[droberto]

I've finally gathered enough money to afford the Eibach Pro Kit springs (I'm a college student) and will be the first real mod I've ever done to a car. I plan to purchase them on Tire Rack in a couple days and want to install them myself with the help of my friend or will take it to my friend's uncles shop to get it done professionally. I will be using the stock struts/shocks (not sure what the correct term is honestly) on my '16 iTouring with only 5k miles, so I believe it should be okay to install them without upgrading the struts/shocks. I've been looking around at other threads and found some stuff like clunking, and it kind of makes me worried I'll have any problems. I looked over the how to guide and it looks fairly simple, but just to be safe:

- Are there any tips or advice I should know when going through with this?
- Any precautions or things I should watch out for?
- About how much life can I get out of the stock struts with the Eibachs at currently 5k miles in SoCal roads?
- What can I expect from ride conditions, as in should I be driving more gently?
- Will I have any problems with the dealership or any place that may not be able to lift my car/put it up ramps?
- When should I get an alignment if I'm already at 5k miles?
- Will RallyArmor mudflaps work with the 1"/1.3" drop or will I need to alter them so that they won't drag?
- How close to the ground would I be if I also added a front lip and will it scrape often?

Sorry if my questions have been answered elsewhere, I've been sifting through all the threads and posts here that I tend to forget what I'm looking for. Thank you for your time.

 

[Jaemin]

It is kind of late to answer, but for future reference for others. I will only answer what I know.

- Are there any tips or advice I should know when going through with this?
Doesn't need to be done by professionals, but do it correctly. Get help from your friends or watch youtube video. It is not that hard.

- About how much life can I get out of the stock struts with the Eibachs at currently 5k miles in SoCal roads?
I'm on same setting. OEM struts with eibach pro kits. Its on about 30k, 2014 model. It seems to be fine. My guess is 60k... Maybe.

- What can I expect from ride conditions, as in should I be driving more gently?
Now your struts are on more stress. It is always good to drive gently.

- Will I have any problems with the dealership or any place that may not be able to lift my car/put it up ramps?
Might need low profile jack but it is OK.

- When should I get an alignment if I'm already at 5k miles?
Really up to you. Whenever you change your wheels or once a year... Safe recommendation is right after switch.

- How close to the ground would I be if I also added a front lip and will it scrape often?
I have OEM kit and I scratched a lot... 99% my fault I guess. Don't enter or exit when you go to mall or whatever straight. It really depends on how you drive.

 

[minsanity]

@louis110's guide is very helpful.
http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/...es/61137-diy-installing-lowering-springs.html
Or Christian Grey's?
http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/...9218-my-buddy-christian-grey-s-new-fling.html
Always cut bumpstops. Front & back, I'd do even if Eibach only recommends fronts. By how much? About same as the drop.
Get a pair of spring protectors, Part no.: KDY534081, from the dealership & install 138mm from the front spring's top end where it comes in contact w/ your strutmounts. This will be a preventive measure against unwanted noises.


You can choose from either stock or Eibach alignment specs...


It's a minor mod that will magnify the M3's stunning proportions....Enjoy!!!!

 

[savalee101]

@minsanity How many coil springs protectors do I need? 4 total or more? I am ordering my springs on Tirerack, I see that they recommend an alignment kit (581260K) to correct the camber, is this necessary?

Also, any opinions/advice on installing springs and anti-sway bar (I'm thinking progress auto anti-sway bar) at the same time? Do I need to upgrade other suspension parts ?

 

[minsanity]

You just need 2 spring protectors for the front, sir. Please check SPC EZ Cam 81260 front camber bolts if your alignment is outside spec. They're optional. I have em but haven't put em on as mine is w/in.
Should you want anti-sway bar, do the rear. Those w/ reinforced brackets would be better.