2007 Galant Suspension Questions
My front shocks are totally trashed right now. The car shakes on stops, bounces all over the place during bumps, and I have some traction issues on new tires. Late next month I have a 9 hour each way driving trip planned and want this fixed asap. Doing a bit of research I found it's really not that big of a deal to change out the struts as long as I have a spring compressor (or rent one) so I was just thinking of doing this work myself. While I'm really comfortable doing my own work I have some questions about some specifics of things.
From doing the bounce test it seems my front struts are bad and the backs are fine, but I feel like if I'm going through the trouble of doing 2 I might as well do 4, especially if I'm going to buy a spring compressor for the job. Also, it seems like the Megan Racing lowering springs are slightly cheaper ($119 for all 4) then the run of the mill springs from the local O'Reilly/Napa so I was thinking of just making that "upgrade" while I'm toying with all of this.
Now here's the questions.
Clearance: The listing for the springs say that they lower the front and back 1.75". I saw something on Youtube that said something about measuring from the middle of the rim to the fender to figure out this height. The front looks to be totally fine with the drop, but the rear looks like it might be a close call or will be sitting deeper in the wheel well. I currently have my amp and sub in a custom box in the back adding some weight back there. Does anyone know if putting in those springs will make the stock wheels rub in the wells? I'm concerned doing this will also require me to get low profile tires which I don't want to do. Current tires: 215/60R16
Compatibility: If I get some KYB or Monroe struts from O'Reilly/Napa (they are just close by) will they work with the Megan Racing springs? I've never done this before and have been a little confused about some specifics with struts and springs. Seen some articles talking about specific adjustments. Is it more complicated then compressing the spring, taking the top off of the strut, putting the top back on, decompressing the spring, and installing the strut/spring?
I've read to get an alignment after the change as well, something I plan on doing. Also read some articles on camber, but it doesn't sound like I'll need an adjustment for it with a 1.75 drop (only adjustments to the toe possibly, included in the alignment).
Any other advice would be great. I do a lot of my own work on my car and love learning new stuff about taking car of my car myself. Thanks