Rear Shocks Replacement - Guide?

[hutchwilco]

While my s1 was sitting for a month or two waiting for me to finish the water pump and cambelt replacement, it turns out the rear shocks leaked out and are now good for nothing. Earthquake ruined roads here are partially to blame.

I've seen some advice on here about replacement shocks, mostly upgrading or lowering, neither of which I'm interested in. I just want to replace the standard shocks, unless it's no more expensive to upgrade.

I've sourced a local supplier $153+GST each - Anyone in Chch/NZ know of a better price than that? (bear in mind 4WD)

Is there anything particularly tricky to this replacement? Do I need special tools? If there is no guide on SAU (I couldn't find one) I'll see about documenting my steps.

I'd appreciate any advice/tips on this job...

Cheers

[zoomzoom]

Rears are super easy. Easier than the front, which can be a bit tricky (read: dangerous) with spring compressors, if you have tapered springs.

Have a read here:

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/topic/77849-r3233-replacing-shocks-installing-coilovers/page__hl__strut

With the stagea you dont have to pull out any of the interior to get to the strut tops, except for the plastic covers which are on top of the strut towers.

The only special tools are spring compressors.

[hutchwilco]

Ok cheers, will need spring compressors. A mate at work is telling me they are separate and I wouldn't need compressors.

Guide looks good but some photos blanking so maybe I'll make another version.

I also see from a sticky topic here that the wgnc34 can use the same rear shocks as the r33 gtst. Would I be likely to get a cheaper deal but just as appropriate shock if I got quotes asking for r33 gtst shocks? I'm wondering how a heavy ol 4wd stagea could have the same shocks...

[KiwiRS4T]

They are not the same. Here's a set for $200 (you can use your current springs if you prefer)

http://www.trademe.c...n-525713324.htm

If you want brand new I don't think you'll do much better than $150 each.

The job is fairly easy so long as you don't rush and are sensible. I didn't have spring compressors I used wire ties but spring compressors are easier and you can hire them (or maybe borrow from an SDU member in Christchurch). Sorry I'm too far away to lend a hand.

[hutchwilco]

Thanks for the info guys.

One thing I'm not clear on is what shocks are interchangeable if I were to get second hand - eg, can I use rear shocks from a Rwd? how about a 4wd turbo ?(since mine is 4WD N/A)

I'm in the process of setting up an inhouse wiki at my work place so that all the engineers can share and record their designs as well as facts/specs about the products.

I reckon what is needed is a stagea Wiki, so that you don't have to wade through hundreds of conflicting forum posts to get the lowdown. The forums are good for discussion, but to get a simple piece of info. Maybe I'll look into setting one up...

[pipster11]

auto - r33 rwd

manual - r33 gtr

best to get stagea ones tho, different valving in the shocks

not sure about rwd vs awd stagea shocks tho