Friday, September 14, 2007 - 11:40 pm, by: Francisco Valdivia(Silvasoarer)
Hello, I'm new to this so I thought I'd start by saying hello. I have a 91 2.5TT Soarer and it don't have that fancy adjustable height suspension everyone chats about. It does have TEMS, it says so on the top of the strut tower, but its the basic model one. Anyway, my problem is that I believe it may need new suspension, at least at the front. When car is stationary, the suspension seems quite stiff, but when I'm at speed, it feels a little like a boat, more so when the road conditions become aggressive. It's my everyday car and I drive it every day, so I believe that coil overs are not necessary, and may be an overkill. I would like to lower the front about an inch or so to level out the look of the gap between the wheels and guard so both front rear look aesthetically the same. Also wears tyres uneven, even after a 4wheel alignment. Could it be also because maybe suspension is becoming worn. Can anyone advice me where to start, or who to see. Im in the Wollongong area (1hr south of Sydney) And maybe give me any idea of what sort of modification I could start with, remembering that I'm on a beer wallet budget. Any comments or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
Saturday, September 15, 2007 - 07:19 am, by: Brad Knudsen(Knuddo)
I to had TEMS that felt ok when stationary but handled like a bag of potato’s a speed. Then my left front strut let go so I’ve changed all shocks over to KYB’s (Excel). The difference is amazing, car now handles like a go cart in comparison. They cost me $130 a piece through Repco (F: 341161 - R:341162). Otherwise you can get the stocko’s for about $80 each, which I would have got if the KYB’s weren’t available.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 06:26 pm, by: Francisco Valdivia(Silvasoarer)
Thanks Brad, I'll look into getting the parts and prices. Also have you lowered yours, or at least the front, or have you just left the stock springs in. Was it a major operation to remove TEMS, or did you have it done by suspension people? Cheers
Thursday, September 20, 2007 - 05:43 pm, by: Brad Knudsen(Knuddo)
Hi Francisco. Yes it‘s lowed, I have King springs all round.
I changed the struts myself. Removing the TEMS is dead easy; you just unplug the TEMS wiring and remove them like any other strut. You will need spring presses to do this job (a bit of a no brainer). It also pays to have someone to give you a hand on the front unless you plan on undoing the Upper Control Arms – Otherwise it’s a pig of a job.
One thing to keep in mind if getting new non Toyota Struts, you may have to get new bump stops. The KYB shafts were a bit thinner then the originals so I had the get some Universal bump stops from Pedder’s (Part - 4360).
I just have to get my VFT Bushes fitted in next. I think I’ll let someone else do that. Cheers
Friday, September 21, 2007 - 06:27 am, by: Brad Knudsen(Knuddo)
Hi Spencer, That’s a nice saving on the KYBs. Bump Stops are the bits of rubber that fits to the top of the strut for when/if you bottom out. Otherwise it would be a quite unpleasant and even damaging bang.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 - 08:48 pm, by: Francisco Valdivia(Silvasoarer)
Thanks Brad for all your information . Truly appreciated. but I will pick your brain a bit more. If I can. You have lowered springs (how low?) do you think that the shocks could bottom out internally,or come close to even with the bump stops on big bumps or when carrying a load?
And Spencer, have you fitted the KYBs to your car, and how do you find them, I'm interested as the deal sounds great, but trying not to sound like a wet blanket , what happens if they happen to be or happen to become faulty? the US is not that close when doing warranty claims
Thursday, October 04, 2007 - 06:14 pm, by: Brad Knudsen(Knuddo)
I haven't had any issues with bottoming out as the king springs are much more firm (heavier spring). I can’t remember the actual height difference, but they are fairly sensible. You do have to watch some driveways but that’s more to do with the long nose. The only problem at the moment for me is with the extra firm ride, I am noticing how shagged the bushes are. You do notice the bumps on some older roads, so the sooner I change them the better. The King Spring numbers are KTFL-109 for the front & KTRL-110 for the front. Cheers
Thursday, October 04, 2007 - 06:52 pm, by: Spencer Skett(Spenq)
Had the KYBs put in a couple of weeks ago. Mine are actually the AGX version (adjustable) made for the JZA80 Supra. Had to change springs (got Whiteline lowered springs) too. Has probably ended up a little bit too low, have some tire rubbing at full lock - and think it's hitting the bump stops.
But the ride is great, feels much more connected to the road - even the fuel economy has improved (my shocks were pretty close to dead apparently!).
If you get the regular Soarer replacement version (GR2 - they are still available in Australia whereas the AGX are discontinued here) - I don't imagine you'd have any trouble with warranty claims (any more than usual at least).
If you're replacing your shocks I'd definately recommend them.
Thursday, October 04, 2007 - 10:19 pm, by: Spencer Skett(Spenq)
Yeah had to get Supra springs. Managed to pick up some brand new Whiteline springs for $150 on ebay - someone wrote off their car before they could put their new springs in, but worked out well for me!
The AGXs are definately not available in AUS anymore (multiple suspension shops told me so), and they cost me about $500 from the US - the $360 is for the regular ones. Was still cheaper than what the shops were quoting me for the GR2s so figured I'd go for it.
New shocks, springs and Vlamos bushes and she rides better than ever
Dave Billings TryHard Louisiana SC 300, Manual Transmission
Friday, October 05, 2007 - 12:39 am, by: Dave Billings(Waveman1717)
Do yourself a favor- Bilstien Struts!! A little costly, but worth every penny!! (in my opinion!) They are auto adjustable if you want to use lowering springs. The best ride one could expect with low profile tires and 18" rims.
Monday, October 15, 2007 - 07:55 pm, by: Francisco Valdivia(Silvasoarer)
Hey guys, have ordered some shocks thru a mate that is in the spare parts business (legal) lol, and now I'm after springs for the front. I'm happy with rear height, just want to change the front. Has any body out there in this community have a set of lowered front springs for sale for a reasonable price? Saw some KingSprings dirt cheap on here, but I missed the boat.
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. Truly appreciated. but I will pick your brain a bit more. 
If I can. 
, what happens if they happen to be or happen to become faulty? 
the US is not that close when doing warranty claims
