Mazda Rotary Club

Cars by Model Type => 2nd generation RX-7's => Topic started by: Retro_Boy_G on December 03, 2008, 07:41:06 PM

Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: Retro_Boy_G on December 03, 2008, 07:41:06 PM
Right tech heads.. I finally got some lowering springs (wont mention the brand coz i know you will all tear me up haha).

Me and James (meaning 100% James, i\'ll just be watching from a far) are going to try fit them on Sunday..

Just really wondering if there is anything we should look out for or know before doing it.. James has fitted springs before but it wasn\'t to an FC.

Just really looking for some tips to try make it run as smoothly as we can.

Thanks guys! :)
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: dthebuk on December 03, 2008, 07:57:44 PM
remember the jack  :flamed
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: Retro_Boy_G on December 03, 2008, 07:59:38 PM
It\'s Noted! :P
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: richrx on December 03, 2008, 08:33:19 PM
nah it should all be easy enough. maybe some wd40 type spray onto any of the bolts that look rusted up, thats the pain problems with old cars.

oh yeah, take pics and do a write up, thats your job then :yes :Giggle


richard
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: antnicuk on December 03, 2008, 08:54:48 PM
as above, it is a straight forward job,  you will need spring clamps,  the front is harder as you have to take the front upright off.
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: Retro_Boy_G on December 03, 2008, 09:00:25 PM
I went to Halfords today and picked up some spring compressors.. only £20 which was ok i thought..

I\'ll take the pictures no problem!

Any special tool required or should we be able to get by using a ratchet and the spring compressors/clamps?

I\'ll look the WD40 out! :)
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: Retro_Boy_G on December 03, 2008, 09:01:23 PM
P.S. Richrx - you are welcome to come and lend a hand if you wish! haha.. :)
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: antnicuk on December 03, 2008, 09:23:59 PM
an air ratchet makes the job a lot easier undoing the bolt on top of the shock strut.
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: richrx on December 03, 2008, 09:47:35 PM
Quote from: antnicuk;562061an air ratchet makes the job a lot easier undoing the bolt on top of the shock strut.

i was about to say that. good advice :)

but its possible with mole grips and a cloth(so you dont mark the strut)

but after its on i always take it to a garage with an airgun to make sure the top strut bolt  is on tight enough.

and while the struts are off i normally do the top mounts too.


richard
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: Jimi_Hendrix on December 03, 2008, 09:53:17 PM
Dont let that James character anywhere near it! I hear he\'s a right feckin\' cowboy! Roundin\' off all the bolts, scratchin\' up the paint work! Tsk tsk. You\'ll rue the day he touched it son!:Laugh
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: richrx on December 03, 2008, 10:01:54 PM
Quote from: Jimi_Hendrix;562067Dont let that James character anywhere near it! I hear he\'s a right feckin\' cowboy! Roundin\' off all the bolts, scratchin\' up the paint work! Tsk tsk. You\'ll rue the day he touched it son!:Laugh

sounds like a normal d.i.y/homer to me :)


richard
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: TiddlesRX7 on December 03, 2008, 11:10:59 PM
Yeah I wouldn\'t trust him. Proper dodgy bloke that one! Ha Ha
 If you can get the nut off the strut loosened then you on to a winner. Just be careful compressing the springs cause if the clamps slip off it could really hurt you. You can have the Rears off and on again quickly (like 1/2 hour to an hour or so depending what your doing once they are off). The fronts take a bit longer but are easy enough. James has my number so give me a ring if you get stuck and I\'ll try to help as best as I can. Wish I could come up but I\'m dead busy this weekend.
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: Retro_Boy_G on December 03, 2008, 11:17:11 PM
Awww Ade, you are some man. I wish you could have came up as well.. I\'m sure James knows what he is doing.. but it would obviously be better with 2 people knowning what they are doing! haha..

So are we better starting from the back?

As for the spring compressor.. i\'ll be holding it as far away from my body as possible..
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: TiddlesRX7 on December 03, 2008, 11:23:22 PM
I\'d do the fronts first so that the harder work is done and out of the way. It shouldn\'t be too hard though to be honest. Just don\'t rush it if you can and think about what your gonna do next before you do it. I think you\'ll have to take the shocks out completely to fit the springs but I could be wrong.
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: Retro_Boy_G on December 03, 2008, 11:26:14 PM
I\'m scared.. :(
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: Jimi_Hendrix on December 04, 2008, 02:35:58 PM
So whats a shock again? And what end of the spanner goes on the bolt? Lol! Dont worry G we\'ll get \'er done!
 
Ade, you might regret offering your "phone a friend" help! Lol! And you may even be gratefull you WEREN\'T there! Ha ha!;)
 
I\'ve got the official Mazda workshop manual for the FC RX7 on my computer. But DO prepare yourself get a call at three in the morning from two frantic Scots! Lol!
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: TiddlesRX7 on December 04, 2008, 08:33:02 PM
No probs. And don\'t be scared G, it\'ll be fine and soon you\'ll have an even meaner lookin FC.
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: grinder on December 04, 2008, 11:00:05 PM
i cant see it being that hard ( he says )

there is only 6 bolts on the front and 3 on the rears .. it will be a piece of cake :D
Title: Installing Lowering Springs To An FC.
Post by: Retro_Boy_G on December 04, 2008, 11:03:45 PM
Right.. who is available for live phone help? haha..