DIY Install Springs on Your xD LOT O PICS

[mmmgawa]

OK Here is what I did yesterday to the wife's xD. I have to say that this was the easiest install I have done and I have officially done springs on every model Scion out there. I give it a difficulty rating of 2 out of 5 if you have air tools but it is a bit harder with hand tools.

Time taken 2hrs including pics and clean up. Not Bad.

As normal this is mearly a guide and I am not responsible for damage to your vehicle.

First take a pic of before so you can remember how frickin tall it was
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/51/l_ed9811ec4955446dbe219f399ec80239.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467664)

Next you want to measure from the ground through the center line of the wheel to your fender. To see how much you get lowered 27 in exact front and rear for me.
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/40/l_6c791f5a06ba4532b17f014962f7ba1b.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467670)

Now remove your wipers by removing the 2 bolts you see here. Those covers just pop off.
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/58/l_1465ae4c43694de78a8cdeb424b797f2.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467678)

Now on each side of the big plastic tray under the wiper there are 2 plastic clips to remove. Just pry and pull the middle up and they they slide right out.
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/20/l_24a0ec9db57a433da5cdb8477322302b.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467690)

Remove the plastic top of this tray. Should just pop up there are a few clips on the underside that you can push if it gives you problems coming out.
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/30/l_2247173753d0442b9ad15d8eefdc26c9.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467698)

Now remove the wiper motor and the lower tray by removing the 10mm screws that you see here. The black ones first to remove wiper assembly. NOTE!!!!! Slide the wiper assembly toward the passenger side to remove it there is a rubber mount on the back that slides into a slot.
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/18/l_a4386fb785144e2cbdc67a1432c68f28.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467704)
The silver 10mm bolts hold the bottom tray in and make sure to remove the plastic piece in the corner before taking the tray out.
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/5/l_67f5db9d682847d7999b6ea11ab5d0fe.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467726)
Now you can take the caps off the top of the strut mounts and see the pretty nut. DON'T TAKE IT OFF YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/62/l_85050eff60a949f7b7b9244f10066238.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467742)
Here are the new springs
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/39/l_94bf4ac167ec439d80137ddcb6d80eb8.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467753)
Now get your car in the air and pull off your front wheels. You will need to remove the 2 big 19mm nuts and the 14mm bolt shown here.
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/45/l_240dbb2cbf6b41f3a6c369f05a80e746.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467767)
Be Sure to keep track of where these big bolts go and the direction that they went through as there are shoulders on these bolts that effect the camber of the vehicle I just put 1 of the bolts back in the control arm.
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/26/l_a87a533973be4282a868d64b2f0cfb03.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467797)
Notice the shoulder
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/13/l_8b9af3a607a547e896c90c451f15ff3f.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467808)
You also need to remove the upper swaybar endlink by removing this nut. NOTE if the nut just spins you can put a hex wrench into the end of the treaded part to hold it while you remove the nut. There is a pic of how this works furhter down.
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/2/l_7f7ac1ee58d149b095cfe504ac54bef9.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467780)
Now remove that upper strut mount nut.
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/13/l_9dbe0a83e15f4c278c34f6b2f293aca3.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467821)
Take the strut out and pull off the big rubber tingy on top of the strut.
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/27/l_4f3ef584b7b94e6b9b5636f0ec04b49d.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467835)
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/41/l_2852f14bbbdd42359f92f75058531da5.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467847)

[mmmgawa]

This next part is under debate as to the best way to do it without injury. If you are working with hand tools I would put on your spring compressor so the assembly doesn't pop off and also there is less chance of damaging threads. I have air tools and have done this enough that I am comfortable zipping the top nut off with a bucket behind to catch any flying parts. When you get that top nut off you will be left with this.
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/55/l_c976efafb709491294680d21152bc262.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467859)
Now line up your new spring into the cup.
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/30/l_f222506cfa7146f39599c75dcd521ab4.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467870)
Reassemble the top components the way they cam off. I like to have everything in the same position but it didn't appear as a lot of attention to detail was necissary up top and the best thing of all!!!!!!!!
NO SPRING COMPRESSOR NEEDED YAY.
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/4/l_6a6a7e983f7b4757ae62c81a769b1e38.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467884)
You can tighten it like so if you are not fortunate enough to have air tools. This is also how the swaybar endlinks are.
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/l_5c0cf735e2d147c4bd8e691da1eed387.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467909)
Now reassemble in the reverse order as before and do the same for the other side. NOTE!!!! You may find it easier to connect and tighten the swaybar endlinks on both sides last!

Now jack that rear into the air. Get under the back and Take out the rear springs. Some people like to remove the lower shock you can see the nut here. I just use a little pry bar and it is easy.
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/50/l_2389bccb7cb94a3dae0bb812f48ff4e3.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467952)
Now put the rear springs in and don't forget to put the little rubber thing on the top. Chec to see that the rubber mount on the bottom doesn't get pinched or moved after the install. I usually just push the springs in there with a little muscle.
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/24/l_368f3fe2130c4394a20586fa7d5766cf.jpg (http://www.scikotics.com/forums/../index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=244523972&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467646#a=1164350&i=14467651)
Lower the car and put the underhood stuff back together in the reverse order that we took it off and you are done. After Pic
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/20/l_3509cb3472134a84907396b856462409.jpg (http://www.scikotics.com/forums/../index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=244523972&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467909#a=1164350&i=14467932)
I got an 1.25 drop in the rear and 1.5 in front before the break in. I will remeasure in a few weeks.
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/50/l_839e5ed29a9f4a328cda46e2532322cc.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=244523972&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467909#a=1164350&i=14467947)

HOPE THAT THIS HAS HELPED IN YOUR PROJECT!!!!!!!! HAPPY MODDING.

[mmmgawa]

Here is the before and after side by side.
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/51/l_ed9811ec4955446dbe219f399ec80239.jpg (http://www.scikotics.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=244523972&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467651#a=1164350&i=14467664)
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/20/l_3509cb3472134a84907396b856462409.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=244523972&albumID=1164350&imageID=14467909#a=1164350&i=14467932)

[rhino74s]

Nice job on the DIY. That should help and answer alot of questions for xD owners. :up:

[gReEn MaChInE]

Nice! Thanks!

[gotDAMD]

Are those the Tanabe Df210's?

[KILLA XB]

nice write up, it will help me later when i do mine.

[A Retarded Kid]

u got some balls for not using spring compressors :bow:

[SyntheticDivision]

Completely irrelevent to the springs those are some badass rims man.

[mmmgawa]

Thank you everyone I just hope it helps people out and saves them some dough.


Are those the Tanabe Df210's?
These are the Eibach/Sportline Springs.


u got some balls for not using spring compressors :bow:
I was a mechanic for many a year and when you got air tools it is easy to just zip that top nut off and let stuff fly. In one of the pics you can see a home depot bucket that I use to catch flying parts lol. Again though that is the way I am comfortable saving a little time but do not recomend this method as it can be dangerous. It is easy on these springs cause that top thread is so long as it is used to retain the spring and mount it into the strut tower. If you are working with a tC I would debate using a compressor to take them off and every other model Scion you need one to put the new springs on. The Gen1 xB's can be done without it with a lot of muscle :flex: but it is hard to be sure everything is lined up correctly.


Completely irrelevent to the springs those are some badass rims man.
Thanks...Yeah she picked out some nice ones. I am just her mechanic. On the plus side she pays me in nookie :rofl:

[aalbertson3]

Nice DIY! :up:

[Scionizer]

Thanks for the DIY! Great Job!