Wheels and Suspension

Koldsauce · 07-27-2009, 04:16 AM

Hey there, I'm looking to upgrade an MR2 and I figured I'd start on the wheels and suspension. My question would be is there one I should do before the other just for technical adjustments? I don't really know much about cars so please bear with me if I ask rookie questions haha. Anyways, if anyone could suggest a pair of light wheels--or just vouch for the stock ones that'd be great.

And just a shot in the dark, if I'm looking to upgrade the suspension is there a kit out there recommended to buy? Thanks

GrandpaGofast · 07-27-2009, 10:46 AM

Hi Kold,
I too am going to do some work on the suspension- Urethane bushings, and have pretty much decided on Tokico "blues" all around.
Since I'm just a "Sunday" driver, I'm not going to spend a whole lot, keeping the stock "teardrop" wheels on my '88.
Here is one place that seems to have "what's available" in the way of shocks/struts all on one page for comparison:
Shocks for the Toyota MR2 from HorsepowerFreaks

Now if anyone can suggest a vendor affiliated with this web site, I'd like to hear about it. It is not obvious if there is. Or i'm just "web-challenged".
All the best,
Grandpa

palos · 07-27-2009, 11:35 AM

I have Suspension Technique springs and Tokico Illumina adjustable struts on my '88 SC MR2. I bought the springs through a private party and the struts from Bilstein Shocks | Bilstein PSS10 | Bilstein PSS9 | Eibach Springs | Koni Shocks | Tokico Shocks.

I use the OEM teardrops for my studded snows and have run a variety of 15x7 wheels with 195/50-15 tires and 16x7.5 wheels with 205/40-16 tires. The 16" Kosei K-1's were probably the lightest given the size. Unfortunately, they are no longer being made for our cars. I sold my Kosei's earlier this summer because I didn't like the relative lack of options for tires currently being offered, essentially only the Falken RT 615's for a tire that has some grip to it. I decided on the Bridgestone RE 11's in a 195/50-15 instead with some Sport Edition wheels.

So, you shouldn't have any clearance issues going with tires approximately the same ride height as the stock 185/60-14's. Otherwise, you will need to find a shop where you can test fit different sizes and adjust either wheel width, tire size or ride height accordingly.

The following is what Shox.com is currently offering:

01. Koni Sport / Eibach Spring Package 1985 - 1989 koni sport shocks eibach pro-kit( front and rear ). 909.00
002. Koni Sport / ST suspension Spring Package 1985 - 1989 koni sports and st suspensions sport springs package (front and rear ). 869.00
003. Koni Sport / B&G Spring Package 1985 - 1989 koni sport shocks and B&G sport springs complete set up front and rear. 859.00
004. Koni Sport / Ground Control Coil-Over Package 1985 - 1989 koni sport shocks and ground control threaded coil over kit (front and rear). 1069.00
005. KYB INSERTS 1985 - 1989 set of 4 189.00
010. Tokico INSERTS 1985 - 1989 set of 4 219.00
015. Tokico Illumina INSERTS 1985 - 1989 Externally adjustable, set of 4 419.00
020. Koni sports INSERTS 1985 - 1989 Externally adjustable, set of 4. Free Shipping 778.40
030. Suspension Techniques springs 1985 - 1989 Lowers 1.3" # 60405 198.13
035. B&G springs 1985 - 1989 Lowers 1.4" 189.00
040. Eibach pro-kit springs FREE SHIPPING 1985 - 1990 Free shipping in the us (AK,HI ,PR, and CANADA please call for reduced shipping quote). Lowers 1" (8210.140) 236.16
045. Ground Control coil-over kit 1985 - 1989 Includes Eibach ERS springs, no struts, lowers 0 to 1.5" 399.00
048. Suspension Techniques sway bars 1985 - 1989 Front bar 13/16" dia., Rear 7/16" dia. # 52220 286.87
050. Addco front sway bars 1987 - 1989 3/4" dia. #786 139.00
051. Addco rear sway bar 1987 - 1989 3/4" dia. #231 149.00

YellowJacket · 08-06-2009, 04:34 PM

Twos R Us - Parts for Toyotas from Club MR2 can most likely beat all those prices if they carry it.

The KONI package struts only (020 line item above at $778) is only $696 ... thats about 80 bucks cheaper at twosrus.
you can get the ST springs for $200 there also.

mcm95403 · 08-06-2009, 05:55 PM

Just a suggestion, but do it once, and do it right - it's a lot cheaper in the long run.

Koni's & ST springs, poly bushings, and ST adjustable bars if you want to upgrade the bars.

Here is the current list of mods to my 86, not including the new engine that should be going in this weekend:

MR2 Mods List

Yep, mine is the NA with the 6 speed...........

Marc - 86 NA 6 Speed Midport (Marc Medina's Mid Port engine buildup)
The MR2- that means Mid engine Runabout 2 seater
Marcs AW11 MR2 Blacktop 6 speed C160 conversion page

Papo J · 08-07-2009, 08:12 AM

First figure out what you want the car for, daily driver, weekends or AX/track car. Then decide on what combination of parts is going to work best for your particular application. Remember that what may work for Marc or Grandpa, may not work for you.

Koldsauce · 08-15-2009, 06:19 PM

I'm diggin the responses, but for the followup question, anyone know how to replace ball joints? I took a look at the BGB but it was just like, "take these bolts off then replace" I really couldn't get the ball joints out of the lower control arm's bushings. Do I have to take off the LCA and burn out the bushings? I have Urthane (sp?) replacement bushings but I'd rather do that some other day because I heard it takes like 4 hours to do that...

Also, the front ST sway bar was a really easy install, but has anyone done the rear one? I couldn't find the exact points to drill the new holes, if anyone has pictures I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

stu4u3 · 08-15-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YellowJacket

Twos R Us - Parts for Toyotas from Club MR2 can most likely beat all those prices if they carry it.

The KONI package struts only (020 line item above at $778) is only $696 ... thats about 80 bucks cheaper at twosrus.
you can get the ST springs for $200 there also.

Yellow - for the 3rd time, NO ONE has the ST springs in stock. ST may stock them in a couple of months but I'd bet on the Raiders winning the Super Bowl before that happens

mcm95403 · 08-16-2009, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koldsauce

I'm diggin the responses, but for the followup question, anyone know how to replace ball joints? I took a look at the BGB but it was just like, "take these bolts off then replace" I really couldn't get the ball joints out of the lower control arm's bushings. Do I have to take off the LCA and burn out the bushings? I have Urthane (sp?) replacement bushings but I'd rather do that some other day because I heard it takes like 4 hours to do that...

Also, the front ST sway bar was a really easy install, but has anyone done the rear one? I couldn't find the exact points to drill the new holes, if anyone has pictures I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

The ball joints are not "burn out" - they just un-bolt. Two bolts at the bottom and then one nut (retained with a cotter pin) that points down.

Don't bother burning out the rubber bushings - just get a ball joint press and use that - far less destructive and a lot safer.

88*mr2 · 08-17-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koldsauce

Hey there, I'm looking to upgrade an MR2 and I figured I'd start on the wheels and suspension. My question would be is there one I should do before the other just for technical adjustments? I don't really know much about cars so please bear with me if I ask rookie questions haha. Anyways, if anyone could suggest a pair of light wheels--or just vouch for the stock ones that'd be great.

And just a shot in the dark, if I'm looking to upgrade the suspension is there a kit out there recommended to buy? Thanks

hit up te51Levin he is selling TRD springs and i would go with koni yellow struts and of course the poly urethane bushings... and u can get some sway bars ect... check out TwosRus.com they got quite abit of stuff u could probly use

Koldsauce · 08-19-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcm95403

The ball joints are not "burn out" - they just un-bolt. Two bolts at the bottom and then one nut (retained with a cotter pin) that points down.

Don't bother burning out the rubber bushings - just get a ball joint press and use that - far less destructive and a lot safer.

Oh, I tried that, I guess my ball joints are just really stuck in there..

And stu4u3, you mean Suspension Techniques springs? I bought some off Horsepowerfreaks.com and they had it in stock, maybe I'm thinking of a different part though...

YellowJacket · 09-03-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stu4u3

Yellow - for the 3rd time, NO ONE has the ST springs in stock. ST may stock them in a couple of months but I'd bet on the Raiders winning the Super Bowl before that happens

This thread is academic STU - I am merely providing a cost comparison, not claim of any inventory status.

mr2tim · 09-11-2009, 06:55 PM

Ask your tool supplier for a "pickle fork" it's used to pull off those ball joints from the Lower Control Arm and will work on the tie-rod ends on the rear toe-in arm adjusters and the rack and pinion.

What's realy cool is it does not affect the rubber boot in most cases of correct usage!

scottohno · 11-18-2009, 12:21 AM

i got an eibach kit and kyb gr2's. got the springs on, but not the shocks yet. they hadnt come and i had time so i said to myself "im gonna rip off all 4 tires and the struts and brake lines and such to do the springs then the bolts will be loose for later." one problem... it required a brick duct taped to the brake pedal to bleed them. lift, drop, lift, drop, lift, drop, crack bleeder, repeat.... ugh.

07-27-2009, 04:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
Koldsauce No Skills Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 5 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Wheels and Suspension Hey there, I'm looking to upgrade an MR2 and I figured I'd start on the wheels and suspension. My question would be is there one I should do before the other just for technical adjustments? I don't really know much about cars so please bear with me if I ask rookie questions haha. Anyways, if anyone could suggest a pair of light wheels--or just vouch for the stock ones that'd be great. And just a shot in the dark, if I'm looking to upgrade the suspension is there a kit out there recommended to buy? Thanks

07-27-2009, 10:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
GrandpaGofast Have tools, will cob it. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mid Atlantic USA Posts: 130 Thanks: 33 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Hi Kold, I too am going to do some work on the suspension- Urethane bushings, and have pretty much decided on Tokico "blues" all around. Since I'm just a "Sunday" driver, I'm not going to spend a whole lot, keeping the stock "teardrop" wheels on my '88. Here is one place that seems to have "what's available" in the way of shocks/struts all on one page for comparison: Shocks for the Toyota MR2 from HorsepowerFreaks Now if anyone can suggest a vendor affiliated with this web site, I'd like to hear about it. It is not obvious if there is. Or i'm just "web-challenged". All the best, Grandpa Last edited by GrandpaGofast; 07-27-2009 at 10:47 AM. Reason: spelling...

08-06-2009, 04:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
YellowJacket 1985 N/A 6-Speed Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 271 Thanks: 8 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Twos R Us - Parts for Toyotas from Club MR2 can most likely beat all those prices if they carry it. The KONI package struts only (020 line item above at $778) is only $696 ... thats about 80 bucks cheaper at twosrus. you can get the ST springs for $200 there also. Last edited by YellowJacket; 08-06-2009 at 04:40 PM.

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07-27-2009, 11:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
palos … Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 170 Thanks: 0 Thanked 20 Times in 18 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I have Suspension Technique springs and Tokico Illumina adjustable struts on my '88 SC MR2. I bought the springs through a private party and the struts from Bilstein Shocks \| Bilstein PSS10 \| Bilstein PSS9 \| Eibach Springs \| Koni Shocks \| Tokico Shocks. I use the OEM teardrops for my studded snows and have run a variety of 15x7 wheels with 195/50-15 tires and 16x7.5 wheels with 205/40-16 tires. The 16" Kosei K-1's were probably the lightest given the size. Unfortunately, they are no longer being made for our cars. I sold my Kosei's earlier this summer because I didn't like the relative lack of options for tires currently being offered, essentially only the Falken RT 615's for a tire that has some grip to it. I decided on the Bridgestone RE 11's in a 195/50-15 instead with some Sport Edition wheels. So, you shouldn't have any clearance issues going with tires approximately the same ride height as the stock 185/60-14's. Otherwise, you will need to find a shop where you can test fit different sizes and adjust either wheel width, tire size or ride height accordingly. The following is what Shox.com is currently offering: 01. Koni Sport / Eibach Spring Package 1985 - 1989 koni sport shocks eibach pro-kit( front and rear ). 909.00 002. Koni Sport / ST suspension Spring Package 1985 - 1989 koni sports and st suspensions sport springs package (front and rear ). 869.00 003. Koni Sport / B&G Spring Package 1985 - 1989 koni sport shocks and B&G sport springs complete set up front and rear. 859.00 004. Koni Sport / Ground Control Coil-Over Package 1985 - 1989 koni sport shocks and ground control threaded coil over kit (front and rear). 1069.00 005. KYB INSERTS 1985 - 1989 set of 4 189.00 010. Tokico INSERTS 1985 - 1989 set of 4 219.00 015. Tokico Illumina INSERTS 1985 - 1989 Externally adjustable, set of 4 419.00 020. Koni sports INSERTS 1985 - 1989 Externally adjustable, set of 4. Free Shipping 778.40 030. Suspension Techniques springs 1985 - 1989 Lowers 1.3" # 60405 198.13 035. B&G springs 1985 - 1989 Lowers 1.4" 189.00 040. Eibach pro-kit springs FREE SHIPPING 1985 - 1990 Free shipping in the us (AK,HI ,PR, and CANADA please call for reduced shipping quote). Lowers 1" (8210.140) 236.16 045. Ground Control coil-over kit 1985 - 1989 Includes Eibach ERS springs, no struts, lowers 0 to 1.5" 399.00 048. Suspension Techniques sway bars 1985 - 1989 Front bar 13/16" dia., Rear 7/16" dia. # 52220 286.87 050. Addco front sway bars 1987 - 1989 3/4" dia. #786 139.00 051. Addco rear sway bar 1987 - 1989 3/4" dia. #231 149.00

08-06-2009, 05:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
mcm95403 MR2's and Thailand ROCK! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Mateo Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Just a suggestion, but do it once, and do it right - it's a lot cheaper in the long run. Koni's & ST springs, poly bushings, and ST adjustable bars if you want to upgrade the bars. Here is the current list of mods to my 86, not including the new engine that should be going in this weekend: MR2 Mods List Yep, mine is the NA with the 6 speed........... Marc - 86 NA 6 Speed Midport (Marc Medina's Mid Port engine buildup) The MR2- that means Mid engine Runabout 2 seater Marcs AW11 MR2 Blacktop 6 speed C160 conversion page

08-07-2009, 08:12 AM	#6 (permalink)
Papo J 6SPD GTE Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 189 Thanks: 1 Thanked 19 Times in 18 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	First figure out what you want the car for, daily driver, weekends or AX/track car. Then decide on what combination of parts is going to work best for your particular application. Remember that what may work for Marc or Grandpa, may not work for you.

08-15-2009, 06:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
Koldsauce No Skills Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 5 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I'm diggin the responses, but for the followup question, anyone know how to replace ball joints? I took a look at the BGB but it was just like, "take these bolts off then replace" I really couldn't get the ball joints out of the lower control arm's bushings. Do I have to take off the LCA and burn out the bushings? I have Urthane (sp?) replacement bushings but I'd rather do that some other day because I heard it takes like 4 hours to do that... Also, the front ST sway bar was a really easy install, but has anyone done the rear one? I couldn't find the exact points to drill the new holes, if anyone has pictures I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

09-11-2009, 06:55 PM	#13 (permalink)
mr2tim SUPERcharZed ToyZ RacZer Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 690 Thanks: 2 Thanked 41 Times in 38 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Ask your tool supplier for a "pickle fork" it's used to pull off those ball joints from the Lower Control Arm and will work on the tie-rod ends on the rear toe-in arm adjusters and the rack and pinion. What's realy cool is it does not affect the rubber boot in most cases of correct usage!

11-18-2009, 12:21 AM	#14 (permalink)
scottohno Cage Fighter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Orland Park, IL Posts: 127 Thanks: 5 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	i got an eibach kit and kyb gr2's. got the springs on, but not the shocks yet. they hadnt come and i had time so i said to myself "im gonna rip off all 4 tires and the struts and brake lines and such to do the springs then the bolts will be loose for later." one problem... it required a brick duct taped to the brake pedal to bleed them. lift, drop, lift, drop, lift, drop, crack bleeder, repeat.... ugh.