fbgh2o

I received my X-74 suspension from Gert at Carnewal a few weeks ago (what a great vendor!). Since then I have been reading everything that I can here, Renntech etc.

I am now debating whether to do the project in my garage, on jackstands, or to try to find a lift to use (the only one that I have access to is 120 miles away and my TR6 is currently sitting on it and does not roll - so I cannot move it easily), or contract with my indie to do it.

Key facts:

• Car is a Carrera 4 (adding to the challenge)
• My wrenching skills are 4 or 5 on a 0 to 10 scale
• I have most tools, but do not have a compressor or impact gun (yet)
• My garage is heated
• Indie will be about $1,000 to do the work

What are the collective thoughts? Do it myself here, wait and use the lift or have a pro do it.

Sneaky Pete

I did the change on my C4 with the help of my local TireBarn store. I made buddies with the Manager and we tackled the work on a Sunday afternoon. He really wanted to help and I gave him a couple hundred bucks for his trouble + 4 hours labor. Having a lift is soooooo much better to work under. I thought I would also do it on jack stands but then thought.....who am I kidding. The install is very straight forward. Unbolt, remove old and put on new.

Good luck with the install! You are going to be very impressed.

CWhaley

Do it yourself in the garage on jack stands! Tools are rather basic and a compressor is not really needed.
When you finish it you will feel like the "KING of the WORLD".

mpd425

Save the money and do it yourself.

Dennis C

If I were you, I'd be dying to get it installed. It sounds like you have the required skills - I vote for do it now on jack stands in the garage!

wxseed

I suggest you use an Indie do it, on a C4 it's a little trickier than it looks.
Just make sure that his price includes an alignment. Book it today and you'll be driving it and enjoying it for the weekend. I put X74 on my C4 and luv it.

Rob996

Not having the same skills, i had my indie install and equally important do the alignment. I believe he made a certain modification on the installation to increase the negative camber on the front.
Its like a new car with this suspension... especially apparent on the track..

Optical TDI

I just put in the RoW M030 my C2 in my garage with jack stands solo. Air is not needed but is helpful with a couple of things. Since you have the X74, you don't need spring compressors to change out bumpstops, bearings, etc.

Go buy and air compressor at sears that comes with an air rachet and impact gun for around $350. And pick up some jack stands for another $50-$100 and did it yourself. You'll have new tools and save $$400-500 over what the indy is charging depending on if the $1k quote includes an alignment.

Mine is at the dealer getting aligned right now. $200 after PCA discount.

ivangene

think of it this way.... skills 4-5 now.... 6-7 after - do it at home

do you have a second car to drive in case it takes a "few days" to get it back on the road (biggest factor IMO) - if no second car, take it in.....

fbgh2o

Thanks guys. I find it interesting that the poll says have the Indie do it, but most of the post say do it!

Decision made - I am doing it, on jackstands (which I have).

cdaniels

With all due respect let a professional do it.....later you don't want to be doing 120-140- mph on track and something goes wrong.....I have the X74 I bought from Gert 8 years ago and love it.......the handling
is VERY much improved....you are in for a treat.....get ready to Grin the next time you drive a curvey country road...

ivangene

With all due respect:

I think getting to know your car is the best way of knowing your car is even safe to go 140mph...working on it and getting use to working on it, understanding it, and letting the pros do what the pro's do is part of that...

and for what its worth a good alignment guy isnt going to send you home without it being all checked and double checked anyhow...- if it isnt safe to drive my alignment guy aint giving it back to me PERIOD!

that was a wierd comment IMO

instalation isnt rocket science, alignments are not trivial -

I didnt vote

mglobe

This is not rocket science type work. Take your time, be methodical, and you will have no problems at all. Oh, and use it as a good excuse to buy whatever tools you need.

Optical TDI

And use the directions on Renntech. You may have to pay the $25 or so to become a member, but it's so worth it.

CWhaley

Now Mike you mean I wasted 4 years of college becoming a Physicist for nothing!