New struts when lowering? Options

[supaneko]

I want to lower my "new" Celica ST. Looking at the 1.0" Eibach Pro-Kit because I am worried that the 1.5" would be "too far" and if I hit a pothole (in Michigan) I'd scrape up my car. Is it a reasonable worry or no?

Anyway, I was chatting with one of the shop guys who told me that I didn't need new struts to use the Pro-Kit. I have heard otherwise.

Is this true? If I do need new struts, what would be a good brand to go with and what "features" should I be looking for?

One other thing I was a little confused on... Do I need to buy just the strut cartridges or the entire assembly when replacing them?

[Fastbird]

I went down with Tein S-Tech's on stock 135K mile shocks. Took almost 2 years for them to let loose, but they eventually did. The Pro-Kit is a pretty mild drop, you should probably be good for a while.

[808celica]

just run 17's and 1.5 drop with "NEW SHOCKS" and you wont scrape. just drive with more caution after

[Tigawoods]

u should most definitely get new shocks. KYB GR-2's seem to be most commonly used in the celica community

[supaneko]

OK, so, for example:

http://cpwstore.carpartswholesale.com/cata...sembly+ky365092

That is the right front strut assembly, would I need this to change out my struts? To replace the struts with something aftermarket, I require the entire assembly?

[Tigawoods]

yeah. u have the springs, struts, and all u need is some upper pillowball mounts. but those are pretty pricey

[GotToyota]

If you're buying all 4 shocks, look on Ebay. They sell all 4 for $230 shipped (yes, they're the sealed ones).

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-KYB-GR-2-Gas-Shock...1QQcmdZViewItem

[elvasoshexai]

i heard they finally started producing agx for our cars.

neway... seriuosly... @ 1.5" u won't scrap nuttin... r cars front end is DAMN high... after i lowered my celica 1.5" and running on 215-40-17... my car is STILL higher than my STOCK 06 civic ex sedan!

[808celica]

u should most definitely get new shocks. KYB GR-2's seem to be most commonly used in the celica community

i went outside the box and used the monroes. its stiff and i like it

[Buffalo]

u should most definitely get new shocks. KYB GR-2's seem to be most commonly used in the celica community

i went outside the box and used the monroes. its stiff and i like it

I plan to use monroe too with my FK-Automotive springs. They use a special self adjustable valving system that it has oem stifness when your cruising and when you make a sharp turn the valve is closing and the shock gets stiffer. So you get oem comfort with added stability and traction from the same shock, even with stock springs, without having to adjust anything.

[trdproven]

1.5 is not low - Our cars can be dropped low. Mines even lower and I plan to go even lower. I sense a celica lowering phobia on this site. Our roads are really bad here. It's one of our biggest issues at my location. Its really is up to the driver.

[Galcobar]

KYB GR-2 are lifetime warrentied up to 1.5" drop; keep that in mind when making comparisons.

Aside from the struts, you'll also want strut mounts, spring seat isolators, bumpstops (probably), and boots (depending on stock condition).

[808celica]

1.5 is not low - Our cars can be dropped low. Mines even lower and I plan to go even lower. I sense a celica lowering phobia on this site. Our roads are really bad here. It's one of our biggest issues at my location. Its really is up to the driver.

yeah i hate you
i might get a custom air runner kit made

[trdproven]

KYB's have lifetime warranty but in a way its sad to know you'll be stuck with that set up forever - good things take sacrafice and risks.

[supaneko]

So I am totally thinking about picking up that KYB strut set. Awesome price. And definitely thinking about 1.5" now... How stiff is the ride with these and some lowering springs? I'd say that right now the ride isn't exactly "plush" but at the same time, I don't think I'm smackin' my teeth everytime I hit a bump. Does the ride get extremely stiff, almost to the point of being uncomfortable or........?

This leads to my next question...

How did you all get your struts installed? I don't really know how I could do it myself and I know that a lot of places are hesitant to install customer parts.

Anyone from Metro-Detroit area got some ideas? Anyone else?

This post has been edited by supaneko: Aug 5, 2008 - 10:08 PM