Guys, I fucked up royally. The rear springs were installed in 20 mins non-issue. Here's where I fucked up in the front...
Drivers side went in flawless but passenger side was giving me issues aligning the knuckle and strut tower. I watched a YT video on common install issues and realized that...
I will be on stock wheels until I swap the tires for a Winter set, then I will go aftermarket. Possibly looking at spacers depending how the mild drop looks. I will be sure to get before/after measurements and photos.
I am also in PA and I went with the Whiteline Performance springs. They claim 4.5kg/mm (253lb/in) front rated springs and 5.1kg/mm (286lb/in) rated rears. 20mm drop all around. Hopefully we will have a nice weekend so I can install them.
Looks great. Now that I've torn the console out a handful of times, it's really not all that bad. The biggest pain for me was installing the damn boot retainer. I could not keep the leather from bunching up using the zip-ties. I eventually settled with something that looked presentable.
I've put a blackstone griddle box, a tv, and its my go to for Sam's Club runs. Although for larger items I have a truck, so not really an issue. I've seen people put inflatable mattresses in the back of their FK8s. There is a shocking amount of room with the back seats down.
I use this to protect but vacuuming frequently is sure a must..
https://www.autogeek.net/pbl-alcantara-protectant.html
Easy to apply, does not stain, smells surprisingly great.
Yes, I did the trim on the wheel. You need either disconnect the negative battery terminal or remove the horn fuse first otherwise you will endlessly beep the horn.
Then, to pop off the horn/airbag assembly to remove the trim. There are holes on either side of the wheel and one on the bottom...
Not sure I'd consider the shifts "shorter" but definitely more firm; the shifter centers itself and finds gears easier.
Tearing apart the console was nerve-wracking and a pain but I was able to install without removing everything. LMK if you need any other info.
Wrapped with VViVid Honeycomb Pattern and added Acuity Poco shift knob. Have Sirimoto Krispy shift bushings and adapter installed. Much better than the piano black. Plan to wrap steering wheel surround next. Take your time and use heat.
They lift to the standard lower location. Definitely not fully vertical. You would not be able to over extend them into a fully vertical position either.