Ok I am hoping to have someone install them within a week. I know a lot of points were discussed through numerous threads, but I would like to combine all that information into one thread. What do I need to now to tell the installer to make installation smoother. Doesn't a cap need to be knocked off for the coilovers to fit. Is that just for the front struts, or all around?? What is it exactly, and how is it done?? Any other helpful information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Altima is sold. In with the new:
I have no friend that would have the slightest clue of what to do. I am the most informed of anything car related, and I still have no idea what to do. I don't mind paying a shop to do what I can't and get the job done right.
use duct tape around the struts where the sleeves go on...keeps them snug on the strut = less movement = less noise.
i also used blue RTV sealant on the bottom of the sleeves to also help keep them snug...go to nissan performance mag .com and check out the suspension part of the 200SX 1.6 build up. Mike Kojima did a whole write up on how to make the GCs as quiet as possible. the fronts will still make noise when turning (the "tong" sound). but the sleeves will be tight as hell. believe me, they are on there good...
also, dont know if this is a problem with 1st gens or not, but i had to shim the front strut mount because the nut wouldnt tighten down and the mount had play in it. i just used a 1/2 inch inner diameter brass washer under the nut along with a couple stainless steel washers and tightened that bish up. no play in the front mounts any more.
and i agree with Phelps...do it yourself! its not that hard...really. theres bound to be a member in your area that knows how to do this...he could help you. just go to the regional forums and ask someone. youll save big $$$ and learn about your car at the same time. with how many times ive done my suspension, if it was 200-300 bucks to get stuff done i would have spent an additional 600-900 dollars not including alignments getting stuff done to my car. ive got about 3 grand into my car, and because ive done everything except the exhaust and clutch myself, ive saved nearly 2 grand probably! and im 10Xs more knowledgeable about cars than half the people i know who have been doing this for twice as long!
but if youre not going to do it yourself, more power to ya. youll love the setup though...i do!!!
Have fun with those, I have the exact same set up (GC/Tok's) but I just ordered D2's. So I will be swapping these out for the D2's. Can't wait until I can put them on.
Thanks for all the info guys, I appreciate it. I'm still sticking with having it professionally done though, just because I want things to go right. I got recommendations from a friend, and a performance shop to go to the same person. Its some guy that works at a Meineke and works after hours on your car. So I'm gonna give him a call, get a price.. and hopefully it will all workout in less than a week. If I don't go with him, I may go to a local shop that said they would do it for $60 an hour and promised not to be longer than 4 hours. I've dealt with them before so they may be the ones to go with. I will post pics as soon as they are on.
Well I was thinking that too, but these guys take a really long time to do stuff, such as my stereo installation took 2 days for a simple wire up. So I could see them taking forever and chargin me a lot.So I went with the shop recommended guy. His rate was promised to be no more than $375.. including alignment and everything. He said is could definetly cost less, if it takes him less time. I feel safer with this guy anyway.
Have fun with those, I have the exact same set up (GC/Tok's) but I just ordered D2's. So I will be swapping these out for the D2's. Can't wait until I can put them on.
nice man. Hey, nothing wrong with getting someone to do your stuff. I did my own install, but then, I also was unemployed and had a lot of free time on my hands to sit around play. When you've got a busy life it's no shame in having someone else paid to work on your car.
And Soc..."ive saved nearly 2 grand probably! and im 10Xs more knowledgeable about cars than half the people i know who have been doing this for twice as long!"
And Soc..."ive saved nearly 2 grand probably! and im 10Xs more knowledgeable about cars than half the people i know who have been doing this for twice as long!"
you tooting your own horn there or what????
(i hope you're being sarcastic...:P LOL)
nope just stating a fact...i have saved lots of money, and i have a buddy whos been doing stuff to his car longer than i have, and he knows next to nothing...says "when i want to buy something, i research it then..." instead of researching everything he can regardless of if he would buy it or not.
im just totally into cars...used to hate them, now i love them...and want to know all i can possibly know. thats why i work on my car...save money, and learn! plus when you have a guy whos been working on cars his whole life who WANTS to help for no money, and just wants you to work along with him and learn, then why take it to a shop? plus, its cool hang-out time!
and 2 days for a simple stereo install? it took me and my buddies about an hour to install my amp/sub and do all the wiring (hidden except for the power wire...oops! didnt feel like taking the dash apart to run it through the firewall...LOL)
i wonder why that shops still open! LOL
by the way, i know i wrote a lot, but i really try to encourage people to do their own work... and help when i can (anyone in mississippi who needs help...!!!!! LOL)
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