DIY: 370Z Lowering Spring Install

Brad370

Thanks for your write up. Just installed my Swifts, SPC camber/toe kit, and H&R 15mm spacers. Here are a few thoughts:

-The front lower strut bolt has a 19mm nut, not 17mm. The other side (front of the car) can be held with a 21mm wrench to stop it from spinning.

-I didn't have to remove the lower strut mount plate bolts to get the front strut out. Removing the upper steering knuckle bolt was enough for everything to drop down and out of the way for easy strut removal. The upper link even springs up out of the way when this bolt is removed.

-I couldn't figure out how to undo the bolt on the end of the front strut while holding the piston rod tip stationary since the only place to hold it stationary is right on the end where you need to put a wrench. I ended up taking them up to a shop for a quick spring swap.

-The upper rubber part on the back springs can be spun in place. I spun it to align with the edge of the new Swift spring. I think this will reduce settle time. I seem to already have the drop specified by Swift.

-I'm a bit of a newb, but nobody mentioned this in the write ups I've seen. Make sure you transfer over the rubber pieces on the front springs over to the new ones. They slide on around the bottom of the spring to help stop squeaking against the metal of the strut since there isn't a big rubber piece on that side.