Identity_X

I did a search and didn't find any info on this. Would it be OK to put on Eibach springs without upgrading the stock struts. They are just fine and I don't have the money right now for the zx2 set. How long will the stock struts last and will this affect ride quality and how much the car gets lowered ???

funkdaddysmack

Well, put it this way, if your struts are already pretty much shot, it won't really matter a whole lot. If not, you'd probably be ok for a few months on the Eibach's. The only drop about 1". I'm not sure about the pro world, but anything more than a 2" drop on stock struts, and they can go at will (this is true at least in the maxima world).

Anyway, like I said. I think you'd be ok for a few months on your stock struts. If they're blown anyway, what's 1" more?

Hopefully Jesse or Darryl or someone who knows a ton more about suspension will point you in the right direction.

Identity_X

they are not blown and if they'll give out in a month there is no point in installing the springs for a month or so and then having to take them out to put new struts in ............ wouldn't make sense......that's why I am asking...........

thanks for your feedback, though.....

Davard

Depending on the condition of your stock struts, and how you drive, the stock struts should handle some mileage just fine. How long again depends on how you drive. If you are autocrossing, they probably won't last very long.

But, once you have the Eibachs on, it's not very hard at all to change them. If you have a friend, you can do it with no need for spring compressors.

Identity_X

makes sense......thanks.

as for if I decide to go for the zx2 struts. As far as I can tell everyone is saying that they are the best choice for the price. Anything else that I should be aware of when doing the swap ?
Should the bearings be replaced? Anything else that should be taken care of while I am there ??

Identity_X

I forgot to ask about alignment?

would I still have to align the car even if I don't replace the struts?

can I do the alignment myself ?

Davard

With the ZX-2 struts, you'll have to replace the bearings with the appropriate ZX-2 bearings (which are better anyway).

You will need to get the car aligned after you change the springs, as your toe will change (sometimes dramatically).

If you're good, you can align it yourself. Or at least get it into the ballpark, using either the tread block or string method.

The tread block method involves measuring the edges of tread blocks on the tires (or more correctly, some kind of line on the tire) on the front of and the rear of the tire. Compare the difference. For a street car, 0-1/8" of front toe-in is good (that is, the front measurement is 0-1/8" less than the rear measurement) and 1/8" of rear toe-in.

mazdaspeedwest

the only kink, is that you'll need to modify the upper front spring perches to allow the use of the ZX2 metal thrust bearings and the larger 22mm ZX2 strut shaft (OEM is 20mm) And being that the ZX2 shaft is larger, the OEM plastic thrust bearings cannot be used.

Now there have been ppl who have mod'd the OEM bearings to fit, but the walls of the bearings are mighty thin as they are and, well, it's still easier to mod the perch for the better metal ZX2 bearings anyway.

all info is in my how-to on my site.

www.automediazone.com/pro

rkives

Great info there!
I used it to install my struts. One thing that I found when replacing my original struts and springs with the Eibach / ZX2 combination; The boots from the protege do not fit the ZX2 struts. ( I bought them new from Mazda) I would suggest getting the ZX2 boots along with the struts and bearings.

Rick

Identity_X

Thanks for all your help guys. I really appreciate it.

As for the ZX2 boots. I need to replace them for sure then ???
Are they available from www.oemfordparts.com Does anyone know the part number because the website is really hard to navigate.

thanks again!

rkives

My boots were worn, so I needed to replace them. The "new" boots that I bought fit tight, so the larger diameter of the ZX2 struts made it impossible to fit. If your boots are in good shape but are a little more worn in they may fit.
Your call, but new boots with new struts seems like a good idea.

Rick

mazdaspeedwest

i picked up some boots big enough from a 4x4 supply store. $5 each.

Davard

The Mazda boots are pretty expensive because they integrate the bump stops in them. You can get new KYB boots from the Tire Rack for about $10 (for the ZX-2), but I don't know if they integrate the bumps stops.

beachnut

The KYB boots do not integrate the bump stop. You can also get them from www.shox.com. Make sure to wire-tie each boot at the top and bottom so they don't come loose.

beachnut

... there's a pair of Eibach Pro's for sale on eBay for $175. The price is almost too good to pass up, BUT, I didn't get the ZX2 Tokico's (which are made for the 1" drop). Will my new KYB's survive very long? I have the new KYB strut mounts too if that helps. I'd like my struts to last longer than a year .... , but the increased ride height is starting to bug me.