Rep Power: 0

I just bought a civic it is a 2002 ex. the previous owner dropped it about 3 inches. The entire front suspension is now worn out. a local shop estamated about 1400 to repair it (I supply the struts). He also said that i should raise the car some to prevent it from wearing so quickly. The car has a camber kit and has skunk 2 coil overs. i ordered takico struts for the front.

I do want to raise it some for sure. But how low can i keep it with out needing new suspension every 10000 miles?

Wheres the cheapest place to buy the parts like ball joints, bushings, ect...

 
Rep Power: 412

If you wanted to stay pretty low, then you should have gotten konis. Blue can only handle a 1.5 drop safely. $1400 is a rip off

My suggestion is to get a set of konis and a set of GCs. Skunk2s i heard were very rough. You can install that yourself.

To get stock parts go to www.hondaautomotiveparts.com

 
Rep Power: 475

i have blues on about a 2" drop and they handle it fine and have been for about 2 years now...i say stick with nothing below 2"

 
Rep Power: 292

1400 and you supple the struts? Find a new mechanic if you cannot do it yourself.

Good quality aftermarket parts such as ball joints and tie rod ends should cost you 50$ a piece. ($200)

And you probably need to replace your compliance bushings as well. (not sure how much this costs)

So labour is costing you like $800? Thats crazy...

Dont forget to get an alignment after everything is done.

 
Rep Power: 279

take the money and buy some full coilovers =)

 
Rep Power: 0

sorry i worded the 1400 wrong. they estimated 1400 for ball joints, cv joints, bushings + install of all the above and install of the struts.

so i should buy koni instead of blues? reviews seem alot better for koni.

I am thinking of doing the install myself. instead of their $700 install. Where can i find a haynes like manual for the 2001-2003 civic ex?

I looked at the cv joints today and the boots are totally broke. and lots of muky dirt in the joint... im not driving it untill i get new.

 
Rep Power: 0

also i am about to buy ball joints... my question is that there are three different ones moog ball joint set at $73
mevotech at $57
and sankei at $18 each how much longer do you think the more expensive ones will last compared to sankei? I am liking the price tag on the sankei.

And as far as bushings go, what company should i go for? Energy?

i know this is alot but thank you to all that are helping me out.

 
Rep Power: 412

I don't know much about those other companies, but $18 for a ball joint seems fishy. Can't go wrong with moog.

If you want to replace the bushings, just replace the front compliance bushing. The rest should be fine. ES is fine. You need a press for the front bushings.

My suggestion

Things you can do yourself.
Replace the axles
Replace the tie rod ends
Replace the suspension
Replace the ball joint (this may be kinda hard without a lift)

Thing you need help for
While you have the axle out, take the front control arms out and replace the compliance bushing at a shop with press.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank you. Yeah ill probubly go with moog. and i will get the bushings done at a local shop. Id still like to know about the ball joints... napa has those same ones for about 18 too.

 
Rep Power: 412

ask them to look at one and see what you think.

 
Rep Power: 0

mmmh i would stay away from that. the guy probably just bought lowering springs and the shocks are shot. Itd be cheaper to just buy a new coiolver system.

 
Rep Power: 0

^+1 Go with Ground Controls

 
Rep Power: 227

Yeah tear into it yourself... if you hit a stump, you've got plenty of help here.

 
Rep Power: 0

3 inches is too low for regular driving.

 
Rep Power: 0

yeah, so im like brand new to forums and just got my 04 civic 2d DX like last week.. any pointers for forums. please, ha, could use some help. I'm also wanting to know the different ways i could drop my car, so far i know lowering kits, coilovers, and air suspension, what would be the best. if someone could help me.... please.

 
Rep Power: 412

read the FAQ in my sig...read ALL of it!!

 
Rep Power: 0

i fully agree, although 3 inch drop looks badass, its way too inconvenient in my opinion. ive been drivin my 99 si around with a 3 inch drop on these nasty streets of chicago and the pot holes tear me up, soon as it gets warmer im raising mine about an inch