susp. install
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 158
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo, NY
I'll try to offer a bit of insight for you since no one has replied. First go to www.ls1howto.com and look for the shock/spring swap (front & rear) for a walkthrough and a guide on swapping the springs/shocks. Make sure to check out the walkthrough because they have the tools you need listed. Depending on your automotive knowledge and the tools you have available should help to determine how long the install will take you. I did my install without a lift and it took me 7 hrs total with 2 friends helping me. I have decent automotive knowledge, but found myself fortunate because the 2 friends helping me out far surpass me when it comes to working on cars (that's why I enlisted their help 
) Anyway, the biggest pain in the a$$ on the shock/spring swap (this is what set me back like 2 hrs) was getting the shock tower nuts off the front struts. My car is a 99' as well and doesn't see rain or snow (it's not my DD) and the shock tower nuts were rusted on so well it was like they were fused into place. So plan on that happening as a preventative measure. Think about having a lot of metric sockets on hand (the more tools the better IMO) so you can snap those nuts off in case they don't want to come off like mine (hopefully you'll get lucky and won't have this problem). The toughest thing IMO was the front struts. The rear shocks are easy to install and so are the PHB and LCA's.
As for installing subframe connectors I had a friend install mine because of the welding involved. The LCA's and PHB are a pretty straight forward and easy install, I'm sure you can find a walkthrough somewhere by doing a search. It didn't take me very long to install them and was easy IMO. Hope this helps!
) Anyway, the biggest pain in the a$$ on the shock/spring swap (this is what set me back like 2 hrs) was getting the shock tower nuts off the front struts. My car is a 99' as well and doesn't see rain or snow (it's not my DD) and the shock tower nuts were rusted on so well it was like they were fused into place. So plan on that happening as a preventative measure. Think about having a lot of metric sockets on hand (the more tools the better IMO) so you can snap those nuts off in case they don't want to come off like mine (hopefully you'll get lucky and won't have this problem). The toughest thing IMO was the front struts. The rear shocks are easy to install and so are the PHB and LCA's. As for installing subframe connectors I had a friend install mine because of the welding involved. The LCA's and PHB are a pretty straight forward and easy install, I'm sure you can find a walkthrough somewhere by doing a search. It didn't take me very long to install them and was easy IMO. Hope this helps!
TECH Regular
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: B'ville, New York
Yeah the same happened to me in the same situation. My shock tower nuts where rusted solid and my far superior mechanic buddies just cut the shocks and springs apart to get the mount. Did it all with a jack and stands. Other then that everything is just unbolt the old and replace with the new part. PHB and LCA's are very easy.
I did the spring/shock swap in my garage with no special tools in 2 nights after work. The fronts were okay, need a spring compressor from somewhere, maybe Autozone will rent you one. The rear was simple, just a pain getting at the bolts on the inside.
One tip I'll give you is to soak all the nuts front & rear with pb blaster or liquid wrench a couple hrs before you start. And one more thing, pick up some upgraded (SS) sway bark endlinks and replace them also while you're at it because they only cost $20 all the way around and you'll have perfect access to them.
Otherwise just follow the link on ls1howto.com or check installuniversity.com
One tip I'll give you is to soak all the nuts front & rear with pb blaster or liquid wrench a couple hrs before you start. And one more thing, pick up some upgraded (SS) sway bark endlinks and replace them also while you're at it because they only cost $20 all the way around and you'll have perfect access to them.
Otherwise just follow the link on ls1howto.com or check installuniversity.com
