Strut Install Time

[jackfrost1031]

I'm oging to install strut cartridges, mounts, new springs, and boots on all 4 corners of my VZV21 this afternoon, just wondering how much time I need to plan. I'm a moderate mechanic. Just need to know if this is going to take the rest of the day or not.

thanks

[Erbe]

umm....for a moderate mechnic...i assume you are doin this by yourself so.....8-10 hours...jus basically cus youre doind this install by yourself and its hard with a one man team

[jackfrost1031]

It will be me and my grandfather for most of the time.

Thanks for the estimate.

[steve97]

I am a less than moderate mechanic and I did this alone. I changed both front struts, swaybar end links and strut mounts. And I changed out the rear swaybar bushings.

Took me 10 hours. Spent alot of time compressing the springs. Saw this really cool spring compressor on Tuner, uses belts instead of steel hooks. And he was able to insert his air ratchet and compress the one side of the spring in less than 5 seconds. Geez, wish I had that.

Oh well, the important thing is that all my suspension is now finally quiet.

Good luck. Don't be in too much of a hurry. Be safe.

[a94autoCamry]

took me and my dad about 5-6 hours, but my dads a car mechanic , lucky me....free labor yippe!
but we used that 40 dollar spring compressor, so it took us awhile

[CamNub]

IT will take long...Looking up instructions...Finding that you are missing parts...

Just installing my corners for the first time took me and my friends like 30-45 minutes....And that is supposed to be an EASY mod.

[amerikim]

Originally posted by a94autoCamry
but we used that 40 dollar spring compressor, so it took us awhile

Whats a $40 spring compressor? You bought a pair or ??? I was going to rent them when I get my stuff.

[I4 to V6 Swap]

I found a pair of spring compressors at harbor freight for $9.99
They work great. I completed all four strut swaps in less than 4 hours. Having the right tools is a good thing.

[a94autoCamry]

Originally posted by amerikim
Whats a $40 spring compressor? You bought a pair or ??? I was going to rent them when I get my stuff.

yea i ended up buying a spring compressor, it was mcphearson brand, so i guess it was okay....the dude said if i rented it, it would be like 20 bux for a couple of hours, i think the guy was BS'in tho, so i said the hell with it, i'll just buy the thingy

[Eye8Pussies]

it won't take 10 hours with two people....with one person, maybe....

but two people makes all the difference, especially when you're compressing the springs w/ the wrenches.....takes forever, but if oyu've got somebody to hold onto it, then it's not too hard

other than that, everyelse is pretty quick as long as you line up the strut and the stru mount points right

[Lumberg]

Originally posted by I4 to V6 Swap
I found a pair of spring compressors at harbor freight for $9.99
They work great. I completed all four strut swaps in less than 4 hours. Having the right tools is a good thing.

THAT is good to know.