suspension advice

[Sgtk]

I am the proud owner of a '99 Solara with less than 20k miles, and after seeking the advice of SG users about which upgrades to pursue, I decided that I want to start with the suspension. I do not know a lot about car modding but I have learned that when lowering the chassis its best to replace the springs and struts at the same time. I have also researched a bit about coilovers, but I am uncertain as to what the advantages of coilovers are versus replacings the springs with new ones. I have also looked around on the Tein and Tokico websites for parts but they dont provide much information about prices.

Ultimately I'm looking for advice on the most effective way to lower the chasis and improve handling. What should I keep in mind and what parts are recommended?

Thanks to all who can help!

[Ruski]

Welcome You came to a great place . There are a few topics on here that have been recently talked about suspension one including my topic. there are also some stickies and how tos on suspension. I recommend spend the money and do it right the first time. Many people here have TRD springs and Struts. Best bang for the buck and very reliable. Some have Tein springs,eibach spring, Kyb Struts, Tokico struts There are some companies out there its jsut what you are looking for in the drop and handling also people replace Sway bars . that just a lil run through

[QuickSEV6]

There is also JIC Magic

http://www.jic-magic.com/ViewProduct1.a ... rMakeID=10

A very good product, but kind of expensive.

[woa_its_j3ff]

I couldn't have said it better than Ruski did.
I would opt for coilovers if you have the money for it, expect at LEAST a grand or more.
If not, springs/struts are great too. with TRD springs, struts, or Eibachs, KYB or B&G or Tein.
JIC magic has some great coilovers is what I heard as does Tien.

I would like to add the RSB (rear sway bar) helps out handling just a tad bit when going at little higher speeds. the TRD strut bar for the front does a little bit too.

welcome to sg, and hope you enjoy your stay

[Ruski]

heres some topics
http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=31372
http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=31349
http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=31347
http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=31267
http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=31404
Just a few that are recent that have been discussed. You can gain some info from them

[lilm]

everyone is so nice today....whats wrong????


COILOVERS FTW

[Sgtk]

ok, so from what I've gathered form reading all those suspension threads, the highest qaulity choice is coilovers. Does this simply mean i buy coilovers and have them installed?

also, from what i've researched when you buy new springs you need new struts. If I am ONLY buying new coilovers, do i need any other additional parts?

[DaTwUnKrAziEpInOy]

Well.....which coilover setup are you planning on getting ? from what I've read around the Teins don't have pillow ball mounts (strut mounts), JIC Magic has mounts included on their coilovers. Not sure for the other brands. But in short, when you buy coilovers they're direct replacements of the spring and strut setup. Hope this helps.

[Midias]

the TRD RSB is one of the most cost effecdtive and rewarding mods you can do and for about 150 bucks you cannot go wrong.

[orlin03]

The coilovers will completely replace the strut setup. If you don't go the coilover route, I doubt you'd need to replace the strut when you do the spring, since there are only 20,000 miles on them.

[Sgtk]

Thank you all for the advice so far its been extremely helpful. My last question is sure to have different opinions.

Which coilovers are the highest quality?

Were i to buy a strut/spring combo, which would provide the stiffest ride and lowest drop?

[woa_its_j3ff]

Thank you all for the advice so far its been extremely helpful. My last question is sure to have different opinions.

Which coilovers are the highest quality?

Were i to buy a strut/spring combo, which would provide the stiffest ride and lowest drop?

I'd say coilovers : JIC Magic or Tein, but they are the only 2 companies that make em for our car. But out of the 2 i'd say JIC, of couse a little bit more money for it.

spring/struts: i find many ppl like the TRD spring/strut or the Eibach spring/TRD strut combo, or the Tien spring/TRD strut.. iuno the list goes on and on. I'd say the stiffest ride/lowest drop, i'd say TRD struts, and Eibach springs.

hope you find what you like!

[kwyse]

Im planning on dropping on tein springs and tokico struts this summer. From what ive read, the teins have a 1.7" / 1.4" drop in the front/rear. I believe the Eibachs have less (1.4 all around i think). I know that its the same drop for the front and rear.

As for the struts, Ive read that the tokico are a little less stiff than the trd...this is the ride quality i am looking for tho.

Ive only heard good things about the tein/tokico setup. I'd be interested in what you finally decide.

[Ruski]

everyone is so nice today....whats wrong????


COILOVERS FTW

I was just in a good mood today lol and wanted to help the new comer out