Until recently I have had my heart set on a full set of Tein coilovers. I have now been forced to come to hte conclusion that this is neither necessary or financially viable for my needs. This means I need to look at other options.

The problem is i don't know for sure which bits I need. I currently have GAB dampers with Tein S-Tech springs and what I have always assumed were cusco adjustable topmounts.

The Tein system would come with everything in one box and make things easy for me, but no more are things that simple.

I guess I need:

4x dampers
4x springs (not sure if the tein would be reuseable)
4x top mounts (again, not sure If I can keep these on another application.


Finally. Does anyone have any idea how much it would cost me to go back to toyota standard spec? I am currently liking the plan of going back to a totally stock car. This would chop the insurance cost in less than half and TBH I rarely use the power and handling I have at the moment. I'd rather have the extra shilling in my pocket.

TIA

_________________
JDM ST205 (286bhp and 281lb/ft)
JDM ST202 (Finally sold )
1982 Pontiac Trans Am 5.7L V8 (See my website)

Crikey, it's been ages since I saw a stock strut

From memory the following bits are used

Front:-
Strut
Lower platform rubber spring seat
spring
upper platform rubber spring seat/shock boot
upper platform
spacer?
topmount
Bump stop

Rear:-
Strut
Lower platform rubber
spring
topmount/rubber boot thing (I think they're a single unit)
Bumpstop



It's kinda hard to say what you'd need. You need to take a look at the struts you have and see what is there. Most non-coilover replacements will have re-used all of the stock items other than the strut and coil itself

Cheers. I think that's half the problem. Having never had the stock stuff on the car I don't know which is normal and what's not.

All I know for sure is it needs sorting before I knock my own teeth out lol.

I think I'll have to go and see 3S service centre or somone like that for an expert eye.

_________________
JDM ST205 (286bhp and 281lb/ft)
JDM ST202 (Finally sold )
1982 Pontiac Trans Am 5.7L V8 (See my website)

I was close
Front


Rear

IMHO:-
Keep teh Tein springs & spray them std Toyota colour to hide they are not Toyota orginals. But KYB 20% uprated struts (they are an oem suplier anyway).
Your top mounts if pillow ball type may be well worn or may be fine.
Your rubber bits will probably all be knackered/gone AWOL.
Bumpstops will probs be fine.


So, I woudl buy for a super standard suspension system
New struts all round - KYB (kayaba)uprated
Can of black paint
New rubber gaitors
Maybe new top mounts.

I bought top mounts & rubber gaitors from olly online or something from teh states as was a lot cheaper than fensport or Toyota but this was about 5 years ago.

_________________
JP
GT4DC Treasurer

Grey St185 RC
Silver BMW E46 M3
Multicolour yawn Honda VFR400
Silver Honda Civic Type-R

Would recommend going back to standard suspension if you are only using the Four as general transport.

I have been collecting standard parts for a while and have only just lent/sold a low mileage set of uprated front struts I have several sets of stock rear dampers and springs in various condition. I've put my old KYB 4-step adjustable dampers on my white ST205 with standard springs and top mounts.

If you want a softer ride then you can replace the adjustable top mounts with OEM or even the TRD uprated rubber top mounts. If you are thinking of selling your adjustable top mounts I'd be happy to take them off your hands for a consideration

In addition to what Steve and JP have already mention do check the bump stop rubbers as I've had to replace several. They do seem to fall apart, perhaps if they are 'attacked' by oil from the dampers?

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you drive your ST205 with standard suspension

_________________
Don
GT4DC Chairman
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205WRC JDM 269bhp @ 0.9bar
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Special GT 590bhp @ 1.8bar
1989 Van Diemen RF88/89 Formula Ford 1600
2008 Nissan Patrol GU 3.0L ZD30DDTi 154bhp