Koni install, you think its bolt on,no way Options

[TTE]

All right I finally got front shocks installed,thanx guys Akuza,SCM,Junior,ghost dog,Cragspider for info. I just got to tell that its not a direct bolt on it requires cutting and welding.

[S_C_M]

Glad to hear you finally got them done.

Pics of the setup, or just the welding?

*edit*

I occurs to me that Koni specifies OEM KYB struts only in their listing for the Celica. Perhaps Toyota used a couple of different manufacturers for the struts; causing some of these install problems. Just specualtion, as I made sure my struts had KYB stamped on the housings, and have only ever heard of people with OEM KYB struts.

This post has been edited by S_C_M: Jun 12, 2004 - 6:59 PM

[TTE]

Unfortunately I didn't take any pic of installation but I'll try to explain what it involves to install them(front only).
1 Take your strut out
2 Remove spring, boot etc...
Now when you remove everything and have the strut out you will see that you have to remove (silver) cap that is on the top of the strut(only way to remove it is either with a hammer and screwdriver or plumbers tool)take it out carefuly,you gonna need it
3 After removing that you gonna have to cut out 3mm of the top to remove existing insert from housing(watch the oil- it's under the pressure)or have mechanic to do it
4 After taking the insert out clean the housing with some solvent ,etc
5 Put your KONI strut in to the housing
Here you'll notice that you have a problem,because Koni strut is the same height as the housing so you are not able to attach it with the screw (that was included)besides there was no thred inside the housing anyway. Dont worry about that
6 Put plastic washer(that was included with the strut)on the top
Now you will have to use your (silver) cap that you removed before back and have machanic or smbd else to weld it to the housing (paid $30)
7 Now you have your strut ready to install back on car

So as you see its not a direct bolt and some parts that they include(screws that suppose to hold insert to the housing) aren't needed

I was very glad with the handling(better than stock KYBs)not bouncy and the best part of it is that car takes bumps very very smooth on every setting, considering the effect, that I'm using TRD springs and low profile tires.

Here is the part number of KONI adjustable 8641-1308sport (aprx $300 pair)
I'm glad if I could help anybody with the info

[shid]

everyone else says no weilding required- its a myth, there's an easy way and a hard way- and I think you did it the hard way

[TTE]

I think that was the only way. I was running around to every speed shop and mechanical shop in my area with the strut and housing asking for opinion and solution and everybody was saying that its not gonna fit ,etc... Only one mechanic told me that he can try to weld it so he did.

[S_C_M]

It sounds like your mechanic cut the front strut housing, which is completely unnecessary with the OEM KYB struts. I would imagine welding would be required at that point... I guess I will try to pull of one of my rears and get a pic of the setup I have when I align the car.

I'm glad you were able to get the whole thing sorted out though, and that you like the results.

[shid]

It's not the only way, because other people with Koni's didn't have to do that.

[TTE]

Well I would like to listen to their coments then. C'mon enybody who did them by himself bring some input about it

[shid]

Search the forums, they've commented on their installs

[Akuza]

all i know is that my shop didnt weld it in all they did was cut...