Suspension options for 83-86 Tercel

[huntz0r]

Hey there, new member. I'm about to pick up an '83 Tercel SR5 3-door. I found it great fun to drive although the front struts are totally shot. So the suspension will be getting a refresh sooner rather than later.

I am trying to learn everything I can but haven't had much luck finding info about the suspensions on these cars. There is a fair bit of info for offroad suspensions on 4WD models, but the rear end doesn't apply, and those guys aren't much interested in lowering or stiffness.

Searched all over this forum, Suspension, Autox, but have found next to nothing for 2nd gens. I've gathered that the 3rd gen Tercel can use Paseo... well, everything. Is that true of the 2nd gen also, or are they too far removed?

Right now the best I know of is replacement OE-style springs and GR-2s, mounts, and bushings, all of which I can get through Rock Auto and/or Tirerack. Is there a way to lower and stiffen the car with springs? Someone mentioned getting threaded coilover sleeves, but I have no idea how I'd find (or custom rig) a set to fit this car. What about swaybars, any interchangeable parts that are better than stock?

I know some of you guys with the classic models have picked up bits of info that could be useful, so share what you got... pretty please?

[Tercel GTS]

Contact the good people at groundcontrol and see what they have to offer. Anything else look at custom stuff.

[ARCHINSTL]

Originally Posted by huntz0r

I am trying to learn everything I can but haven't had much luck finding info about the suspensions on these cars. There is a fair bit of info for offroad suspensions on 4WD models, but the rear end doesn't apply, and those guys aren't much interested in lowering or stiffness.

Stiffness, yes - lowering, no.
A couple T4WD Club members have adapted early MR2 strut tower bars to our wagons (same front clip as your car) and a few have fabbed some - all with good results.
Control arm-to-body bushings and esp. sway bar-to-control arm bushings and sleeves are OE/dealer only, no matter what the online peeps say. I can supply Toy part numbers if desired.
I did full front bushings, springs, KYB strut inserts, mounts, stops, perches, ball joints, and GSP new CVs back in 2007.

If you do the control arm bushings, they are a PITA to remove and replace - also - important - remove the little 1" diameter rubber plug under the "chassis" member and squirt lots of penetrating oil on the captive nut.

You should do the sway bar-to-control arm bushings - and don't be surprised if the threaded portion is necked down due to rust; this is a literal Achilles Heel on Gen I and II cars, regardless of body/drivetrain. This is a really important part of the suspension - if it breaks, you will be all over the road - and it has happened, esp. on rust/salt belt cars.
Tom M.

[huntz0r]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up not even buying that car since I found a 2g Accord in much better shape for the same money. Of course, the 2g Accord is equally impossible to find good suspension bits for, lol. Oh well.