DIY: Replace Torrsion Bars with Trunk Shocks
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Car Audio Inc
Joined: May 2016
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From: Columbia, SC
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DIY: Replace Torrsion Bars with Trunk Shocks
***THIS WAS DONE ON A COUPE!!! IT IS MOST LIKELY DIFFERENT ON A SEDAN***
Introduction:
Well, i tryed to take alot of pictures... but as you can see i didn't. It's really hard to take pictures of each process when you're doing this by yourself. So if any of you do this Modification and you have access to someone taking pictures of each step, give me the pictures and i will add them to this write up.
Purpose:
The purpose of this mod is to eliminate the Stock Trunk Springs to allow you to add aftermarket speakers for the rear deck. Since i took out my stock trunk springs two years ago... my trunk hasn't been able to hold itself open for 2 years
Difficulty/Time: 5/10 - If you're not a 'HANDY' Person, then i don't recommend this DIY. Took me about 2 hours to complete this. I also messed up several times.
Parts: (www.McMaster.com)
Part #9512K73 - (2) two -They're little ball studs.
Part #9512K91 - (2) two -They're mounting brackets with ball studs.
Part #9416K74 - (4) four -They're little ball sockets. One for each end of shock.
Part #9416K16 - (2) two -The gas shocks. I selected #60 (Pounds/Force), because i have Dynamat on my trunk lid. If i were to redo it, i would get #50. But i say: #40 For no Spoiler, and #50 w/ Spoiler.
Part #2521A622 - (1) one -Tap for making threads in the hole you will drill. You're going to need a tap wrench, you can get one of these at your local hardware store.
Part #90197A146 - Pack of a 100 zinc-plated self-piercing screws. Make sure you have the Hex Drill bit...
Total Cost: $42.00 and change shipped
Tools:
1. A Drill (I used a cordless, don't matter though... unless your cordless drill sucks then i would recommend an electric drill)
2. Drill Bits
3. Wrench to tighten down the studs. (Deep socket can work too)
4. Mountain Dew Bottles (in my case)
5. Beer (6-Pack)
6. Cigar & Beer for celebration since it's been two years since my trunk was able to stand up by itself.
DIY:
1. Take out your Stock Trunk Springs, i used a hammer and just pryed them bitches off. I also did this step two years ago, so i don't have a picture of this step. (If you have one, give it to me so i can add a picture here.
2. Prop your trunk open, Mountain Dew bottles work wonders... Make sure you tightly seal the bottle so the bottles won't collapse and then the trunk falls on your back or legs. For a more safe procedure, get a rope and tie your trunk to the top of your garage (if you have one) to prop it open.
4. Directions on Picture
If all goes well then this is the end of the DIY, just repeat the same steps on the other side.
***Remember, Snap in the Ball Stud First, and then do the Plate Stud. Because you can move the Plate Stud several different areas until you get it right.
***MEASURE MEASURE MEASURE!!!!! This is the key, and you have to measure with the TRUNK OPEN and the TRUNK CLOSED! It's all about Trial & Error, and you have to use your common sense when doing this DIY. Again, if you're not "Handy" then you shouldn't be attempting this.
Please ask me any questions, and i will try to get you pictures upon request.
***I will not be held responsible if you **** your **** up***
Credit: Mralbino on 7thgenhonda.com
Introduction:
Well, i tryed to take alot of pictures... but as you can see i didn't. It's really hard to take pictures of each process when you're doing this by yourself. So if any of you do this Modification and you have access to someone taking pictures of each step, give me the pictures and i will add them to this write up.
Purpose:
The purpose of this mod is to eliminate the Stock Trunk Springs to allow you to add aftermarket speakers for the rear deck. Since i took out my stock trunk springs two years ago... my trunk hasn't been able to hold itself open for 2 years
Difficulty/Time: 5/10 - If you're not a 'HANDY' Person, then i don't recommend this DIY. Took me about 2 hours to complete this. I also messed up several times.
Parts: (www.McMaster.com)
Part #9512K73 - (2) two -They're little ball studs.
Part #9512K91 - (2) two -They're mounting brackets with ball studs.
Part #9416K74 - (4) four -They're little ball sockets. One for each end of shock.
Part #9416K16 - (2) two -The gas shocks. I selected #60 (Pounds/Force), because i have Dynamat on my trunk lid. If i were to redo it, i would get #50. But i say: #40 For no Spoiler, and #50 w/ Spoiler.
Part #2521A622 - (1) one -Tap for making threads in the hole you will drill. You're going to need a tap wrench, you can get one of these at your local hardware store.
Part #90197A146 - Pack of a 100 zinc-plated self-piercing screws. Make sure you have the Hex Drill bit...
Total Cost: $42.00 and change shipped
Tools:
1. A Drill (I used a cordless, don't matter though... unless your cordless drill sucks then i would recommend an electric drill)
2. Drill Bits
3. Wrench to tighten down the studs. (Deep socket can work too)
4. Mountain Dew Bottles (in my case)
5. Beer (6-Pack)
6. Cigar & Beer for celebration since it's been two years since my trunk was able to stand up by itself.
DIY:
1. Take out your Stock Trunk Springs, i used a hammer and just pryed them bitches off. I also did this step two years ago, so i don't have a picture of this step. (If you have one, give it to me so i can add a picture here.
2. Prop your trunk open, Mountain Dew bottles work wonders... Make sure you tightly seal the bottle so the bottles won't collapse and then the trunk falls on your back or legs. For a more safe procedure, get a rope and tie your trunk to the top of your garage (if you have one) to prop it open.
4. Directions on Picture
If all goes well then this is the end of the DIY, just repeat the same steps on the other side.
***Remember, Snap in the Ball Stud First, and then do the Plate Stud. Because you can move the Plate Stud several different areas until you get it right.
***MEASURE MEASURE MEASURE!!!!! This is the key, and you have to measure with the TRUNK OPEN and the TRUNK CLOSED! It's all about Trial & Error, and you have to use your common sense when doing this DIY. Again, if you're not "Handy" then you shouldn't be attempting this.
Please ask me any questions, and i will try to get you pictures upon request.
***I will not be held responsible if you **** your **** up***
Credit: Mralbino on 7thgenhonda.com
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 21,620
Likes: 1,252
From: Las Vegas, NV
Rep Power: 511 
Re: DIY: Replace Torrsion Bars with Trunk Shocks
I'm pretty sure the diy on 7gh originated here back before the 7thgencivic.com to civicforums.com transition.
Kudos for reposting it though, since chances are the original pics prolly don't work
Edit: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...nk-shocks.html, the DIY circa 2002, and I was correct in my assumption, the pics don't work
Edit 2: I did this DIY back in 2007, it's held up nicely so far since then. I have a Kaminari KTR-II spoiler, and 100# shocks were required to make the trunk stay open/in any position I open it to. Word of warning, my setup, even though I measured 15 times over causes the forward end of my trunk to be raised ever so slightly (probably 1/8-1/4 inch), noticeably not flush with the rear quarter panel, but only if you're looking at it.
edit3: Sifting through my post history to try and help OP, I found out that I don't have 100# shocks on my trunk. I started with 90# ones, and they were too strong. Turns out I'm rocking 60# ones, and they allow my trunk to stay open in any position
Kudos for reposting it though, since chances are the original pics prolly don't work
Edit: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...nk-shocks.html, the DIY circa 2002, and I was correct in my assumption, the pics don't work
Edit 2: I did this DIY back in 2007, it's held up nicely so far since then. I have a Kaminari KTR-II spoiler, and 100# shocks were required to make the trunk stay open/in any position I open it to. Word of warning, my setup, even though I measured 15 times over causes the forward end of my trunk to be raised ever so slightly (probably 1/8-1/4 inch), noticeably not flush with the rear quarter panel, but only if you're looking at it.
edit3: Sifting through my post history to try and help OP, I found out that I don't have 100# shocks on my trunk. I started with 90# ones, and they were too strong. Turns out I'm rocking 60# ones, and they allow my trunk to stay open in any position
Last edited by xRiCeBoYx; Jul 24, 2016 at 10:34 PM.
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