Springs and Dampers

[McMr2]

Evening all,

Had my 2 since May last year and after sorting the brakes, tyres and alignment have been enjoying it since.
I've got the car off the road over winter for some tlc and had thought about the replacing the springs and dampers (04, 75k on them). I'd normally leave well alone but now I'm adjusted to the car it feels like the rebound isn't that great over crests and the car just seems to fidget about on the motorway (yes, not it's natural habitat).

I got the rear strut assemblies off the car with surprisingly few swear words and stripped them down. The dampers show no signs of leaking and feel tight. I'm tempted to give it all a good clean and bolt it back up, but I've seen a few comments on here along the lines of 'I didn't realise how tired they were until I replaced them'.

For those who might relate to such a statement - were the dampers showing signs of wear when you replaced them? I'd rather not spend the cash unless I'm going to see a big improvement.

FWIW, my plan was to go down the KYB/Tein route to keep the car supple enough for road use.

Thanks in advance

[Topdownman]

I now have teins/kybs on mine and I replaced my shocks at about 70k, 11 yrs old, I definitely think you will be happy with the new shocks. There were no visible problems with the old shocks apart from the front shock boots had split and perished but the top mounts were rusty.

Once you have done them you know they are sound for years to come!

[Ardent]

I did the same as you're proposing.
After removal, only one shock acted in a tired kinda manner.
However,
Replaced the TTE springs and standard shocks with Tein S springs and KYBs. 100k miles.
Very happy with my set up.
You will need to get your GEO re-done after.
Where aer you based?
A high quality geo makes a world of difference on these cars.
Catagorically should NOT feel fidgety at the front at motorway speeds.

[McMr2]

Thanks for advice - sounds like a worthwhile investment if I'm planning to hold onto the car.

Ardent - based in Glasgow. Thankfully I have a trusted place to do the geo, they sorted it when I first got the car and I was amazed at the difference.

Did either of you have issues with rubbing on the lower springs? I'm running 225/195 section rubber on standard facelift wheels.

[Topdownman]

I had 185/215 on my standard rims which didnt rub. I now have 195/225 but on ET35 rims which do rub slightly but this is due to the ET.

I have never heard people on standard rims (ET45) complain of rubbing with the wider tyres.

[Ardent]

No rubbage on stock shocks, teins and rims

[MisterK]

I've got toyo's 225 rears, 195 fronts on standard wheels with FG Automotive lowered springs & standard shocks.  No rubbing - perfect   s:D s:D

[MR TWO]

I've got toyo's 225 rears, 195 fronts  s:D s:D

Me too. I like it alot... Though I have 30mm lowered / BC's

[McMr2]

Brilliant, thanks for the responses! Looking forward to getting it sorted.

[McMr2]

I thought I'd update this for anyone thinking about this option.

I can only add to the comments made by others who have gone down this route and say that I'm pleased with the tein/kyb combo.

The old struts weren't totally shot (68k on them I believe) but had definitely lost their edge. Ride is now fractionally firmer but just much more controlled. The car has lost some floatiness that it had over crests but, imho, is still comfortable enough for daily use.

Apart from the rear drop links everything was easy enough to remove and refit. Top mounts cleaned up well and the alignment was barely affected (I might have just been lucky), only requiring a small tweak to one of the rears.

I wouldn't say its the answer for those seeking a huge drop in ride height - I wanted to keep the car supple enough for b road blasts.

[1979scotte]

Well done you.
Still believe in new shocks and springs every 50k miles.
Its a sports car not your family wagon.

[McMr2]

Well done you.
Still believe in new shocks and springs every 50k miles.
Its a sports car not your family wagon.

Cheers scotte. Agreed, car has really benefitted from it.

[JoeCool]

I've ended up replacing either most or all of all of my suspension in my fun cars in the past decade. It's always worthwhile.

With the MR2 I'm taking it that bit further and have basically replaced pretty much everything that doesn't have a VIN stamped into it....