Suspension refresh, What parts are needed? Options

[xkillerx]

Since I can't buy KYB parts here I'll have to order them from the internet. It's a pain in the ass, but what can you do?

What parts do I need (besides the 2 shocks + 2 struts)? KYB website generated these results:

Parts for the front axle
Part No Part
334378 Excel-G (front right strut)
334379 Excel-G(front left strut)
365092 Excel-G(Suspension strut insert - what is this???)
RI2785 K-Flex (front axle coil spring - do I need to change springs???)
SM5164 Suspension Mounting Kit - do I need to change this??

Parts for the rear axle
Part No Part
334125 Excel-G (rear right)
334126 Excel-G (rear left)
SM5087 Suspension Mounting Kit - do I need this???

http://www.kyb-europe.com/


Are there any other parts needed? Nuts, bolts, rubber things?!

This post has been edited by xkillerx: Oct 19, 2010 - 6:03 AM

[atmosfear]

Basically, if you're just refreshing your suspension, you'll need struts, springs and strut mounts. Depending on what kind of mileage you have- you may not even need to replace strut mounts or springs... it usually a good idea to replace them since everything is out. As for miscellaneous parts, the only thing you'll really need is a macpherson spring compressor, if you are doing it yourself.. if not, as long as you have struts, springs and strut mounts front and rear, you're good to go. Also, to answer your Q about "inserts" - the front struts are interchangeable cartridges, which are screwed out, not a full assembly like the rear, when you pull the fronts, you'll see a octagonal "nut" keeping the cartridge in around the silver guide rod/piston.. if you are doin it yourself, and need a step by step, I can write one up, I'm sure there's someone that has it stickied on here if nothing else. Hope I helped.

[xkillerx]

Hi 'Fear, thanks for the help. I have a mechanic who will do the work for me, but I need a thorough shopping list since I can't buy parts for the Celica here.

Also if someone would recommend a reputable online shop that ships internationally, that would be really neat.

[Johnnyny]

dont skip on the strut mounts and u might need rear end links depends if they are fused together or not good online shop not sure sorry contact kyb directly see wat they tell you

[95CelicaST]

New strut mounts (KYB)
New struts/shocks (KYB)
New strut boots/covers (KYB)
New endlinks (twos r us or Racing Beat endlinks for a 97-01 miata... I think)
New springs. (Recommend Eibach. Prokit for 25mm drop, sportline for 38mm drop)

Hardware can all be reused.

[xkillerx]

What's the difference between sealed and rebuildable struts and how do I know which ones do I need?

Also, is it mandatory to replace the mounting kit or are they usually fine? (Since it's a mounting kit, my idea is that it is either good or bad, since it's fixed to the chassis unlike the shock absorbers which take the punishment). (and also it's a 6th gen celice. It does not fall apart, hence my questioning the new mounting kits).

Could somebody also please give me a part number for the protection kit?

And some reputable euro or, if all fails, US online dealers? Thanks again.

[Stambo]

Strut mounts are pretty much our "upper ball joint" if you would wanna call it that. It still takes a lot of beating. Sometimes their alright to reuse but you might as well get new ones.

[Johnnyny]

you are going to want to change the mounting kit only celica gts got sealed struts if not get rebuildable

[xkillerx]

OK so that's 1 vote for rebuildable.

Could others check and confirm this? Don't want to order wrong parts!

1.8ST european model! Sealed struts or rebuildable???

[atmosfear]

Definately rebuildable. Rear is solid one piece, fronts take cartridges.

[RocketScott]

The price difference between the cartridges and the complete strut is only about $10 for each side. When I did mine I just got the complete strut. I also bought all new rubber spring insulators but after getting the old ones apart they were fine.

[dgbldr]

Agree with above post. The complete struts are only a few dollars more, so no sense putting new cartridges in your old struts. Not worth your time/labor and you get shiny new parts.