Fitting Suspension - Easy or Hard?

[Hammer]

Hi all

For the uninitiated, how easy or hard is it to replace the suspension of the NB?

I recently bought some 2nd hand OEM shocks with aftermarket lowered springs [approx 1.5" or 37mm] for my NB, and would like to know what's involved in fitting them.

I'm not experienced on any suspension work on cars, so I don't have the know-how & where to start. But I can be handy so long as I have guidance and the information on what to do.

Where do I start and what tools will be required?

Thanks in advance.

[AJ]

it's not difficult if you've done it before Hammer, however for the uninitiated newbie, which you admit to being, it is fraught with pitfalls, I'd suggest you have a small dodgy day & get a couple of experienced guys around to guide & help you ...also a helluva lot easier with an extra pair of hands.

factor in a wheel alignment immediately afterwards too

[philz]

It's not difficult to do on the rear, front is slightly trickier.

You will need a good 1/2" socket set + breaker bar and (torque wrench IF you want but not required), trolley jack, jack stands.

The main spanners/ sockets you will need are 14mm, 17mm and 21mm (21 not really required you can use your lug nut wrench)

There are a few DIY instructions on m.net.

[sliq]

Agreed. As AJ said, best to have someone with a bit of experience by your side. Just bribe them with lunch, like i did.

you'll be needing a torque wrench as each bolt that holds the shock in place has specific torque specs. Some wd40 for those stubborn nuts, your ratchet/socket set, plenty of elbow grease, and preferably a set of latex gloves, to keep your hands clean throughout. And apart from the obvious, i.e. Jack and jack stands, that's all you need.

a recurring problem i have been noticing of late is the rear left shock being stuck to the lower control arm for aftermarket shocks. This is Due to the rooted thread in the nut on thread.

[wun911]

I did it myself and I was a nube (100% solo no help)...
There is a good write up on the big forums.
Mine was coil overs so that makes life easier in my opnion.

[Szemen]

http://www.villacorte.com/miata/gc_coilover/index.html

Follow this website. Great website with pictures.

[Garry]

The first time is the hardest. I can do all four on my car by myself in a bit over 2 hours now. The rear is the easiest, the front a bit harder. I use the long bolt method on the front because for some reason I cant split the front ball joints on NB's. That long bolt is really tight on the cars that I've worked on.

As others have said, if you are fitting lowered springs you'll need to factor in a wheel alignment. But dont rush into it. I'd drive around 400-500km to let everything settle in first.

[stevesports]

i guess the best is to take your time. As others have suggested, get the tools ready and go slowly. The long bolt is really the most difficult part. Annoying to get it out!

[SPy vs. SPy]

Unicorn arrived here promptly at 0800 hours yesterday, was in the air and rear done within the hour, we were then called away for "calorie intake #1"

Took 2ish hours to do the front, before being called away for "calorie intake #2" & "beer intake #1"

washabout shixteenhundred hoursssss before we gotshhhh the boot liningsssssss backsh in.

If, as stated, you were keen, you can do it in 2 hours easy.

Long bolt method rocks, just remember to drop the sway bar mounting bolts out enough so they don't get in the way.

SP's need the lower intercooler pipe removed on the right hand side too.

The plastic tray underneath is an integral part of the cooling too, so put it back on.