been looking at some threads latly and cannot find a write up on how to put lowering springs on a 2003 mazda protege es. i am looking at buying elbach lowering spring kit pro or something like that. if any one knows a link, write up or something please inform me. no dick comments thanks
teach me!!!!
- Thread starter Protege17
- Start date
no problem! it's really not too hard. I struggled most putting the new springs on... but I was putting stock ones back in. and I almost took my face off by not compressing the original stock spring enough, and shooting the top piece off. just be careful, and soak everything in PB Blaster for a few hours prior to working. (by everything I mean every single nut and bolt that you will be removing. there is only like a total of 2 bolts and 7 nuts for each corner.
all right thanks box. i do have a question tho since it is still my thread. the protege is going to be lowerd but i just got into an accident and my tire was bent down. the knuckle. broke in half connecting to the strut. no should i spend 65 for the oem strut, have one new strut or buy a set and do it all of the struts at the same time. i was to lower about 2 inches with elbach springs. but struts tho which are good brands to go with. would like to know asap.
so what i am asking
good struts for around 400 out the door for four
or buy one oem and buy the lowering springs
also remember i have a budget of 1000 to fix the damage from the accident.
parts needed
sway bar linkage
struts
springs
lower ball joint
fender(plus paint)
new oem polished 16 inch rim
new tire
help me out guys thank you alot
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- Protege
I went with the Tokico Blues I got mine from Ken over at protegegarage, the kit stuts and springs for 5 bills, but if you just want the struts corksport has them for 4 bills. but if you go this route then your gonna need longer endlinks in the front. I dont know if thats with all aftermarket struts, Id look into that also. But I got mine from HKPRO5 look in the FS thread hes got a great deal set of 4 adjustable $65 shipped there better than the stock endlinks heres a pic of mine so you can see the struts and endlinks
Oh good someone who has those springs, I've been thinking of buying them hows the ride? I've heard its a bit bouncy before which has me a bit worried.
In regards to the endlinks, what year is your pro? I believe you should be fine with stock endlinks unless its a 99 or 00 since the struts are built for 01-03 pros which use longer endlinks.
In regards to the endlinks, what year is your pro? I believe you should be fine with stock endlinks unless its a 99 or 00 since the struts are built for 01-03 pros which use longer endlinks.
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- Protege
I got the 99 so yeah I needed longer endlinks the sway bar kept hitting when I would make hard turns because the OEM were to short. The ride is nice I love it, I get that little bounce when I go over a bump. I mean yeah if I go over a bump you feel it, but its not like lowering springs where your car keeps bouncing. its a real firm tight suspension I felt the difference as soon as I drove off the lift Its worth every penny which I could have spent less of them but hey you wanna play you gotta pay. Im happy with my decision I tell everyone if your looking for something in the mid-range where you want some performance without breaking the bank Tokicos Blues are the way to go
Help sway bar linkage now!!
ok i think i am going to go with the toikos blues. its going to cost about 550 for the set, '
I NEED HELP ON TAKING THE SWAY BAR LINKAGE OFF. IT JUST SPINS AND SPINS. NEED HELP, TELL ME THE RIGHT WAY TO TAKE IT OFF. I ALREADY BROKE TWO AND I DONT WANT TO BREAK ANY MORE
ok i think i am going to go with the toikos blues. its going to cost about 550 for the set, '
I NEED HELP ON TAKING THE SWAY BAR LINKAGE OFF. IT JUST SPINS AND SPINS. NEED HELP, TELL ME THE RIGHT WAY TO TAKE IT OFF. I ALREADY BROKE TWO AND I DONT WANT TO BREAK ANY MORE
Most of the time you have to just cut them. Sometime you can get away with squeezing needle nose vise grips in after moving the rubber dust cover thing out of the way and grab the little collar there with those then hit the nut with an impact gun. Also make sure to use some type of penetrating lube.
@ speedracer: glad to hear it, guess ill be going with them.
@ speedracer: glad to hear it, guess ill be going with them.
ok sweet, i jjust picked up an impact gun tonight. well i hope if works because its annoying as all get out. you get all the bolts off and that is the last one. ******* annyoing and with the stock struts and elbach springs that bad for daily use??? done some dirt roads, to work and back????
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- Protege
Where ya getting them from check out ken at protegegarage 495 struts and springs
ok so i am thinking about th 500 for the strut and springs and i dont think i am going to do that. so i was thinking about the kyb gr-2, the only reason for this, its really expensive for all the parts i need and really dont want to go broke. i think 400 on suspension, another 100 for sway bar linkage, who knows if i need to replace the ball joints and what ever else needs to be done. i also need a fender and have to pay for paint, so its getting pricey and almost to close for me. if any can help let me know thanks
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- Protege
well you said you have the springs already right, then check out corksport they have the struts for 100 a piece thats 400 there
KYB GR-2s aren't any better than stock and only fit with the 99-00 endlinks so thats only going to cost more. Seriously though you said you have springs already so get the blues.
http://www.protegegarage.com/285-product-285.html
http://*************.com/mazdaspeed9.htm
http://www.corksport.com/product-31542.html
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- Protege
(iagree)
the Tokicos arent gonna cost that much more per strut I would go with the Blues, but in the end the decision is your to make. Im just here to put my 2cents in. Let me know what you decide to go with and hope it works out and you get your mazda " On the road again" lol
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FlyinHawaiian
Member
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- Mazdaspeed Protege #1460
Rent a spring compressor from Autozone... the security of having it is well worth the cost of the deposit (which you get back).
