Suspension thing

Stevensson · 08-27-2009, 05:44 PM

Hey friends! need some help again. Apparently my car (a '91 3S GTE) before it belonged to me has been modified (racing I guess

) in some areas and one of them is the suspension. It came with 205/45 R16 (front) and 225/50 R16 (rear) tyres and a hard suspenssion. I think that this is because a hard suspension gives better traction and stability on smooth surfaces right? (please let me know if I'm wrong) The problem is that here where I live the roads aren't that smooth you know?! so when I go through a bump the car takes all the "pain" (not to mention my but

) any way my but doesn't matter

what matters is that I've been told that with the way it is now in the long run I could damage some steering parts and even the chasis. Now here's the question: Is there any setup, change or whatever that I could do to make the ride softer without changing the size of my tyres?? (I think that there must be 3.5 to 5 inches before touching the fenders) I'm not planning on racing and I'm not trying to turn it into a sedan for that matter either. I really love my car and every bump my car takes is a stab to my heart (you all know what I mean right??

Appreciate your help and hope that you'll answer soon.

Best regards to all of you MR2 owners around the world!!!!!

PD. English is not my mother tongue so if you read something funny around or any term is not correct don't be to hard ok? thanks!!!

o6spdracer · 08-27-2009, 05:54 PM

Welcome to the Board! You have a lot of options when it comes to the type of suspension you want. A stiffer suspension is nice, but it definitely takes a toll on your butt and back. You would really have to abuse the car and drive hard to damage steering parts. However, you will throw the alignment off more easily. A lot of us use a strut/spring combination. The most popular being the Koni Yellow struts and TRD springs. That will give you a nice drop without being very aggressive. If you want/can spend the extra cash, a nice set of coilovers (such as Silk Road, Cusco, JIC Magic, or TEIN) are nice as well. From your description, the Koni/TRD set up will probably exceed your needs. If you want TRD springs, get them quick. They will be harder to get in the future (there is a group buy on them now: TRD Springs). Also, since you are running 16's you can go with some bigger tires. 225's in front and 245's in the rear without rolling your fenders (this might rub over big dips/rough roads) or 255 if you want to roll them. Good luck and post if you have any questions. Your english is good enough to understand so don't worry!

Stevensson · 08-29-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o6spdracer

Welcome to the Board! You have a lot of options when it comes to the type of suspension you want. A stiffer suspension is nice, but it definitely takes a toll on your butt and back. You would really have to abuse the car and drive hard to damage steering parts. However, you will throw the alignment off more easily. A lot of us use a strut/spring combination. The most popular being the Koni Yellow struts and TRD springs. That will give you a nice drop without being very aggressive. If you want/can spend the extra cash, a nice set of coilovers (such as Silk Road, Cusco, JIC Magic, or TEIN) are nice as well. From your description, the Koni/TRD set up will probably exceed your needs. If you want TRD springs, get them quick. They will be harder to get in the future (there is a group buy on them now: TRD Springs). Also, since you are running 16's you can go with some bigger tires. 225's in front and 245's in the rear without rolling your fenders (this might rub over big dips/rough roads) or 255 if you want to roll them. Good luck and post if you have any questions. Your english is good enough to understand so don't worry!

Thanks bro! Ok let me get this straight, the Koni thing absorbs the bumps and with the springs I can adjust the altitude?. If not please explain me how they work ok?
Now some questions: will this set work for both front and rear ends?? (I guess that they need different setups right?). When I buy them, do I ask for them as it is?? I mean:" Sir, please sell me 4 Koni yellow struts and 4 TRD springs"

. Don't they come in different sizes/values or something like that?? please let me know 'cause I'm an ignorant in this subject and I wouldn't like ending with 8 parts for a truck or something

.
I forgot, do you know of any store that sells these things in the US (for a good price of course. I'd like to know how much my budget will suffer

). I don't live in the US but I have some friends who can get them for me.
Regards...

Medusa · 08-29-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevensson

Ok let me get this straight, the Koni thing absorbs the bumps and with the springs I can adjust the altitude?. If not please explain me how they work ok?

The springs are what absorb the bumps, and the struts (aka dampeners) dampen the spring action so your car doesn't bounce up and down like a Thai hooker. You cannot adjust ride height with a spring/strut combo. You can adjust ride height, to a certain extent, with coilovers, but a good set will cost you over $1000 dollars, often times even more. If you find coilovers for less than that, don't get them because it's either a scam or they are ****.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevensson

will this set work for both front and rear ends?? (I guess that they need different setups right?). When I buy them, do I ask for them as it is?? I mean:" Sir, please sell me 4 Koni yellow struts and 4 TRD springs" . Don't they come in different sizes/values or something like that??

Both questions have the same answer. When you buy the struts, you specify that they are for an MR2. You make sure you get 2 front struts, and 2 rear struts because they have different dampening characteristics. Same with the springs, you specify 2 front and 2 rear, for an MR2. I believe the springs are sold in pairs, but don't quote me on that, I could be wrong.

Now, they won't be cheap, but they are excellent quality and many, many MR2 owners have run this combo with great success. It is, however, one of the lowest-priced options for suspension.

Do you know what suspension you have on your car right now? Pictures would help, but if you know the brand name, and even better the model name of you suspension components that would be excellent.

Stevensson · 08-30-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

...so your car doesn't bounce up and down like a Thai hooker....

Thanks my friend, I now have a better picture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

Do you know what suspension you have on your car right now? Pictures would help, but if you know the brand name, and even better the model name of you suspension components that would be excellent.

Unfortunately, I don't know what suspension I have but I'll take some pics soon and I'll post'em here.

Regards...

Medusa · 08-30-2009, 02:36 PM

Perfect! We love pictures on this board.

Stevensson · 09-03-2009, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

Perfect! We love pictures on this board.

Ok friend here you go and hope that you could help me identify these parts:
(both from the front/left side)

Regards.

o6spdracer · 09-03-2009, 01:25 PM

Those look like KYB AGX's from the adjustable knob. Can anyone confirm?

Medusa · 09-03-2009, 08:57 PM

I agree, it's the exact same adjustment knob.

Stevensson · 09-07-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

I agree, it's the exact same adjustment knob.

ok

... now what's the next step?. Do you know how to adjust them??

Medusa · 09-08-2009, 11:43 PM

Don't quote me on this, I've never had adjustables, but I believe you just use a big flathead screwdriver to turn the knob. But I'd definitely research it first, just to make sure you don't break anything.

Stevensson · 09-11-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

Don't quote me on this, I've never had adjustables, but I believe you just use a big flathead screwdriver to turn the knob. But I'd definitely research it first, just to make sure you don't break anything.

ok dude I'll be standing by for an answer.

Sh0ty · 10-01-2009, 01:05 AM

It looks to me like that silver dot in the knob will point to a #1-4. I'd think 1 is the softest, 4 the most stiff. I'd grab a screwdriver and turn it to 1 and see if it feels softer. I have a set of Koni adjustables and we use a removable knob that turns the adjustment up to 720 degrees. If you're looking for a soft suspension set up, try adjusting the struts, possibly using stock springs (or TRD or Eibach Pro-Kits, they're progressive and spongey when not driving the car hard) and making sure the bushings are in good nick. Those are the rubber bits in between certain components of your suspension.

Also, do those springs look cut to anyone?

GINA2MR2 · 10-02-2009, 01:00 AM

to make the adjustment easier jack up the end which you are adjusting, less weight on the components

Medusa · 10-03-2009, 01:59 PM

You won't have to jack the car up, it's not like adjusting the spring perch on coilovers. Just turn the top piece with a screwdriver. My friend just got a CRX with KYB AGX's and we were playing around with the adjustment. There's almost no resistance.

eckoman_pdx · 10-11-2009, 02:20 AM

The shocks are KYB AGX's. You posted a picture of the front AGX's. You just use a flathead to adjust the stiffness of the shock. You turn the dial with a flathead. The silver dot you see shock indicate which number setting it's on, so turn the dial until the silver dot is lined up to where you want it to be.

The rear AGX's use a little knob that you stick onto a little shaft sticking out of the top of the shock. The knob only fits on one way, and again, it's marked, so you know which setting you are putting it on.

Also, as was said, you don't have to jack the car up to adjust them. The point of having them on the top of the shock tower is that you don't have to jack the car up to reach them, making them easy to adjust.

08-27-2009, 05:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
Stevensson No Skills Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 11 Thanks: 5 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Suspension thing Hey friends! need some help again. Apparently my car (a '91 3S GTE) before it belonged to me has been modified (racing I guess ) in some areas and one of them is the suspension. It came with 205/45 R16 (front) and 225/50 R16 (rear) tyres and a hard suspenssion. I think that this is because a hard suspension gives better traction and stability on smooth surfaces right? (please let me know if I'm wrong) The problem is that here where I live the roads aren't that smooth you know?! so when I go through a bump the car takes all the "pain" (not to mention my but ) any way my but doesn't matter what matters is that I've been told that with the way it is now in the long run I could damage some steering parts and even the chasis. Now here's the question: Is there any setup, change or whatever that I could do to make the ride softer without changing the size of my tyres?? (I think that there must be 3.5 to 5 inches before touching the fenders) I'm not planning on racing and I'm not trying to turn it into a sedan for that matter either. I really love my car and every bump my car takes is a stab to my heart (you all know what I mean right?? Appreciate your help and hope that you'll answer soon. Best regards to all of you MR2 owners around the world!!!!! PD. English is not my mother tongue so if you read something funny around or any term is not correct don't be to hard ok? thanks!!!

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08-27-2009, 05:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
o6spdracer Nothing Clever Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,731 Thanks: 1 Thanked 96 Times in 91 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Welcome to the Board! You have a lot of options when it comes to the type of suspension you want. A stiffer suspension is nice, but it definitely takes a toll on your butt and back. You would really have to abuse the car and drive hard to damage steering parts. However, you will throw the alignment off more easily. A lot of us use a strut/spring combination. The most popular being the Koni Yellow struts and TRD springs. That will give you a nice drop without being very aggressive. If you want/can spend the extra cash, a nice set of coilovers (such as Silk Road, Cusco, JIC Magic, or TEIN) are nice as well. From your description, the Koni/TRD set up will probably exceed your needs. If you want TRD springs, get them quick. They will be harder to get in the future (there is a group buy on them now: TRD Springs). Also, since you are running 16's you can go with some bigger tires. 225's in front and 245's in the rear without rolling your fenders (this might rub over big dips/rough roads) or 255 if you want to roll them. Good luck and post if you have any questions. Your english is good enough to understand so don't worry!

08-30-2009, 02:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
Medusa Cage Fighter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 623 Thanks: 9 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Perfect! We love pictures on this board.

09-03-2009, 01:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
o6spdracer Nothing Clever Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,731 Thanks: 1 Thanked 96 Times in 91 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Those look like KYB AGX's from the adjustable knob. Can anyone confirm?

09-03-2009, 08:57 PM	#9 (permalink)
Medusa Cage Fighter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 623 Thanks: 9 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I agree, it's the exact same adjustment knob.

09-08-2009, 11:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
Medusa Cage Fighter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 623 Thanks: 9 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Don't quote me on this, I've never had adjustables, but I believe you just use a big flathead screwdriver to turn the knob. But I'd definitely research it first, just to make sure you don't break anything.

10-01-2009, 01:05 AM	#13 (permalink)
Sh0ty Cage Fighter Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Novi, MI Posts: 368 Thanks: 14 Thanked 18 Times in 18 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	It looks to me like that silver dot in the knob will point to a #1-4. I'd think 1 is the softest, 4 the most stiff. I'd grab a screwdriver and turn it to 1 and see if it feels softer. I have a set of Koni adjustables and we use a removable knob that turns the adjustment up to 720 degrees. If you're looking for a soft suspension set up, try adjusting the struts, possibly using stock springs (or TRD or Eibach Pro-Kits, they're progressive and spongey when not driving the car hard) and making sure the bushings are in good nick. Those are the rubber bits in between certain components of your suspension. Also, do those springs look cut to anyone?

10-02-2009, 01:00 AM	#14 (permalink)
GINA2MR2 Not A VR6 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: J-Town Posts: 329 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	to make the adjustment easier jack up the end which you are adjusting, less weight on the components

10-03-2009, 01:59 PM	#15 (permalink)
Medusa Cage Fighter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 623 Thanks: 9 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	You won't have to jack the car up, it's not like adjusting the spring perch on coilovers. Just turn the top piece with a screwdriver. My friend just got a CRX with KYB AGX's and we were playing around with the adjustment. There's almost no resistance.

10-11-2009, 02:20 AM	#16 (permalink)
eckoman_pdx Custom Car Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,245 Thanks: 42 Thanked 71 Times in 59 Posts iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	The shocks are KYB AGX's. You posted a picture of the front AGX's. You just use a flathead to adjust the stiffness of the shock. You turn the dial with a flathead. The silver dot you see shock indicate which number setting it's on, so turn the dial until the silver dot is lined up to where you want it to be. The rear AGX's use a little knob that you stick onto a little shaft sticking out of the top of the shock. The knob only fits on one way, and again, it's marked, so you know which setting you are putting it on. Also, as was said, you don't have to jack the car up to adjust them. The point of having them on the top of the shock tower is that you don't have to jack the car up to reach them, making them easy to adjust.