RA60 & RT142 suspension

**Shifty** · 12-03-2006, 09:43 PM

Hi guys

I went looking at cars today and after being disappointed with an MS57 Crown that required a little too much work for my current financial situation, I came home with a Toyota Corona - this is my eigth so stay away in case my affliction is contagious!

This particular vehicle is an RT142 sedan with the *live axle* rear, and the suspension/steering is in need of a freshen up. The brakes are already sorted and I'm not after a major headache so the standard layout will be staying. I'm looking for direct replacement parts only, and something for the modest budget as it is highly unlikely to do anything more than take couple of corners spiritedly if I'm in the mood.

The car will mostly be used as a daily driver, but I'd like to sharpen her up a little while I'm already going to the trouble and cost of replacing the parts! I won't be lowering the car any more than an inch or so as it is not going to be a race car so I'm not going to dress it up as such. It is unlikely to cop an engine conversion, but I've learned in my years to never say never!

I understand that the live axle RT142 is very similar in layout to an RA60 Celica, so if you are without Corona-specific suggestions then any RA60/SA63/RA65 experiences would probably be of assistance (ignoring of course the IRS rears on some Celicas).

I'm probably looking to replace some/all of the bushes as necessary, and fit new springs and shocks. I am unlikely to touch swaybars unless there is a huge gain involved and the required part is available directly from another Toyota and bolts on trouble-free.

**Shifty** · 13-03-2006, 03:01 PM

...and the silence was deafening!

So anyway I've ordered a new set of ball joints, tie rods and rack ends so all the hard suspension components are sorted, just a matter of deciding on springs/shocks and checking out the condition of the bushes.

If anyone has a recommendation regarding damper types, springs rates & brands then it'd be appreciated.

**RONA** · 13-03-2006, 03:11 PM

I run heavy duty dobinson springs in my live rear RT142, they are standard ride height and combined with kyb rears and monroe gt gas front they have helped handling significantly, majority of the body roll now is actualy due to the soft sidewalled RE92, I had some mags on with stiffer sidewalled tyres and they reduced the roll alot.

Swaybars will help and combined with new shocks springs, bushes etc it would handle alot better.

Not knowing the springs rates, all I can say is the setup is stiffer than the king lows in my MA61, and thats with standard height springs, which give a tad more roll, but far better ride and ahem daily driving prospects plus general thrashing ability hehe.

You could easily get 2 inch lowered springs and maintain decent gorund clearance, heck I've reversed over foot high rocks in my car without it scraping on anything.

Oh not to mention once you do this even without power steering the steering will be nice and light

, RT142's weigh a tad over a tonne, and atm until I invest some money in the supra I am sad to sad the chuckability of the corona is much better.

, the supra loses composure of bumps (ahem shitty shocks) and just doesn't settle quickly enough.

**Pube** · 13-03-2006, 08:28 PM

im in the process of getting my suspension up to scratch so check out my 'forum members rides' so see how i go. only difference being, i have IRS

**Shifty** · 14-03-2006, 08:29 AM

Lowering the car is just unnecessary, and might prove to be a pain when I'm towing a trailer. Also this is my daily driver so I don't want any insurance hassles "Oh, it's lowered two inches? Sorry, we can't insure you because it's modified".

I know of one insurance company in particular that will not insure cars lowered further than one inch and one that doesn't do lowered cars at all... and I'm sure the others take it into account on their premiums.

**MOOKIE** · 14-03-2006, 11:38 PM

king springs ????

**RONA** · 15-03-2006, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Shifty

Lowering the car is just unnecessary, and might prove to be a pain when I'm towing a trailer. Also this is my daily driver so I don't want any insurance hassles "Oh, it's lowered two inches? Sorry, we can't insure you because it's modified".

I know of one insurance company in particular that will not insure cars lowered further than one inch and one that doesn't do lowered cars at all... and I'm sure the others take it into account on their premiums.

In that case just get HD springs at a standard height like I did, whether that be dobinson, kings etc.