98 Corolla needs more ground clearance

[unckybob]

Hi,

I do a lot of car camping and I'm looking for some way to increase the ground clearance of my 98 Corolla.

Does anyone have any ideas?

[Zembonez]

Taller tires?

[unckybob]

They make these lift kits for trucks to get them more ground clearance. They don't make any such thing for a Corolla. There might be something generic for economy cars in general, but I don't know.

[Zembonez]

BUT.

You are probably the only guy on earth that currently wants to lift a Corolla. I'd bet you are on your own there.

[PhatRoyale]

New springs and struts.

[fishexpo101]

^^^ This!

Especially if the car has some miles on it. OEM springs can sag a considerable amount over time. New OEM springs and struts can jack up the car another 1" or more.

Other than that - options are limited. Almost all performance oriented springs will lower the static ride height. Lift blocks that go under the springs will help, but you will also risk throwing off the dynamic ride balance of the car (moving the suspension beyond its design point).

Depending on your budget - a coil-over system or airbags are other options to adjust the ride height. Advantage of those systems, you can tailor the ride height without having to take the suspension apart (like with the lifting blocks). Keep the car lower for highway rides for good handling and better fuel economy, raise it up when you venture off-road.

[Zembonez]

I get the feeling the OP is looking for 3 - 5 inches of additional clearance. Given the design of the Corolla suspension, that would be nearly impossible without some serious re-engineering.

[fishexpo101]

Yeah, at that level, that would require more than just a simple spring swap/hack. Jacking up the CG of any vehicle is a bad idea in general.

Still, the Corolla has a fair amount of ground clearance. Even with my TRD springs on (~1-1.25" drop all around) - I was able to get around pretty well off road. Just have to watch for rocks and stuff that could punch through the oil pan and keep your momentum up to keep from getting bogged down.

Several years ago, I supported some tasks at Fort AP Hill and Fort Hood, with my Corolla. That entailed some off-roading and trying to skirt some deep ruts from heavier vehicles. Why? They paid me by the mileage on my personal vehicle

Ended up not costing that contract that much more money, and it was far more entertaining for myself and the service men there. Just imagine a convey trucking through the woods - a Bradley, APC, couple of Humvees, silver Corolla?. Didn't get stuck anywhere, but did manage to get grass "inside" and around the bead of the tires - not sure how that happened to that extent - but remounted them, all was good.

[scys]

Your not the only one who would like a little more lift. I have looked and looked and found very little. the best I could come up with was 1" lift that would have to go between the struts and the strut mounts there is some universal kits. With no support or parts I would worry that the steering geometry like mentioned already, drive shafts, control arms. I would think that your suspension might just be a little tired and just replacing might give you that little extra. You could also try using a slightly larger tire. that is the only thing that is really going to give you more ground clearance anyways.
If you still want to read you could look for info on corolla rally cars. I decided to just buy an old jeep, had no problems getting an extra 8" of lift on that.
CY