fender if my tires do rub slightly? I am trying to avoid using a baseball bat in the wheelwell technique if I can Kev |
03-31-2000, 07:30 AM | #6 |
GC84Ever
Super Moderator Member#: 301
Join Date: Sep 1999
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: WA
Vehicle:1970 FF-1 & '70 Van 02 WRX/01 RS |
duh! sorry Kev...
leave the metal "hat" off.. damn thing serves no purpose anyway... much patience is required to get at those damn rears... after removing the back seats.... i loosened the plastic "siding" next to the rear side windows - slide those aside... this'll give you a tad more room but still not a whole lot... it's not easy... just take your time... i am gonna send you a pic of the fronts sometime today... take care... j. |
03-31-2000, 08:17 AM | #7 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 292
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Elmer, NJ USA
Vehicle:2011 BMW 535i Havana Metallic |
Yeah, I took that little plastic piece off the side also...it was the only way to move the wrench far enough to be able to reposition it again to move it somemore (that damn hat!).
Glad to know you left the hats off...I figured they were really only on there to keep dirt/etc off the top of the assembly. I will see how far I can toss these things in the fields near my house! The pics of the fronts would be super-sweet! Hope the H&R's are waiting for me when I get home. Better get the aspirin/Tylenol flowing, my back is totally shot. Kev |
04-01-2000, 04:55 AM | #8 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 292
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Elmer, NJ USA
Vehicle:2011 BMW 535i Havana Metallic |
OK, I got the springs in. Phew, what a workout, and I don't recommend doing this yourself. Trying to reinstall the assemblies alone is a huge PITA.
OK, I can't believe how SMOOTH it rides with these springs! The car always seemed jarring ever since I got my rims/tires, but now it's GREAT! Of course, I have to get it aligned...it feels like the car is plowing some (toe in). Problem: my rear tires are JUST SLIGHTLY rubbing on the fenderwell. Hmmm, what to do? The tires are actually rubbing on the side a bit (I KNEW the 215's would haunt me). I am going to try to roll the fenderwell a tad with a baseball bat (sounds worse than it is) or pipe. I don't want to have to buy new tires right now, the P7000's are in great shape. The car looks SWEET, the rear wheels are almost tucked. I don't want to get it aligned until I can see if I can stop the rubbing in the rear first. Cya! Kev |
04-01-2000, 09:07 AM | #9 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 480
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Vehicle:1998 Legacy GT Wagon |
Hey there you 2.
I getting my Eibach's and AGX's installed today. I wanted to do it so badly, but confidence was lacking so I got this guy to do it for me who works at a dealership. I dropped the car off an hour ago - in the afternoon hopefully if everything goes well.....things will be TIGHT! What is the recommended breakin period for the KYB's? When should I start turnin them up/down? Can't wait....kinda nervous.....hope the system lives up to the expectation and hype I wonder if mine is the 1st wagon to have this setup. Let you guys know how it went later. GTMAN 98GT Wgn |
04-01-2000, 09:19 AM | #10 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 480
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Vehicle:1998 Legacy GT Wagon |
By the way, what were your camber and toe settings for the front and rear?
The guys gonna do mine max camber as the setup will allow (prob about 1.1deg) in front and stock in the rear. Toe I think he sid he will keep it stock. Thanks, GTMAN |
04-01-2000, 01:46 PM | #11 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 427
Join Date: Oct 1999
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: Bend, OR
Vehicle:'91 SS Legacy EJ257 DOHC/18g/FMIC/V.8 6spd |
For alignment settings these are what I have used with great results.
Fr: -1.5 deg. camber w/1/16 toe out Rr: -1 deg. and strait toe Settings may vary for max camber tho. You can use some force or if in dire need use some power tools to slot your struts mounting holes. -Matt |
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