Struts

[ohcanada_00]

So okay, I'm new to Tercels but I felt like i was not a total noob when it came to suspensions. What the heck is the deal with front struts? I cant find parts for a drop in complete unit and am having a hard time finding anything but cartriges. Can someone help me out and give the newbie some advice. My rears are fine but the fronts and the front mounts are blown and I need to get them fixed sooner than later.

[Petros]

I am not sure what you mean by "drop in complete units" but if these are normally a performance type item, no there has never been a large enough market for old Tercel struts to make complete units available. Almost no one "hot rods" a Tercel.

About the best you can do is a gas filled strut insert made by KYB, it is a pretty good insert, I have them in mine. If you want a heavy duty up-grade the '88-92 Corolla All-trac front struts are larger diameter and the same length, you might be able to even use the heaver springs by swapping out the hats. I do not know if anyone makes a "drop-in" for the All-Trac, these were even more rare than the Tercel4wd, but it will make a stiffer and heavier strut. Barto found he can fit the Camry springs in the front to add about 1.5" of lift.

[keith]

Heres how

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4704

[ARCHINSTL]

What he wrote...keith did a great guide to this.
Pay particular attention to the alignment of the spring in the top cap and the rod in the cap, as he mentions.
One of my springs was actually out of its "seat" in the cap by over an inch, so the previous installer had ignored this (but the struts just collapsed on their own upon removal from the spring, so I never noticed it). I also had a bit of difficulty keeping the cushion in position while releasing the tension on the clamshell compressor I used.

I also used the KYB inserts. Pay attention to the part numbers - not every vendor is correct...
See https://tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtopic.php? ... 09&p=24552
Tom M.

[ohcanada_00]

hmmmmmmmmmmm This actually helps. Looks like I'll be ordering some new Strut mounts, the KYB inserts and some new springs and hoping that all makes it better..lol

[Petros]

If you get new front springs, order the ones for the A/C equipped cars, they are slightly stiffer and worth it even if you do not have A/C. Eliminates that typical Toyota mushy car ride.

[ARCHINSTL]

I echo Petros' reccy on springs. My car had AC, so ordered those springs. The combination of new springs and all-new suspension rubbers and the new inserts raised the front end about 1 1/2", to a couple of mm above the original height and, truly, transformed it.
I just recently removed all of the AC stuff, as it was dead anyway (compressor frozen, etc.); the car handles even better now with the weight reduced - albeit somewhat of a stiffer ride.
Tom M.

[ohcanada_00]

I plan, when able to actually lower the car so right now I am making sure everything is in good working order and will be able to tolerate the extra stresses when I do go that route. I like hte idea od the sprigns from the AC cars. makes very good sense!

[takza]

I plan, when able to actually lower the car so right now I am making sure everything is in good working order and will be able to tolerate the extra stresses when I do go that route. I like hte idea od the sprigns from the AC cars. makes very good sense!

Due to the close to 50-50 weight dist and the rear swaybar...the wagon would handle like a mini cooper if lowered...and sticky tires put on. I've found that the two main factors fro handling are ride height and spring stiffness...plus the tires of course. Shocks/struts help too. IMO...of course. Only downside might be the front suspension not being that "sophisticated"...might not handle the extremes too well?

[Petros]

one issue that affects handling very much is CG height, and the Tercel engine is mounted high, over the diff/trans and the tall boxy body. There is no way the Tercel will ever handle like a Mini, it just too heavy and its CG is too high.

It can be improved greatly by lowering the CG, move as many heavy items lower (like the battery, chop the roof line?), stiffen the springs and sway bars to limit body roll to about 2 degrees, and putting on as wide tires that will fit on it (modifying the body work if necessary). This will be a big help, but you can never get the CG lower than a Mini, or a CRX.

Doing these mods you would almost totally ruin the car for use off road in 4wd, there would be little ground clearance and a suspension stiff enough for road use would be harsh and swirly on loose surfaced roads. And the wide low profile street tires would not be very useful off road either.

If you want a good handling road car, go get an old CRX. If you want a good little 4x4, than keep the Tercel4wd. I see no point in lowering it.

OTH, it would be interesting if someone wanted to put front and rear pneumatic lift in the Tercel4wd. Low for street, and with the flip of a switch, high for off road.

[takza]

My wagon sits maybe 1" lower than specs...I had 60 series on 14" wheels...and I also have a section of heavy plastic lawn edging on the front "valence". Didn't think it would last the winter...but it's still on there and it acts like a snowplow...moving powder snow at least... off the road.

I did pretty well off road with it with 60 series and 600 lbs load in it....before the lawn edging....but I still go offroad about the same locally...it's flexible.

I wouldn't be afraid of dropping mine another inch or so...but it wouldn't do too well offroad...except for occasional runs.

Actually one of these wagons would make a real street machine lowered maybe 2" and run in 4WD at least on wet or snowy pavement...find it makes mine run much more stable in 4WD....I'd use sticky all season tires.

What works to lower and stiffen the springs are the spring clamps sold in parts stores...if you don't like the result...you can take them off....had them on one car...a 280ZX for several years.

[ohcanada_00]

I'm going more for a battle wagon bozozoku look for my Tercel I think so functionality isnt really in the cards regardless....lol

though i think some relocation of certain itesm will bea good idea in any event

[Petros]

go full bore: chop the top while you are at it, lower the seats (to lower the CG). That would look hot.

[takza]

bozozoku........talk about fart cans....check out the video...

http://mymbonline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20224

[Shaggymoon]

i have an sr5 86 wagon, and i drive it 500 miles a week, when the engine is not broken (long long story with bad mechanic), when the gas tank is not rusted out and pour gas on the ground, and when the trans is not shattered. bought a good body with everything else broke and have almost made a good car of it. but my front left suspension is 2 inches lower than the right, rattles over big bumps and on occasion gives me a very scary shudder.

Petros u mentioned Camry springs, what model #
and what could be worn out such that i get such a shudder? the tire has a visible shake when it happens. i have a whole parts wagon (already took the engine) and can swap the whole front suspension but i would just assume buy everything new so i get many years out of it.

thanks for your time and thanks for sharing such great knowledge. so few tercel wagons down here in GA.