I recently had the opportunity to install Eibach's Pro-Plus Kit which includes a set of springs, front sway bar (FSB) & endlinks, and rear sway bar (RSB) & endlinks. You can read more about the kit here.
http://performance-suspension-eibach.shptron.com/p/pro-plus-pro-kit-springs-anti-roll-kit-sway-bars-133
(link for 2004 WRX non sti & non wagon)
Update: 8/31/2010
My review can be found here.
http://www.wrxtuners.com/forums/f97/eibach-pro-plus-kit-review-29394/
I will note first off that my 04 WRX already has an aftermarket RSB, upgraded mounts, & endlinks that I will be completely changing out. It is the exact same process with a little more work since I am putting the stock rear sway bar mount back on. I have upgraded springs, and the only difference here is that you'll need to use spring compressors which I'll note further on. FSB is stock to start off with so no differences there. If you see a lot of silver gunk on all my bolts, rust really killed me on this install so I lathered everything up in anti-seize "just in case" purposes for the future.
I will be breaking this up into 3 parts so anyone can do it in steps to minimize downtime of their vehicle. I was lucky I have a daily driver since I ran into a few speed bumps along the way. Keep in mind you MUST get an alignment done after install!!
Big thank you to all my friends that helped: Chris D, Choker, Sher Jun, and Hell Yeah.
** DISCLAIMER **
Modifying your car can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. Something as simple as forgetting to tighten a bolt could cause damage to your vehicle and possibly endangerment to you and others. You could also risk having warranty claims denied. Take all necessary precautions. This is how I did it; it may or may not be the best/safest way. If you're not sure about something, ASK someone!
Packaging
The parts came in two separate boxes. One for the springs, and another for the rest. If you're picking these up from a shop or a shipping company, note that it will fit in the truck or backseat. Just make sure you have little back there since the box with the sway bar does span the entire width of the vehicle.
Pretty straight forward and simple here. 4 springs and an instructions packet.
It was nice to see that Eibach split the packages into. Both sway bars are obvious. There are two large bags, each bag contains a pair endlinks (front and rear separated), bushings, bushing grease, and instruction package.
** Note **
I just want to make a note before we begin. If you have an older with a lot of rust, or you live in one of the salt belt states, consider having a professional install this. I am by no means a pro when it comes to wrenching. However, I know what I'm doing (most of the time), but the amount of rust was a nightmare in certain respects - seized nuts, breaking bolts, etc. If you're vehicle is newer and/or has minimal rust, all this will be a cake walk.
Lucky for you, I ran into all those problems I mentioned, so I'll let you know how I managed to complete everything. You can probably consider my situation worse case scenario. And I'll make notes of everything I did wrong that you shouldn't do to save time and frustration in the end.
*********
I use a variety of methods and tools to work on this car. I had access to a lift for one part which I know the majority of the world does not have access to. Luckily 2 sets of jack stands and a floor jack is all you really need. You'll need a decent mechanic's tool set too. Let's begin.
http://performance-suspension-eibach.shptron.com/p/pro-plus-pro-kit-springs-anti-roll-kit-sway-bars-133
(link for 2004 WRX non sti & non wagon)
Update: 8/31/2010
My review can be found here.
http://www.wrxtuners.com/forums/f97/eibach-pro-plus-kit-review-29394/
I will note first off that my 04 WRX already has an aftermarket RSB, upgraded mounts, & endlinks that I will be completely changing out. It is the exact same process with a little more work since I am putting the stock rear sway bar mount back on. I have upgraded springs, and the only difference here is that you'll need to use spring compressors which I'll note further on. FSB is stock to start off with so no differences there. If you see a lot of silver gunk on all my bolts, rust really killed me on this install so I lathered everything up in anti-seize "just in case" purposes for the future.
I will be breaking this up into 3 parts so anyone can do it in steps to minimize downtime of their vehicle. I was lucky I have a daily driver since I ran into a few speed bumps along the way. Keep in mind you MUST get an alignment done after install!!
Big thank you to all my friends that helped: Chris D, Choker, Sher Jun, and Hell Yeah.
** DISCLAIMER **
Modifying your car can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. Something as simple as forgetting to tighten a bolt could cause damage to your vehicle and possibly endangerment to you and others. You could also risk having warranty claims denied. Take all necessary precautions. This is how I did it; it may or may not be the best/safest way. If you're not sure about something, ASK someone!
Packaging
The parts came in two separate boxes. One for the springs, and another for the rest. If you're picking these up from a shop or a shipping company, note that it will fit in the truck or backseat. Just make sure you have little back there since the box with the sway bar does span the entire width of the vehicle.
Pretty straight forward and simple here. 4 springs and an instructions packet.
It was nice to see that Eibach split the packages into. Both sway bars are obvious. There are two large bags, each bag contains a pair endlinks (front and rear separated), bushings, bushing grease, and instruction package.
** Note **
I just want to make a note before we begin. If you have an older with a lot of rust, or you live in one of the salt belt states, consider having a professional install this. I am by no means a pro when it comes to wrenching. However, I know what I'm doing (most of the time), but the amount of rust was a nightmare in certain respects - seized nuts, breaking bolts, etc. If you're vehicle is newer and/or has minimal rust, all this will be a cake walk.
Lucky for you, I ran into all those problems I mentioned, so I'll let you know how I managed to complete everything. You can probably consider my situation worse case scenario. And I'll make notes of everything I did wrong that you shouldn't do to save time and frustration in the end.
*********
I use a variety of methods and tools to work on this car. I had access to a lift for one part which I know the majority of the world does not have access to. Luckily 2 sets of jack stands and a floor jack is all you really need. You'll need a decent mechanic's tool set too. Let's begin.