What's up guys?

With less than 7 days into the mini's world (recently purchased an 07 Mini cooper S), today I've ordered myself a set of 18" R1 Racing Drift wheels like the ones shown in this link:

http://www.r1racingwheels.com/galler...t/images/1.JPG

I also ordered a set of 1.4" H&R springs which I intend to have put on at the same time as the wheels (next tuesday), now my concern is that I've come across different articles, opinions and statements from a local mechanic who says on this cars it is a "must" to install rear ground control arms once the car is dropped and/or have the car aligned! I'm not an expert in the subject; however, I have personally put H&R springs on a honda civic and an Acura Integra and never did get teh car aligned after the fact. Because that was a while back i cant remember whenever the wear on the tires was uneven; therefore, I thought i would ask you guys as this apparently is the place for Mini's owners

I do know it'll make sense to get the car aligned; however, the 2 shops who have quoted me for this (to instal the springs and align the car) have given me pretty high quotes when i may be able to install the springs myself.

Another mechanic went as far as telling me I need to align the car "AND" install rear lower control arms which were $250 + $50 labor + $300 for springs installation and alignment.. way more than what i had in mind...

If i can get opinions and suggestions from people who actually have done this I would really appreciate it!

BTW sorry for the long post

Cant wait to post a pic on the "dropped Minis" thread (some great looking minis in there I must say)

 

nope. you'll be fine.

 

Thanks dooky,

There's a good guide in the How To section which i inted to use to install the springs. If other stuff was as necessary as these mechanics were making look, i'm sure it would've been mentioned there... then again, mechanics want to sell their service/product.

 

pics?