how to change vitara front coils?

[Andrew81]

What's the easiest way to get the front springs in and out?

Any help would be greatly apreciated

[PRZOOK]

Izook.com has a step by step.

http://www.izook.com/tech/tracker/3inch ... ckkick.htm

Mind you, they are replacing a fair bit more.

When I saw ARB install my new springs, it was a matter of a spring compressor and a crowbar to get the arms to go down just that little bit more.

[SiKiD_01]

i didnt really think you had to do all that. if you're just going to unbolt the lower ball joint, then you could almost leave everything else bolted up.

just be heaps careful and take it real slow.

[SiKiD_01]

when i was still little.

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic.php?t=18337

[SiKiD_01]

heres some more good reading.

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic.php?t=24528

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic.php?t=27582

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic.php?t=25350

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic.php?t=25846

[Charlie]

I'm doing the same next weekend,having previously fitted coil spacers I'm ungrading to 2" Allsprings ,If you want spring compressors try Kmart their only $20.00 or so.
Regards Charlie

www.off-road.com/suzuki/reviews/rromex90.htm

www.rhinoman.org/

[Beastmavster]

The old threads should show my bodgy option....

Unboly the strut at the top (generally the 3 bolts are easier than the big middle one) and then the spring pressure (possibly helped by feet) should be enough pressure to push the front apart enough to replace coils. Bodgy but it will work in the absence of spring compressors.

I would personally spend extra to get better spring compressors.I have the KMart style ones and they are damn dangerous if you're not really careful, cos they slip on the spring easy and can work loose too... ptiong!.


If you're doing the strut topflip remember to loosen the middle nut first.

If you've never done it before on any car getting someone who has to give you a hand is always a wise idea too.

[SiKiD_01]

hey Andrew81, have a look in for sale section, GONZO's selling some 1" body lift blocks.

1" body lift added to what you have now, and you might be able to sqeeze some 31"s in. 30"s at least.

no mods to put a 1" body lift in, and pretty simple too.

cheers

[diffbreaker]

Andrew,
You never mentioned what model Vitara you have. I just helped with a 2 litre Vitara spring change out a couple of days ago and found that spring compressors were an extremely tight fit to use on that particular model (read dangerous). We fitted 2 1/2 Allsprings coils and although we managed to remove the original coil spring using spring compressors to squeeze the spring up, then coat hanger wire to keep the coil spring compressed whilst we removed the original springs. Might have been the type or brand of spring compressors we were using but it didn't matter how we fitted them to the coil spring, we couldn't extract the spring wiith our compressor in place - hence the coat hanger wire. To fit the new coil springs we actually had to drop the control arm (the two hinge points) to allow the new and much longer springs to be fitted. You'll need a camber bolt kit as bigger springs will certainly play havoc with your camber & Vitara's don't have any adjustment as standard. Don't forget to get your car wheel aligned when your finished as well.

[SiKiD_01]

Andrew,
You never mentioned what model Vitara you have. I just helped with a 2 litre Vitara spring change out a couple of days ago and found that spring compressors were an extremely tight fit to use on that particular model (read dangerous). We fitted 2 1/2 Allsprings coils and although we managed to remove the original coil spring using spring compressors to squeeze the spring up, then coat hanger wire to keep the coil spring compressed whilst we removed the original springs. Might have been the type or brand of spring compressors we were using but it didn't matter how we fitted them to the coil spring, we couldn't extract the spring wiith our compressor in place - hence the coat hanger wire. To fit the new coil springs we actually had to drop the control arm (the two hinge points) to allow the new and much longer springs to be fitted. You'll need a camber bolt kit as bigger springs will certainly play havoc with your camber & Vitara's don't have any adjustment as standard. Don't forget to get your car wheel aligned when your finished as well.

yep yep yep! spring compressors are very dangerous. esp if using them for the front of any vit, as there is not enough room for them to be used safely. (even though spring compressors aren't safe at all)
coils up front will have a higher spring rate, and a may need to be compressed a lot (about 3+ inches) for them to come out freely. thats if your not removing the a arm, or the ball joint. and will not do your cv's any good this method either.

[sierrajim]

if you're using spring compresors (even good quality ones) use ratchet tie downs as safety devices, just keep clicking them up as you go along with the spring compressor.

At least if they let go they can't go too far.

[Beastmavster]

hey Andrew81, have a look in for sale section, GONZO's selling some 1" body lift blocks.

1" body lift added to what you have now, and you might be able to sqeeze some 31"s in. 30"s at least.

no mods to put a 1" body lift in, and pretty simple too.

cheers

Lol I've fitted that 1" bodylift kit in twice now so I know
Once in mine and once in antt's

[Andrew81]

Thanks for the info. Suspension is all in. I love it, but the back sits a bit higher than the front (probably 20 to 30mm), might have to look into coil spacers for the front or change the rear.
I'm not exactly sure what the rear is. I think it's gemini front coils not sure what the shocks are from but fairly long. All seems to work well.

Now just need to level it up and get the wheel alignment fixed. Ohh and some new wheels, new bull bar, get my spoties on and....