$500.00 to install springs!!! plus $140 for alignment: outrageous?
#16
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
To install lowering springs, the average rate is about an hour a corner. This is to remove the strut, disassemble and reassemble with the new springs, and reinstall. Plus you would need any alignment.
Coilovers are much more involved. There is the removal and installation of the units (which is the same as the stock struts more or less), and then the ride height setting. We charge 7-8 hours to install coilovers. This is because it can take up to 4 hours to properly set the ride height and get it perfect. A lot of guys measure from the fenderwells and call it good (this is not the way you should do it), but you really need to use height bolts and measure off the factory suspension points. This will allow you to measure a corner to the mm. Sometimes you have 3 corners perfect, one is off 2mm, you change that, and it in turn throws off another corner (that was previously on the mark). What this involves (for those that don't know), is putting the car on the lift, removing all the tires....turning your settings on each strut up or down depending (1 turn of the nut is suppose to equal 2mm IIRC, but I have found that to not be exactly true, so you are guessing when you turn the nut as to how much it will change), putting the tires back on, putting the car back on the ground, rolling the car back and forth over a 20-30 foot area, and rechecking the ride height on the ground. If it is off, you push the car back on the lift, pull the tires, and repeat the process. For me to get everything exactly perfect, takes probably an average of 10-12 times coming off the lift, and I have done more than I care to admit. Sometimes you get lucky on the 3rd or 4th try, but not usually. Some people are content with measuring the fenderwell and saying...ok 25 1/4 - 25 1/2 on each fender...sounds good. Maybe I am too picky
Coilovers are much more involved. There is the removal and installation of the units (which is the same as the stock struts more or less), and then the ride height setting. We charge 7-8 hours to install coilovers. This is because it can take up to 4 hours to properly set the ride height and get it perfect. A lot of guys measure from the fenderwells and call it good (this is not the way you should do it), but you really need to use height bolts and measure off the factory suspension points. This will allow you to measure a corner to the mm. Sometimes you have 3 corners perfect, one is off 2mm, you change that, and it in turn throws off another corner (that was previously on the mark). What this involves (for those that don't know), is putting the car on the lift, removing all the tires....turning your settings on each strut up or down depending (1 turn of the nut is suppose to equal 2mm IIRC, but I have found that to not be exactly true, so you are guessing when you turn the nut as to how much it will change), putting the tires back on, putting the car back on the ground, rolling the car back and forth over a 20-30 foot area, and rechecking the ride height on the ground. If it is off, you push the car back on the lift, pull the tires, and repeat the process. For me to get everything exactly perfect, takes probably an average of 10-12 times coming off the lift, and I have done more than I care to admit. Sometimes you get lucky on the 3rd or 4th try, but not usually. Some people are content with measuring the fenderwell and saying...ok 25 1/4 - 25 1/2 on each fender...sounds good. Maybe I am too picky
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#19
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
They want 1.5 hours a corner(X4) at there custom shop rate of 120.00+ $720.00 and they charge $375.00 for an alignment......... ridiculous, anyone with a spring compressor, or want to do a side job in the Bay area for some extra cash....
DAN
DAN
#23
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Dant it usually takes us 4-5 hours on a C2 to do springs. We usually focus more on PSS9s, JICs, Motons etc... as doing springs isn't going to really do anything for the performance of the vehicle. In fact, we've found it more often than not unsettles the car a bit more. The shocks are under-damped and so on... We don't do alignments in house though. It's an easy enough job so if you want to save a few bucks you could easily do a DIY on it. It's pretty easy as you were saying. Nice talking to you on the phone! And if you need to borrow a spring compressor I have a few
![Wink](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#25
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Nicolaasdb
I takes about 2-3 hours to install springs and another hour for allgnment...4-5 hours is what you charge your client...but over an hour per wheel?? come on!!!??
#26
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I may try and do it myself.... does anyone know of a good DIY anywhere on the internet... and if you can let me borrow that spring compressor for a day, that would be awesome!!!! But in the meantime if anyone has done this before and wants to make, say $300.00 on the side, I will be more then happy to pay you for it.
Please let me know through PM
Dan
Please let me know through PM
Dan
#28
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by dant
I may try and do it myself.... does anyone know of a good DIY anywhere on the internet... and if you can let me borrow that spring compressor for a day, that would be awesome!!!! But in the meantime if anyone has done this before and wants to make, say $300.00 on the side, I will be more then happy to pay you for it.
Please let me know through PM
Dan
Please let me know through PM
Dan
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#29
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by dant
I may try and do it myself.... does anyone know of a good DIY anywhere on the internet... and if you can let me borrow that spring compressor for a day, that would be awesome!!!! But in the meantime if anyone has done this before and wants to make, say $300.00 on the side, I will be more then happy to pay you for it.
Please let me know through PM
Dan
Please let me know through PM
Dan
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#30
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist Member
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you are doing lowering springs, you do not need spring compressors. The stock springs are not under much pressure, if you hit the top nut with an impact during disassembly, the spring comes apart under force, but only enough to barely pop the strut and spring apart. What i do, is lay the strut on the ground, get in front of it with the air gun, and point the strut away from me. It will launch all of 6 inches. Going back on, you can set the strut on end and compress it enough yourself to put the top nuts on. Normally I would say always use spring compressors, but you definetly do not need them for this job, in fact, as dangerous as spring compressors are, you are probably increasing your chance of getting hurt by using them in this particular application.