suspension stiffness

[NoItIsNotACivic]

hi all.

i have a 98 with gr-2 struts and tien stech struts and Monroe sensatrac top mounts. but i notice the front is nice and stiff if you push down on it, but the rar is still soft, and i want the rear stiffer.
i know i already want the Tokico yellow adjustable struts, but i was wondering if any other springs have a higher spring rate in the rear.

if anyone knows spring rates let me know thanks.

[PhatRoyale]

All lowering springs for the Corolla out there use progressive rates. so they will still be soft like your current ones.

If you want something stiffer, you'll have to get Ground Controls and Koni Yellow strut inserts.

[NoItIsNotACivic]

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE GROUND CONTROL SPRINGS? HOW MUCH OF A DROP IS THERE? THE TEINS I BELIEVE ARE 1.8" IN THE FRONT AND 1.3 INCH IN THE BACK (ORIGINAL BACK STRUTS AND SPRINGS WERE SO BAD WHEN I FINALLY REPLACED THEM, THAT THE TEIN AND kyb gr-2'S ACTUALY RAISED UP THE REAR A LITTLE).

I JUST WANT IT STIFFER ALL AROUND ESPECIALLY THE REAR BUT NOT ANY LOWER BECAUSE THE FRONT HOTCHKIS SWAYBAR HANGS REALLY LOW, I HAVE ALREADY BROKEN OFF THE GREASE FITTINGS ON THE SWAY BAR MOUNTS, AND DONT FEEL LIKE CRUSHING THE MOUNTS IF MY CAR GOES ANY LOWER.

[PhatRoyale]

One of the advantages of Ground Controls is that you get to choose your own spring rates if you order directly from them. That way, you'll find something that suits your needs the best. They also allow lowering up to 2.5". If you pair them with Koni Yellows you also have the option of adjusting your strut dampening.

[NoItIsNotACivic]

i looked at the ground controls on google, and is the coilover spring good solid idea? looks like something off the shelf from autozone. should i just save up more money and get the tein flex coilover system?
the ground control looks like it could easily pop out of place.

any experience with them from anyone?

[fishexpo101]

Pros and cons with a full coilover setup vs these sleeve types. Don't confuse GC coilovers with aftermarket knockoffs - springs are made by Eibach and the sleeve's threads are non-fouling (easy to turn).

Just by design, the sleeve will move around if the suspension is full unloaded - but unless you plan on off-roading or seeing a lot of air, this won't be much of an issue.

Price point is the main advantage of this setup - costing 1/3 to 1/4 less than most branded full coilover systems. Plus some prefer the mixing and matching of a particular strut and spring rate - allow for greater adjustability that may not be possible with a dedicated full coilover system (at least a semi-affordable one).

[NoItIsNotACivic]

ok, i'm sold on the GC and tokico yellow idea. for temporary while i save up for the extra springs, could i use the teins on the tokico yellows? would it be stiffer in the back? or would i need the gc's to notice a dif?

[PhatRoyale]

Yes, you can use that combination.

They are adjustable for dampening, so you can increase the stiffness to suit your needs.

And they're Koni Yellows. Not Tokicos.

[NoItIsNotACivic]

this is going to be a three part question.

where is the best place to purchase the Koni Yellows?

What kind of warranty do they usually come with?

a common problem i have with my current stryts (KYB GR-2) is if i put my hotchkis sway bar to the stiffest setting, it has a tendency to snap the tab on the strut that the endlink attaches to off. i guess it is to strong of a sway bar for how soft the struts are and the carr still rolls too much finding the weakspot of the setup, which is the 2 or 3 spotwelds that hold the tab onto the strut body.

should i expect this problem to be solved?

[PhatRoyale]

The Tire Rack sells them.

You can contact Koni for more information.

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/koni/koni_faq.jsp

[NoItIsNotACivic]

ok i am ordering the koni yellows from tire rack on monday. 572 with shipping for the complete set.

what are my options for strut mount tops? i know tein makes a set of pillow ball mounts, but i cant only find those in europe. i would prefer something with camber adjustment, but i defenitely want something stronger than the monroe sensatrack ones i'm using now. they squeaked after 15k miles.

by the way i am staying with my tein s-tech springs for the time being.

[PhatRoyale]

Cusco also sells pillowball mounts.

If you want to go the cheap route, get new KYB or OEM strut mounts and grab a set of aftermarket camber bolts from the tire rack as well.

[NoItIsNotACivic]

I alread have the camber bolts, snd i belive it is a set of eibach camber bolts also.

i dont want to go the cheap route, because the regular parts dont hold up on a lowered car.

info on how to acquire the cusco mounts? or mabey the teins?

[PhatRoyale]

Google is your friend.

Cusco:
http://www.napsusa.com/

Tein:
http://www.tein.com/contact_info/index.html

[NoItIsNotACivic]

no, you are my friend. thank you.