My 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S Mods - TRD Suspension

The Problem: The stock suspension is "good", but who settles when "better" is available?
The Solution: TRD Suspension upgrade
Cost: $1375 parts; labor was free from my mechanic (Kevin in photo) at Toyolex.

Summary: In my humble opinion, the GT-S should either come with this suspension or offer it as an option.   Usually, tighter suspensions equate to a bone-jarring ride, but not with this suspension kit.  The ride has switched from moderately plush to firm and taut.  Additionally, it appears the small amount of jounce (excessive rebound) is eliminated.   In the corners, body roll is nearly eliminated.  Overall, the car feels much more responsive to steering input.  I like it. The TRD installation instructions are all written in Japanese, but the parts list does indicate the springs are supposed to provide a 20 mm drop.  I estimate the car is now lower by about 3/4 inches so this works out fairly well.

The Parts

The major components of the TRD package include: front and rear (Tokico) struts uprated front (29.3 N/mm) springs uprated rear (42.9 N/mm) springs larger front and rear swaybars rear suspension bushings

 

Larger swaybars,  anyone?

Installation: 

Installation of springs and struts is basic and straightforward, as was the installation of the rear swaybar.   The front swaybar was another matter.  Unfortunately, it's not  possible to fish-out the swaybar without dropping the front crossmember by a couple inches.  To do this, required disconnecting both the rear engine mount and the steering rack.   Once these items are unbolted from the crossmember, and the crossmember is  unbolted from the frame of the car, it can be dropped a couple inches to gain access to remove the stock swaybar and install the TRD item.

Considerations: 

First, apply anti-seize compound to the inside of the new swaybar bushings (provided in the TRD package) to ensure the bar does not bind on the bushings.  Second, tighten and torque all load-bearing bushings with the car back on the ground with the vehicle's weight on its wheels.  This ensures that the bushings do not have any preload tension while at the vehicle's ride height.

Resultant Ride Height The Celica is  lower by slightly less than 1".

New Rear Suspension

Alignment Details
Front:  Left Right Camber: -0.1 -0.3 Caster:  2.1 2.4 Toe: 0.01 0.01 Rear: Camber -0.7 -0.7 Toe 0.06 0.06

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