95 Integra Shocks and Springs on an 89 RT4WD wagon (w/ pics)

woodi

I searched all over this forum and did some reading then did some more reading and searched some more forums and could never figure out exactly what the difference was lengthwise between the different years and models of shocks/springs. So this past weekend I picked up a full set of springs/shocks off a 95 Integra 4 door (DB?).

Last night I got the rears installed here's what it looks like. I took a measurement with my stock suspension from the center of the axle to the top of the wheel well and it sat at 15"


Before


The shocks side by side Teg is on top Wagon is on the bottom. Note they are the exact same length


After the rears were changed. I put my summer tires on too and this picture was after I threw a hundred plus pounds of tools in the trunk so isn't that accurate. I'll get a better picture tonight once I get the fronts done.

Results: After I dropped it off the jack they were sitting an inch higher... I took it for a shake down cruise to let things settle out then put the tape on them again and look at that 15" from axle to fender exactly the same as the stock shocks. I won't give too many comments on the ride until I can get the fronts on and take the tools out of the back but it did ride better than my blown original wagon shocks (89 printed right on the side). If the fronts go in just the same I think we might have a nice option for replacing stock RT4WD wagon shocks and keeping the ride height exactly the same.

More to follow tomorrow...

woodi

The fronts didn't go quite so well. They are definitely a fair bit longer than the stock RT4WD front struts.

Integra on Top, RT on Bottom

I was in a hurry to get it done so I could drive her to work today so I didn't spend a lot of time screwing around to try and get it crammed in there but I did give it a bit of an effort for the heck of it. Without completely tearing everything apart I couldn't figure out a way to make it work. I just couldn't push the LCA down far enough to get the bolt through. I also ran into some contact with the arm on the knuckle that goes up to the the UCA.





So I gave up for now and will be looking for something else to throw in the front to make it work. The guy I got my DC shocks and forks from also had a set of DA shocks I might have to check with him and see if they are any shorter.

I emptied all the tools out and drove it to work today to see how I liked the Teg shocks in the rear. They seemed to work well definitely better than the shocks I pulled out. Seems to have a bit less body lean and might be a slight bit stiffer than the stock setup.

DRMORTY

For the Front
2 words: Spring Compressor
or else you have to release either the UCA or LCA and the upper is easier and use your jack to get it back into place.

woodi

I was figuring that was the case on the fronts but if they are really that much longer and that much harder to stuff in there I can't imagine they are going to be close to stock ride height once I get them on the ground... The stock springs can go in and out without taking much of anything apart...

ricefighter

hello

i thought i chime in since i am using dc shocks on my 88RT. the only difference is that im using coilovers on all four corners. i don't have issues with clearance and my waggy is not slammed just lowered. i liked the ride. just my 2 cents.


wagon..........................4ever.....................

shenrie

Wonder what would happen if we put rt springs on regular hatch or sedan struts? Would it be an instant 2" lift since the perches are 2" lower on the rt struts?? Dont know if that would work or not, just brainstorming.

Good info on teh longer struts. Always thought the DC fronts were the same as the EG/DA setups. Would have sworn I had them side by side before...unless itr struts are shorter. Pretty sure thats what I used.

503Wagon

First question is how are your wagon rears the same as the integra rears?



cuz mine are totally different...



im a little confused there. I have an 88rt...you have an 89rt. Did they change?

and if i were to cut off that nub shown here in the picture....the one touching the spring, would it clear the spring?




If it will i am going to pick some up tomorrow and try it...let me know what you think.

shenrie

503Wagon wrote:

im a little confused there. I have an 88rt...you have an 89rt. Did they change?

Yep, all 88 civics including wagons have the ITR style LCA's. 88's were their own beast in more than one way.

Id have no problem cutting that little tab off either.

503Wagon

thanks for that clarification. lol i was really confused there for as second....i'll pick up the suspension tomorrow and get that little nub hacked off. if that works it would be the perfect height to match the rear lift i have....we will know tomorrow!