replacing the stock suspension

[RustyHo88]

Alright, here is my dilemma. The 1988 accord I was originally working on (the reason I joined this site) is now owned by my brother who lives in oregon. It badly needs shocks/struts/coilovers, and I might as well replace the ball joints, and maybe the CV joints while I am at it. anyway, I'm a total suspension Newbie. I've never messed or tried to fix anything relating to the suspension of any car. However, I've been doing my homework, I'll have supervision, and I am ready to take the plunge. First off, I need parts. I don't want to lower my car necessarily, but the general trend I have seen is that the parts to lower our cars are more readily available as well as less expensive. I definetly don't want to have to get a camber kit, and I'd like to continue using the existing stock rims (new tires would be ok) after the work is done. So, what do you guys recommend?

Also, a few more questions:
1. What is the deal with these adjustable coilovers I see on Ebay? Do they essentially determine the height the car rides at, regardless of the shock/strut?
2. What is a 'spring?' Is it the same thing as a coilover? (don't flame me for this one )

Thanks everyone! I hope I don't lose a lot of respect on this board for asking these stupid questions

[k-roy]

A coilover is adjustable spring assembly. I do not reccomend them for street use. They are usually hella stiff. But at a track they definitly have a benifit. The spring is just a spring. Either way you will need new shocks.

Suspension work is a real bitch and a half. Bolts are rusted and can break. Air tools kick ass. If you do not have any you will need a long 1/2" breaker bar for extra torque. Get a bottle of this shit:

It kicks ass for loosening bolts.

If you do not want to get a camber kit use Neuspeed springs, they do not always need a camber kit. Good call on replacing the ball joints. You should replace the tie rod ends as well. If you have access to a lift that would rule. If not a pair of good jackstands will do. After you get this all done take it and get an alignment, or you will have premature tire wear.

[RustyHo88]

So, when the car is stock... what is those springs that is covering the shocks and struts? are those just 'springs?' Do I need them? I ask this becuase they are pretty well rusted, and might break. So, Neuspeed springs you say? I can deal with that. What about Tokico?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2446351988

If those are no good, let me know. If I buy something like these, do I need anything else? I was under the impression you needed coilovers, guess I got some bad info.

I could get a lift, but it would be from my mechanic freind, and i would HAVE to finish it in one night. so, ill probably stick with the jackstands. AMEN to rusted bolts... ARGHHH. I cant begin to count how many stupid bolts ive broken on that car. The worst was the alternator belt tensionser bolt. man... you cant buy new ones of those. anyway, thanks for the help kroy.

[k-roy]

I like Tockico blues. That is a good price for a set.
I can do the whole swap in an afternoon. You NEED to get a spring compressor to remove the tension when you remove the spring. If not you might hurt yourself.

Check out the howto section. There is a good article there. You might also want to get the manual from Paul's site. http://www.pauldesign.ru

[RustyHo88]

Hehe, it is funny you should mention the 'How to' section. That was actually the first place I looked. Apparently, the very first 'how to' made was on replacing your shocks/struts. But, the site that that post redirects you too in outdated, and none of the pictures work. Oh well, guess I'll have to pull out the 'ol Haynes manual again
I know I need the spring compressor, Ill borrow one from my freind whos a mechanic.
So, am I understanding you correctly? All I need is those Tockco shocks, and I am set? (minus other parts like ball joints ect.) I dont have to buy coilovers, or springs (whatever they are)?

Thanks Yo

EDIT: just for reference purposes, here is the link in the 'How To,' on replacing your Shocks/Struts
http://quadmobile.virtualave.net/struts1.htm

[Justin86]

if you want to lower it then get some lower sprints and the better one are H&R and Neuspeed. Except for the lower part you should be set and you have repair manual so have fun!

[k-roy]

You will need spring and shocks to lower the car properly. H&R and Neuspeed offer the best ride for a lowered car, and they do not drop it too far. You should goto Paul's site for a real Honda manual for free.

[RustyHo88]

I have pauls manual, it has saved my life many-a-time.
I don't really want to lower my car, I just want a new suspension. But if I can get lowering springs cheaper than stock spec ones, Ill do it, I just don't want to worry about the camber kit and such. If I get coilovers with the lowering shocks, and I just adjust the coilovers to ride at the original height.... will that keep me from having to buy new tires?

[SteveDX89]

You don't want coilovers for what you're doing. Search around for prices of springs and struts. If you're not lowering and OEM stuff is cheapest, use it. If you want a little drop, use Neuspeed springs or H&R's. They should work with Tokico's since they're relatively soft.

Here's a pic of springs.


These are coilovers. They allow to adjust your ride height but they're very stiff.

[RustyHo88]

Cool. thanks for the pics by the way. the OEM stuff is cheaper? can you tell me where? the autoparts stores I went to (in town and online) all had prices around $400+. I dont want to spend a whole lot of money on it. I won't be driving it, and its a rust bucket anyway (hence my username ).

[SteveDX89]

You'll have to check prices to find out what's cheaper. Make sure you include shipping cause sometimes you can get shafted with that.

[k-roy]

According to Majestic Honda the stock springs new are $48 a piece. You should go with H&R or Neuspeed. They are cheaper, sit slightly lower and tighten up the car a bit.

[RustyHo88]

Originally posted by kroy
According to Majestic Honda the stock springs new are $48 a piece. You should go with H&R or Neuspeed. They are cheaper, sit slightly lower and tighten up the car a bit.

Are you talking about just the springs when you mentioned H&R and Neuspeed, or were you talking about the shocks? Majestic Honda... I never did check out that place, thanks for the advice. Ill keep looking.

[k-roy]

Oh god. I am jost talking about the springs at this point. You can get a set of H&R or Neuspeed (SPRINGS ONLY) for under $200. Then you will still need the shocks. The tokicos you mentioned earlier will work fine for that price.

[RustyHo88]

Originally posted by kroy
Oh god. I am jost talking about the springs at this point. You can get a set of H&R or Neuspeed (SPRINGS ONLY) for under $200. Then you will still need the shocks. The tokicos you mentioned earlier will work fine for that price.

I am sorry I am frustrating you. Just take comfort in the fact that you know more about suspension than me . Thanks for everything btw.