Everything needed for a suspension upgrade? Options

[NWCelica]

I want to go with HR Springs but it seems like KYB is the the only strut/shock available for our cars except for Koni $$$. I need a list of whats needed to do it right ....... thanks

[Harold_Fastwaker]

You really only have 4 options

1: Lowering springs on stock struts
2: lowering springs on KYB or stock replacement
3: lowering springs on Koni yellows
4: coilovers


each number has a price increase. Want it done right, buy lowering springs with KYBs if you want it done right and at the lowest cost.

[Spider77]

Im kinda in the same boat. I got my tein s-tech...had them for a while and just now getting everything together so i slap them on there. Got a good deal on my struts as well (all 4 only 100!!!). Still need to order new front strut mounts, bellows (bump stops come in that kit). If you want to go all out there are some other things you can get. Im trying to get some new end links, I would like new sway bars, but will settle for new bushings, and a strut bar (not srtut related, but suspension related...sorta)

[nics]

Im kinda in the same boat. I got my tein s-tech...had them for a while and just now getting everything together so i slap them on there. Got a good deal on my struts as well (all 4 only 100!!!). Still need to order new front strut mounts, bellows (bump stops come in that kit). If you want to go all out there are some other things you can get. Im trying to get some new end links, I would like new sway bars, but will settle for new bushings, and a strut bar (not srtut related, but suspension related...sorta)

where'd u buy it?

[SwissFerdi]

If the KYB's are supposedly a stock replacement, and I assume they work exactly the same (unless there's a difference in compression resistance), then why can't stock shocks be used, IF the vehicle is relatively low-mileage and the shocks are assumedly in good condition?

[Euphoria]

they can be but they usually don't last very long, also yes celicas use kyb but they're hydraulic where as the new ones are gas.

[SwissFerdi]

they can be but they usually don't last very long, also yes celicas use kyb but they're hydraulic where as the new ones are gas.

I know they won't last long, but I was looking for an answer to why if they're so similar. That's probably it then.

[Spider77]

Im kinda in the same boat. I got my tein s-tech...had them for a while and just now getting everything together so i slap them on there. Got a good deal on my struts as well (all 4 only 100!!!). Still need to order new front strut mounts, bellows (bump stops come in that kit). If you want to go all out there are some other things you can get. Im trying to get some new end links, I would like new sway bars, but will settle for new bushings, and a strut bar (not srtut related, but suspension related...sorta)

where'd u buy it?

Got it from some guy on Ebay...I thought it sounded too good to be true, so I called up the company and talked to them. Apparently those were the last sets, and after they are out, they are not going to order anymore. So im waiting for them to arrive..should be in a few days.

[nics]

are those all struts(f&R)?

Is it this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...RK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

its not hard to do the front inserts, right?

This post has been edited by nics: Sep 10, 2009 - 4:34 PM

[808celica]

I want to go with HR Springs but it seems like KYB is the the only strut/shock available for our cars except for Koni $$$. I need a list of whats needed to do it right ....... thanks

Rachet(s) 1/2in and 3/8in drives
Various size sockets in mm also in 1/2in and/or 3/8in drive
Breaker bar(s)
Allen wrench set for the swaybar links
An Impact gun
Spring compressors
A tub of grease
Lots of towels


New shocks
Your drop springs of choice
......and top mounts depending on the condition of yours, you should be good with the oems though
Might as well get camber bolts either Eibach, Ingalls, etc.

Having friends around helps
2hrs max for me with numerous breaks in between lolz
Could take about 3hrs max taking your time and making sure everything is set and greased and double checked.

[Spider77]

are those all struts(f&R)?

Is it this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...RK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

its not hard to do the front inserts, right?

Yes that one. All 4, the two sets and the two front carts. As far as to how hard it is to do...dont know yet. Cant be that difficult with a vice! I think the hardest thing would be the end links really (from what ive read).

[808celica]

the whole job isnt that hard. 3 top mounts nuts, loosen the shock nut before removing the top nuts.
2 strut to hub bolts and nuts, allen wrench and an open ended wrench for the endlinks, brake lines, and maneuver the assembly out.
--compress the springs evenly, remove the already loosened shock top nut, remove top mount, evenly release the spring compressor, replace everything and reverse the steps.

[nics]

are those all struts(f&R)?

Is it this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...RK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

its not hard to do the front inserts, right?

Yes that one. All 4, the two sets and the two front carts. As far as to how hard it is to do...dont know yet. Cant be that difficult with a vice! I think the hardest thing would be the end links really (from what ive read).

but the part numbers for the front are inserts

so, how did you managed to get struts for the front with it? i called them sometime ago but the guy who spoke to me sounds retarded

[BonzaiCelica]

you dont really need camber bolts. I did alignment 3 times after I installed tanabe df210 with gr-2 about a year ago. my spc camber bolts are sitting in my room waiting to be put on, but that wont be until i get coilovers

[Galcobar]

If you're doing a strut and spring replacement, you might want to add a few more parts to the list:

1) spring seat insulators (four front, two rear)
2) anti-sway bar end links (getting the stock ones off without destroying them is nigh impossible unless you've a desert-kept car)
3) strut mounts

I make these points under the assumption NWCelica has a car from the Pacific Northwest, where rain is a factor -- or more pointedly, rust. If it's a 1999, you might skip the strut mounts, but much older and you'll find there's a value to new items.

As a side note, the KYB GR-2 have a warranty. Unlike most struts in their price range, the warranty is good if you drop your car as much as 1.5".

[Spider77]

are those all struts(f&R)?

Is it this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...RK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

its not hard to do the front inserts, right?

Yes that one. All 4, the two sets and the two front carts. As far as to how hard it is to do...dont know yet. Cant be that difficult with a vice! I think the hardest thing would be the end links really (from what ive read).

but the part numbers for the front are inserts

so, how did you managed to get struts for the front with it? i called them sometime ago but the guy who spoke to me sounds retarded

Say what? Correct, what I have ordered are the two front inserts. As well as the rear struts (which are one whole part..housing and cart). There are three P/N listed.
# Front: 365092
# Front: 365092
# Rear: 334125
# Rear: 334126.
The guy I spoke with sounded fine with me, but we'll see when they arrive...which should be soon.

[nics]

are those all struts(f&R)?

Is it this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...RK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

its not hard to do the front inserts, right?

Yes that one. All 4, the two sets and the two front carts. As far as to how hard it is to do...dont know yet. Cant be that difficult with a vice! I think the hardest thing would be the end links really (from what ive read).

but the part numbers for the front are inserts

so, how did you managed to get struts for the front with it? i called them sometime ago but the guy who spoke to me sounds retarded

Say what? Correct, what I have ordered are the two front inserts. As well as the rear struts (which are one whole part..housing and cart). There are three P/N listed.
# Front: 365092
# Front: 365092
# Rear: 334125
# Rear: 334126.
The guy I spoke with sounded fine with me, but we'll see when they arrive...which should be soon.

i see

i was planning to order it there but skeptical bec. the price was so cheap. others are priced around 200+

let me know when u receive it.

[Spider77]

i will. Hopefully when i get home they will arrive

[nics]

i will. Hopefully when i get home they will arrive

any update?

[Spider77]

Not yet...I kind of wonder why people go through UPS at times....limited hours, dont deliver on weekends....So tomorrow is the last day of quoted shipping (and it would figure), I should see it then. Getting anxious though.