Rear springs... loose? Options

[MeyerTX]

1996 celica GT, 160k, auto... before this last weekend we've had a "clunk" in the rear suspension, and it was happening on any surface... smooth, bumpy, accelerating, turning, etc. So, I opted to change out the springs (struts had already been replaced with basic KYB GR2's about 10 months ago).

Bought and installed Megan orange lowering springs... same issue.

Here's the HUGE clue - the old springs did not need to be compressed to get out of strut - and neither did the Megan springs need to be compressed to be installed in the KYB's. They are probably about 1/4" from fitting with the strut structure tightly. I'm wondering if:

1. KYB is selling a new strut that is too tall? (double checked part numbers on site and on actual strut)
2. We have something missing, like a thick spacer? (bought new rubber mount for lower part where spring meets strut base, then you have the spring, and a one-piece strut mount holds in all in place.


Ideas?

[VavAlephVav]

did you replace the strut mounting plate(top) along with the strut?
does your suspension sit level, same height on Rwheel as Lwheel?

mine is sitting almost 2" lower on one side than the other, and that same side makes a bit more of a clunking.
I am guessing it is not only the strut itself but the rubber in the mounting plate wears out too, or it might be tweaked a bit.
I was planning to get some new kyb struts, but you want to get the new mounting plates too.

also maybe things like the swaybar end-links, or bushings in the trailing arms maybe

This post has been edited by VavAlephVav: Jan 21, 2014 - 8:51 PM