first off, this is my first time using a forum so please be nice..

however, i just got into upgrading my truck and find it a fun hobby.

now im replacing my front two shock abosrbers with 5100s and my question is do i need to replace the springs or will my current ones be fine and dandy.

thanks alot!

 

First things first, welcome to the forum. The biggest information tool here will be the search button. There should be plenty of information on most topics already around. Just takes some digging sometimes.
Second thing, your front "shocks" are actually struts. The terminology will make a big deal of difference when looking for the proper information.
And lastly, no, you won't have to replace your springs unless they're damaged. Some people like to to save time/effort, but again, not always necessary.

 

Welcome Jon.. and if you do decide to replace both your coil springs and struts .. you can get what are called coilovers.. both spring and strut in one.. very easy to install yourself.. good luck and happy mods

 

Make sure to use a spring compressor if you disassemble the strut assembly. Loaded spring will fly apart without it.

 

You really want to replace the springs with the struts. It will feel brand new.

 

thanks for the solid replies! I feel welcomed and do not see myself leaving this place anytime soon

 

Dude, as someone who has replaced the front struts, don't bother with compressing the springs, it is dangerous unless you can take it to a shop to do it for you...just buy the pre-made strut and spring combo.

 

It's only dangerous if you don't use the proper tools for the job. There is no danger in using spring compressors IF used properly. That said, in my younger and dumber days I used a bench vise to compress the strut springs on my old Cavalier. Now that was stupid and unsafe!

 

i am lucky enough i just bring a 12 pack and get one of the mechanics around base to do it for me... gives them a break from working on trucks that were designed in the late 1940s

thanks for the consideration though!