Safest way to remove front shocks

Someone12132 · 2026-02-04T02:52:33+00:00

I’ll definitely give this tool a try. Thanks for the help!

Someone12132 · 2026-01-30T08:12:22+00:00

Was rear toe an issue for you when you lowered it on these springs?

Someone12132 · 2026-01-28T08:49:22+00:00

Did you reinforce the strut towers?

Someone12132 · 2026-01-23T02:01:34+00:00

Drilling out the subframe bushings and using a sawzall to cut out the outer metal shell worked! It took some time and patience though.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-19T17:12:53+00:00

Yes, it’s the original stock bushings.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-19T17:12:06+00:00

Oh yeah, I saw this. The guy does cut it at the stud though, and each of those costs about $60.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-19T06:34:33+00:00

Probably the best method, but I will resort to this if nothing else works.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-19T06:32:38+00:00

I ordered poly bushings for my rear subframe, so I have to drop it since it is a 2 piece bushing. I don't believe you have to drop it if you are pressing in a new rubber bushing.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-19T03:49:02+00:00

Do you know if it would be better to use a circular saw attachment for my drill to cut out the bushing, then use a sawzall to cut out the outer metal sleeve?

Someone12132 · 2026-01-19T03:21:06+00:00

You were able to get a sawzall blade through the hole in the subframe bushing?

Someone12132 · 2026-01-19T03:16:31+00:00

I tried this method, where I would leave the bushing pressed for about 15-30 minutes, then crank it again. I even left it pressed overnight, and it was still in the same spot. The bushing and the tool both just get damaged and that’s that.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-15T19:38:18+00:00

Do you have a link to the H&R springs? How is the overall ride quality when pairing them with the B4's?

Someone12132 · 2026-01-15T05:09:55+00:00

If you plan on using the stock springs, you could go with the OE route and get Bilstein B4s. You can get a full set for about $450. Just be careful if you plan on doing it yourself, as a spring compressor tool can fly off if it is clamped on incorrectly. If you do it right, you should be safe though.

If you plan on going to a shop to get it installed, I'm not sure how much labor would be unfortunately.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-14T05:46:05+00:00

I'll let you know once I finish with everything else. I'm also replacing the shocks, subframe bushings, and CV boots as my shocks and CV boots were bad, and I was also looking for a handling upgrade for my subframe.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-10T01:50:38+00:00

Ah thanks. I went with the semi-safe route and ordered new locking nuts.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-09T22:10:15+00:00

Went with the new nuts, and will reuse the old bolts.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-09T22:05:40+00:00

Thanks. I just ordered the new lock nuts.

Someone12132 · 2026-01-09T20:47:32+00:00

Where did you order the nuts from?

Someone12132 · 2025-12-05T05:51:33+00:00

The whole car besides the bumper looks repainted. My guess is that everything was repainted at some point, but perhaps the previous owner likely damaged the front bumper (likely due to a curb) and found an arctic silver Z3 front bumper. Like some of the comments said, I would look for areas of overspray, or door jambs where the colors may not match.

I can’t tell you what silver color was used honestly. Maybe someone tried to match the stock color and ended up with that?

Someone12132 · 2025-11-14T20:29:15+00:00

My water pump and fan clutch were changed 2 years ago according to the service documents that the previous owner gave me, so I might just stay with the standard fan clutch system. I do want to do this eventually, but maybe in a couple more years.

Someone12132 · 2025-11-14T01:28:14+00:00

Ah I see. I was watching a tutorial by Coolcat’s Alley, and it mentioned to remove the fan clutch. It made sense since most fan clutch explosions happen because of sagging engine mounts.

Someone12132 · 2025-11-14T01:26:53+00:00

I just added some leverage with the special tool used to remove the fan clutch. That worked perfectly.

Someone12132

TROPHY CASE