SS suspension a bolt on job? Options

[bccentaur3]

Hey guys. I'm planning on getting a 3rd gen front clip and it comes with all the front suspension and braking components. Since I don't want to go through the work, grinding things down and making custom brackets for the calipers. I was thinking about just swapping over the entire front suspension from the clip. Will the super strut suspension be a bolt on for me? I'd like to know, because I don't think its worth paying the extra 500 for the clip, because it comes with the calipers and rotors.

[Paul_Celica_GT]

Yes, Superstruts Suspension is a bolt-on job. It uses the exact same mounting point as the normal McPherson suspension. Only problem you have, is that you probably can't use the S54 gearbox, you need a E56 gearbox with E56 axles. The splines of the E-series gearboxes are different than the ones of the S-serie, but I don't know this for sure. If the splines are the same, you can use the S54 gearbox.

If you interested, here in Holland they have a E56 gearbox for sale (850 Euro) and I have some spare axles (350 Euro).

[Edophus]

Yes, Superstruts Suspension is a bolt-on job. It uses the exact same mounting point as the normal McPherson suspension. Only problem you have, is that you probably can't use the S54 gearbox, you need a E56 gearbox with E56 axles. The splines of the E-series gearboxes are different than the ones of the S-serie, but I don't know this for sure. If the splines are the same, you can use the S54 gearbox.

If you interested, here in Holland they have a E56 gearbox for sale (850 Euro) and I have some spare axles (350 Euro)

I would also like to know the answer to this, I have a beams with superstrut and they use the s54, i also have an e56 in my workshop that i might rebuild with a shorter final drive, i dont fancy on taking the driveshafts out just to check at the moment I could check the inputs on the e56 though if someone could check an s54 for comparison

[bccentaur3]

Well if its a bolt on job, and the the gt tranny bolts right onto the 3s motor and by using the gt tranny I WILL have to use the gt axles, would that fit like a glove though?

[playr158]

my SS suspension steering rack is also different than my AT200

ie:
AT200 is straight armed
SS is curved

This post has been edited by playr158: Apr 24, 2008 - 1:00 PM

[bccentaur3]

Well, does the steering rack have to be curved due to fitment with the ss suspension? I mean if the steering rackas are the same length and the curve has nothing to do with fitment(being in the way of things) then wouldn't I be able to keep the factory steering rack?

[njccmd2002]

I know the ss suspension has the figure 8 thingy. And if they are piece of zhlt, they are pricey and difficult to get....

[bccentaur3]

Thats cool. I will just get the coilovers, but I highly doubt any of the steering components are bad.

[scothaniel]

I installed the SS suspension on my ST (3S swap, E153 trans). Here are some details:

• The Steering rack on the US cars is shorter then the GT4, and the RHD steering rack wont work in a LHD car.
• You must use the GT4 tie rod ends to allow clearance when turning, or make a custom tie rod end in the same shape as the GT4.
• When fitting the GT4 tie rod ends to the US rack, you'll need to lengthen the threaded section in order to make a good connection to the rack. I cut off about 2" of the stock US tie rod end and welded it on to the GT4's.
• The Splines on the ST185 axles fit fine into the GT4 spindles, providing you use the correct abs / non-abs versions.
• Same short axle issue when using MR2/Celica components, so the hub placement is the same.
• Same subframe in all 6th gen Celicas. Its easier to just swap the subframe then to swap the control arms.

On the other hand, the brakes are AMAZING!!! There worth the $500 by themselves.

And I'll buy the control arms / fig8's from you if decided not to do the swap. I have a bad ball joint on one control arm (there are 3 ball joints per side + a uniball) and pricing from the UK is insane.

This post has been edited by scothaniel: Apr 24, 2008 - 4:26 PM

[playr158]

Thats cool. I will just get the coilovers, but I highly doubt any of the steering components are bad.

coilovers have NOTHING to do with fixing the figure 8 problem, you can not eliminate them. They must be replaced on their own, other wise you will handle like poop and have unsafe suspension.
on the other hand i solved the steering rack issue by converting to RHD

This post has been edited by playr158: Apr 24, 2008 - 10:44 PM

[bccentaur3]

I was planning on swapping over the entire subframe. So as long as I swap over the subframe and all of the suspension compnents, I will be okay as long as I extend the steering rack correct?

[playr158]

sub frames are like....the same

[bccentaur3]

I guess I will wait for the clip and see how much fabing I will have to do. Thanks guys.

[scothaniel]

So as long as I swap over the subframe and all of the suspension compnents, I will be okay as long as I extend the steering rack correct?

Correct. I can snap a couple of pics of my setup if you want.

[bccentaur3]

Pics would be awesome.

[playr158]

here is SS rack & subframe





here is USDM


This post has been edited by playr158: Apr 25, 2008 - 11:01 AM

[bccentaur3]

I see the difference, but its looks to me like its just a slight difference. What exactly will I have to do to make the ss work and keep LHD?

[Penkka]

when you buy those parts, why not buy the SS to the LHD?

[bccentaur3]

I'm getting a front clip, because I'm doing the 3s swap and its rhd. Can't do anything about it.

[playr158]

The BEST and EASIEST solution is to order an LHD GT4 steering rack. This will be a bit expensive and you gotta deal with the UK probably, but this is the best way to achieve what you want in my opinion, both for safety and reliability. (that and you might as well order the figure 8s ect. while you are doing it)