How to Install a Car Suspension Kit

A car suspension kit varies widely according to the make and model of your car, and also by the purpose of your particular suspension modification. Off-roaders will likely want a suspension kit that can handle the rigors of rugged driving, while classic car enthusiasts may want the kit that best matches their beloved ride. A few basic parameters govern all car suspension kits, so follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lug wrench
• Impact wrench
• Hammer
• Springs
• Bushings
• Replacement nuts and bolts

1. Disconnect the negative terminal on the car's battery. This is done for safety reasons, as it will prevent the possibility of suffering an electric shock.

2. Jack the car up far enough off the ground so that you can install the suspension kit safely.

3. Remove the nuts from the lower shock mounting stud on each wheel. Set them carefully aside in a place where they won't be lost.

4. Detach the shock from its mount as gently as possible. If you're lucky, it will come off easily. If not, you may need to use a hammer or similar heavy tool to coax it.

5. Disconnect the studs holding the leaf-spring mounts to the frame and set them aside. Make sure you keep them separate from the nuts you removed from the lower shock mounting.

6. Loosen the U-bolts and remove them from the frame, followed by the leaf springs and mounting brackets.

7. Replace the new suspension springs on the mounting brackets.

8. Remove the old bushings from the car frame and replace them with new ones.

9. Reinstall the leaf springs, using new bolts if necessary. Depending on rust and corrosion, the old bolts may no longer be stable.

10. Reconnect the U-bolts to the frame.

11. Attach the new shocks to the lower mounting points, and tighten the nuts and bolts.

12. Take the car to a repair shop to check the alignment. Alternately, drive the car on safe streets (residential areas or places with a low speed limit), then raise it again on the jacks and check to make sure all the hardware is still in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the weight of the car when you install a custom suspension kit. The vehicle needs to be able to support whatever you add through whatever kind of driving you intend to do.
• Installation time for a suspension kit is usually between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the quality of your equipment.
• Spray any parts you are removing with penetration oil to make the job easier and to reduce stress on the parts.
• A car suspension kit is a complicated and vital part of the vehicle's design. If you are not sure whether you can install it safely, consult a mechanic or other trained expert before proceeding.
• Installation will vary wildly based on the car and the suspension. Guidelines may need to be modified, based on what you need.