need some suspension info...

[AliasJerk]

Me being an avid contour enthusiast... I really only know about suspensions for that particular car... So now I feel dumb founded when looking at parts for my corolla, at 104K miles the struts are pretty much gone, and the rear springs are starting to sag... its quite ugly. I decided that since I found a new job, and just graduated from high school... It was time to look into buying myself a nice little gift. So I decided "what better then a new suspension? Ive always wanted one... and enjoy the home projects." Im new at doing suspension work, the most I have done is sway bar endlinks and misc bushings... I did my research on the struts and springs, and basically found that its an absolute piece of cake to do on this car... 5 bolts, two on the hub and brake assembly and 3 on the strut tower, get the front end in the air, undo bolts, remove strut, compress spring, undo tower lug nut, pull apart, and do reverse with new strut and springs. Simple... Right? someone correct me if im missing anything there...

NOW! what I do need to know is what manufactorer to go with.... Ive been searching around ebay because that seems to be the best place to get a good deal... I ended up coming along a premade suspension setup... It comes with KYB-2 Gas performance Struts and Vogtland German Made lowering springs Which deliver a 1.4 inch drop (which is really the most I want with Michigan winters). Which totals to $372 shipped to my door... Not bad... But Ive been informed that this really isnt that great of a setup... So I want advice...

What I want out of my suspension is something to remind me of my contour, but go a little futher then that... I want european handling combined with a slightly stiff ride, but something that is still tolerable because im going to be traveling with this car quite often... Any opinions?

[tashirosgt]

Can you get the brake lines off the old strut without disconnecting them? If not, add bleeding the brakes to your list. How do you plan to compress the springs?

[AliasJerk]

Originally Posted by tashirosgt

Can you get the brake lines off the old strut without disconnecting them? If not, add bleeding the brakes to your list. How do you plan to compress the springs?

I plan to head over to autozone and rent some spring compressors that they loan out... But you are right, probably should blead them lines....

[punter]

Shouldn't need to bleed the brakes as your not touching them, at least thats if its like my old corolla. Although if its been a while since you've done it, its probably sensible.

As for brands, kyb is a good manufacturer (they make the OEM toyota shocks). Although I'm not familiar with that type of shock (probably just use different names over here), If you've already bought them just install them and try it out.

I've just installed TRD lowering springs (actual japan trd) with new factory shocks and my ride is good, quite stiff at low speeds but not that bad.

[Flashmn]

bilstein FTW, mine are great.

[freakinbox]

but you said VERY expensive!

[AliasJerk]

Kind of answered my question.....

Are Vogtland springs mated with KYB struts any good? I dont want to have to replace the suspension again about 30K down the road because the struts couldnt handle a measley 1.4inch drop.