Strut/spring questions

[danzo]

I am about to order/replace the 23 year old strut cartridges on my car. I've heard there are some fitment issues with aftermarket cartridges. Has anyone used Monroe Sensa Tracs (p/n 72867)? This is what Rockauto lists, but it doesn't specify 2 or 4wd. Autozone's website lists the same part number so I think I am OK with ordering this. Last week I slapped Monroe's on the rear (yes, replacing the original shocks) and am happy with them. Koni adjustables they are not, but I like how they made the rear more taut, which made me realize how bad the fronts are.

At the same time I would like to slap in slightly stiffer front springs. I've heard newer Tercel springs will fit. Can anyone confirm? If so what years? I don't want to alter ride height, just firm it up a bit.

Thanks for any and all help!

[ARCHINSTL]

I made a thread back in the Fall of '07 on strut inserts and springs. The AZ replacement springs will stiffen the front - and also it raised Goldie's tired front end up a bit above stock - do a Search.
Tom M.

[Petros]

the later Tercel springs are not interchangeable, they are a different lenght and diffrent dia. You can make the corolla springs work if you change the strut and swap out the Tercel upper spring mount, but I have not actually checked fit. If you want to go heavy duty go for the corolla all-trac front struts, they are 2" dia vs. the 1.5" dia Tercel or normal corolla strut.

If you can get stock T4wd replacement springs for the front or the ones for use on A/C equipeed cars, they are a bit stiffer for the extra wt. The easies way to get more clearnace in the front is to shim the top of the strut down with a spacer, but stiffer springs will take some experimenting to see what will work. I found the KYB gas filled strut added some stiffness that works out well.

Good luck.