(M2 Springs Installed) Some tips for installation of lowered springs for noobs

[Henry_mak16]

Hey Yarisworld! I just spent way too long on my yaris trying to put in these $100 M2 Performance Lowering Springs (Amazon). I just wanted to share some tips to those that may need help (like I did) or those that have no experience with this crap.


Don't underestimate the time it will take
This job can be very tedious and frustrating if you are doing it for the first time. You may even need to run to home depot for tools you thought you wouldn't need.

Raise two wheels at a time
(Two front/two back of course) I'll explain in the other tip.

Use your emergency scissor jack (or a floor jack)
to compress the rear spring so that you can take the bolt and stud (or w.e.)

Spin the rear spring
to plop it out if it doesn't just pop out. A way to wiggle it.

Compress front spring w/jack to reduce torque required for front 19mm bolts
The 19mm (2 bolts) was the hardest for me to take out. It is factory set for 141lbs and I only had a 25-100lbs torque wrench ($80 at home depot-_-). I fricken broke my ratchet wrench trying to unscrew it and it almost hit my eye! However I compressed the spring up and loosened it from the side with screw sticking out. You need a wrench that is strong and long.

Be prepared to remove the cowl
It is possible without it, but you better have some skinny ass offset wrench. I bought one but the neck was too fat to get a good grip. I used a through-ratchet from home depot (has a hole in the middle for allen key) and improvised my old jackstand to hold the allen key. This part made me want to cry, the top nut is so hard -_-. And when you finish loosening it your strut falls all quick.

Be prepared for the tedious work of using the spring compressors
That shyt takes forever to loosen if you're using a monkey wrench.

Get every part of the spring with the spring compressor
I left the bottom two twirls of the spring uncompressed and the shock went flying a bit.

Good luck.






Disregard my hubcaps....I can't afford rims =P.
(Picture taken right after installment) 2009 Yaris 3dr Hatchback