Updated: I Need Strut Help! Options

[Coomer]

I'm trying to figure out which inserts I need to get in order to obtain optimum results by running shortened struts in the front, and I have a few questions.

1. Does anyone know the stroke range for factory shocks on the front of our Celicas?

2. And also, does anyone know the stroke range for other MacPherson-strut-equipped Toyota cars such as the AW11, SW20, AE92, and AE86?

3. What's the inner-diameter of our stock strut housings?

Punch's thread is very helpful but I'm looking for just a bit more information.

Thanks,
Christian Coomer

This post has been edited by Coomer: Mar 31, 2006 - 12:10 PM

[Kwanza26]

although I don't have measurements... I would venture a guess the inserts are of the same diameter. I've looked into possibly doing this, but no longer really feel a need to mod my Celica... so it's just an idea for me... but I'm gonna assume punch has it set-up and the diameters of the inserts are the same.

As for the stroke length, the stroke length depends on the shock. The amount you cut off on the casing depends on the shock. In the AE86's case, the MR2 insert, which is a cheap and easy choice, is shorter than the AE86 casing, so people either add a spacer at the bottom, or simply cut the casing. This is done simply so the shock can be properly installed and secured. However, depending on what you do (add a spacer or cut the casing), you'll have to do mods to the actual spring set-up. If you add a casing, you can use the stock perch and run either lowering springs or any type of drop-in coilovers. However, if you cut the casing... this lowers the position of the perch, which can adversely affect the gemometry of the suspension. In this case... people have gone the whole way and removed the perch, and actually weld on adjustable coilovers. Of course measurements are done so they are in the proper position and allow proper height... but yeah. You get the idea.