How To Install '05-'07 Performance Springs And Shocks

Whatever struts are used (either stock or, in our case, these new Tokicos), the openings in the strut for the lower bolt attachments need to be elongated for the camber plates. This allows the struts to be moved as the plates and shims allow. Using a plate as a template, mark the area that needs to be elongated, as shown here.

Remove the camber plate, and use a Dremel or other similar tool to grind out the slot according to the marks applied in the previous step.

Using a bolt to test the amount of space needed, shop tech Wes Northrup determined that he didn't need to open the entire area that was marked. The amount of material removed here allows 1-degree camber shims to be installed with no binding.

Using a bolt to test the amount of space needed, shop tech Wes Northrup determined that he didn't need to open the entire area that was marked. The amount of material removed here allows 1-degree camber shims to be installed with no binding.

Other than the boot, the original upper strut mount is the only factory piece reused on the new strut and spring. It's set in place, then the strut nut is replaced while the stem is held with a wrench. The Steeda spring is short enough that it's possible to compress it with your hands to get the nut started. From there, simply tighten the nut securely to complete the assembly of the new strut and spring. Also note that when putting the assembly back together, the large-diameter end of the spring must face down with the pigtail against the spring stops in the upper and lower strut mounts.

Reinstallation of the completed strut and spring assembly is simply a reversal of its removal.

Secure the strut in place up top by reinstalling the four bolts on top of it underhood. Next, reattach the strut to the spindle, as shown here.

Using the hardware supplied with the Steeda camber plates, bolt the strut and spindle back together with the camber plates in place. JBA went with one-degree negative camber shims in the plates and reports that the alignment specs usually come out perfectly with those shims and the mild drop the Steeda springs provide. It's still a good idea to put the car on an alignment rack afterwards to verify specs. Complete the installation by reattaching the brake and ABS sensor lines and antisway-bar link to the spindle.

As you can see by these two close-up shots of the front and rear of our '06 GT subject car, the ride height is perfect with the car's stock 17x8-inch wheels and 235/55R17 tires. Steeda claims about a 1-inch drop in front and 111/44 inches in back, which is near where our results were. It looks great and would also look cool with most 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations.