What's your take on this install guys?

r12rex · 02-14-2007, 06:55 PM

Hey guys, have done a search, but haven't really come to a conclusion regarding the install about the Whiteline ALK. I spoke with my Uncle who suggested I get the ALK put in at West End before my Alignment. He said the install was a PIA to do. Is this true? Or is this install fairly straight forward. I have looked online regarding the install process and it looks pretty straight forward, although I do have an 06 and have read a few guys commenting on clearance issues. ??? 06 guys chime in here please.

What's your guys' take on this in comparison to instally a Whiteline 27-29mm FSB (which I have done myself)...??? Thanks!

Ryan

Greg · 02-14-2007, 07:27 PM

Before I did mine, I saw a few comments like "its not hard, just time consuming". For the most part this is true. It helps to make sure you have ALL required tools before you start. As I recall,the nut at the end of the control arm is 20mm stock and 24mm for the whiteline nut. I had neither of these and ended up making run to Sears. Also I had a 12 point socket for the 184lb bolts and it was twisting too much for my comfort, so I went out and got 6 point 19mm socket. If you have air tools that speeds things up. I didn't and used a socket wrench combined with cordless drill with 3/8 adapter.

The only clearance issues I had are with the rear portion of the subframe brace. With lowering springs, it scrapes on large speed bumps.

The other issue I had was it was difficult to get a lot of torque on this larger bolts. 184lbs for the main bolt that hold the ALK on and 140? I think, for the nut on the end of the control arm. Laying on your back, twisting for all your worth, ugh. A lift would be very helpful. I had better success accessing the bolts from the outside of the car. I couldn't see the bolt, but at least I could get some leverage on it. Also be sure to come back and retorque after 1000 miles.

***Parker*** · 02-14-2007, 10:31 PM

no installation is hard if you have the right tools and follow the proper procedures but this doesn't always work the way you want it to.

i've heard good things about West End and they supposedly do great alignments as well so why not just use them.

**CicioSTi** · 02-15-2007, 08:39 AM

it was a breeze on my 05

STI Nicholas · 02-15-2007, 11:01 AM

Just ask Darren what he will charge you. It may be best to have it done at the same time he does your alignment. Either way, get it done before the alignment.

BayRain · 02-16-2007, 08:25 PM

I just (as in JUST) finished installing mine. It is not a hard job. It IS a time consuming job. As someone said, it helps a lot to have all the required tools...all of them. It also helps to take your time and stay organized.

To correct someone, the stock nut is 22mm. The new one is 24mm. You will need to get wrenches in those sizes in order to complete the install.

Just take your time and you should be fine. It isn't hard.

Doctor Subie · 02-24-2007, 11:31 AM

+1...not hard

02-14-2007, 06:55 PM	#1
r12rex The Next Petter Solberg Car: 06 OBP STi Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 851 IWSTI Addict since: Sep 2005 Trader Rating: (9)	What's your take on this install guys? Hey guys, have done a search, but haven't really come to a conclusion regarding the install about the Whiteline ALK. I spoke with my Uncle who suggested I get the ALK put in at West End before my Alignment. He said the install was a PIA to do. Is this true? Or is this install fairly straight forward. I have looked online regarding the install process and it looks pretty straight forward, although I do have an 06 and have read a few guys commenting on clearance issues. ??? 06 guys chime in here please. What's your guys' take on this in comparison to instally a Whiteline 27-29mm FSB (which I have done myself)...??? Thanks! Ryan This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

02-24-2007, 11:31 AM	#7
Doctor Subie Junior STI Driver Car: 2006 STI OBP Fav Mod: Kartboy SS Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 162 IWSTI Addict since: May 2006 Trader Rating: (1)	+1...not hard This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

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02-14-2007, 07:27 PM	#2
Greg Silver Member Car: 2006 - CGM Location: Western Washington Posts: 828 IWSTI Addict since: Nov 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Before I did mine, I saw a few comments like "its not hard, just time consuming". For the most part this is true. It helps to make sure you have ALL required tools before you start. As I recall,the nut at the end of the control arm is 20mm stock and 24mm for the whiteline nut. I had neither of these and ended up making run to Sears. Also I had a 12 point socket for the 184lb bolts and it was twisting too much for my comfort, so I went out and got 6 point 19mm socket. If you have air tools that speeds things up. I didn't and used a socket wrench combined with cordless drill with 3/8 adapter. The only clearance issues I had are with the rear portion of the subframe brace. With lowering springs, it scrapes on large speed bumps. The other issue I had was it was difficult to get a lot of torque on this larger bolts. 184lbs for the main bolt that hold the ALK on and 140? I think, for the nut on the end of the control arm. Laying on your back, twisting for all your worth, ugh. A lift would be very helpful. I had better success accessing the bolts from the outside of the car. I couldn't see the bolt, but at least I could get some leverage on it. Also be sure to come back and retorque after 1000 miles.

02-14-2007, 10:31 PM	#3
*Parker* Sooper Moderator Car: 06 SGM STI Fav Mod: Stage 1 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,879 IWSTI Addict since: Mar 2006 Trader Rating: (7)	no installation is hard if you have the right tools and follow the proper procedures but this doesn't always work the way you want it to. i've heard good things about West End and they supposedly do great alignments as well so why not just use them.

02-15-2007, 08:39 AM	#4
CicioSTi Community Consultant Car: 2005 OBP STi Fav Mod: Learning Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 1,339 IWSTI Addict since: Aug 2005 Trader Rating: (4)	it was a breeze on my 05

02-15-2007, 11:01 AM	#5
STI Nicholas Junior STI Driver Car: 06 SG STI Location: L.A., CA. Posts: 177 IWSTI Addict since: Dec 2005 Trader Rating: (5)	Just ask Darren what he will charge you. It may be best to have it done at the same time he does your alignment. Either way, get it done before the alignment.

02-16-2007, 08:25 PM	#6
BayRain Senior STI Driver Car: 05 Legacy Location: North of the Golden Gate Posts: 324 IWSTI Addict since: Aug 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	I just (as in JUST) finished installing mine. It is not a hard job. It IS a time consuming job. As someone said, it helps a lot to have all the required tools...all of them. It also helps to take your time and stay organized. To correct someone, the stock nut is 22mm. The new one is 24mm. You will need to get wrenches in those sizes in order to complete the install. Just take your time and you should be fine. It isn't hard.