well, D2's are not top of the line... nut neither is an eclipse/stratus. i did not preload, but i keep thinking about it. adjustments are pretty simple, though.
on installation... it was 3 hours, but i also did a lot more work (it was fast repair after an accident, before a race.) it was just me and my best friend... in a driveway. 2 jacks, 4 jackstands (so we could work at the same time), some wrenches... and an air compressor with an impact hammer (just makes it easier). oh, and an anglegrinder (for rusted parts) and the stock catback (GREAT breaker bar
).
on that day we:
removed the old suspension
installed, and leveled the D2's
upgraded the rear swaybar (to an ST)
upgraded the swaybar endlinks (all 4) (to moogs)
replaced the outer tie rods (with moogs... i like moog parts)
replaced the fender
replaced the wheelwell
realigned the hood and a headlight
duct taped my front bumper back together
and did a pathetic "eyeballing" alignment