e7 to e8 front suspension differences (both rwd models)

**oldeskewltoy** · 14-02-2009, 04:13 PM

I'm in the early stages of an AE71 build. I thought I'd post up that I've found the AE71 suspension geometry is different from the AE86. The AE86 has 12mm LESS room between the strut toppers then the AE71 does, 6mm per side. The lower sub frame mounts are indentical. The assumption therefore is the xE7 strut geometry is more vertical then the AE86 geometry

I have FSM for each and the measurement difference is there. Using toyodiy, I was able to confirm that the 2 cars use different front strut shells (the empty shell has different part numbers from the AE71 and the AE86).

**oldcorollas** · 14-02-2009, 04:25 PM

interesting!
would mean that the KE7 has 0.6deg or so less camber?

what abotu the difference in strut tops? can't remember exactly, but if you use e8 in e7, on the opposite sides, you get more camber or castor or something... ie ther eis a bit of offset there perhaps?

**RobertoX** · 14-02-2009, 09:30 PM

^ not necessarily, what is the difference in LCA length? (if any) and what is the difference in the angle between the stub axle and the strut?

If the LCA is the same length, then the AE86 has a more inclined KPI which, imo, is not a good thing due to camber change characteristics with steering.

oldskewltoy, can you measure these things?

**c2888** · 15-02-2009, 05:08 AM

What year E7?
Early cars have a different strut top, Cusco lists it being the same as the KP61 which I imagine having a smaller pitch.

http://www.driftforum.nl/Eric/TE71/Afb041.jpg
what one guy has done to make AE86/LATE E7 camber plate fit a early E7

The measurement would be from the inner strut top stud? Maybe measuring from the actual shock shaft will get you back your 6mm either side.

**oldeskewltoy** · 15-02-2009, 09:54 AM

Concerning less camber in the strut tube.... I can not as of yet say... I have a pretty nice pair of AE86 tubes that I'll measure(the angle between the spindle and tube), and then I"ll measure the AE71 tubes... upon disassembly

the top 2 scans are from the 1983 AE71 FSM...... The bottom two scans are from the AE86 FSM

**oldeskewltoy** · 18-02-2009, 06:40 AM

I got a PM.... here is the last AE71 body scan in the book.....

Odd how there isn't an "A" pillar layout....????

**oldcorollas** · 18-02-2009, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by RobertoX

^ not necessarily, what is the difference in LCA length? (if any) and what is the difference in the angle between the stub axle and the strut?

If the LCA is the same length, then the AE86 has a more inclined KPI which, imo, is not a good thing due to camber change characteristics with steering.

1. well.. i've done the swap.. seemed to work

i just can't remember specifics as it was a long time ago.

2. that is what castor is for

**oldcorollas** · 18-02-2009, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by c2888

What year E7?
Early cars have a different strut top, Cusco lists it being the same as the KP61 which I imagine having a smaller pitch.

http://www.driftforum.nl/Eric/TE71/Afb041.jpg
what one guy has done to make AE86/LATE E7 camber plate fit a early E7

The measurement would be from the inner strut top stud? Maybe measuring from the actual shock shaft will get you back your 6mm either side.

did australia get both early and late E7?
is it a KE70 to AE71 thing?

were those aftermarket dorifto tops made incorrectly?

**c2888** · 18-02-2009, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by oldcorollas

did australia get both early and late E7?
is it a KE70 to AE71 thing?

were those aftermarket dorifto tops made incorrectly?

i'm not sure if the 4 doors built in australia have this early/late difference in the strut tower.

The japanese EPC I have shows that K/A/T E7s have 53701-12903 apron assy, front fender, RH from 7903 till 8108, those built from 8108 to 8707 have 53701-12908.

Also I'd suggest that the strut tops were ordered/supplied incorrectly as T3 make all the required tops for E7/E8 rwd models. In this case they should have been supplied with the smaller PCD ones suited to KP61. You can tell by the big top hole where the top pokes through, early is ROUND, late is OVAL. I'm sure if T3 were contacted they would fix this up without hesitation, all my dealings with Gabe have been positive.

You can use AE86 tops in a LATE E7, but depending on design you may lose a bit of caster. The stud on the inside, closest to the engine, is offset for and aft. This is a difference in both the strut tower and in the strut top. Cusco list the E7 top as a "low caster" option for the AE86.....

A quick and dirty trick is to put AE71 tops into your Sprinter for a smidge more caster

Or you can be cheap and nasty like me when I was younger and poorer and just drill out the required hole for the Left top to go in the right hole

**newbien** · 18-02-2009, 10:47 PM

thought i might throw in my 2cents worth...

Early TE72 uses the smaller TE71 strut top which is the same as the KP61
Late TE72 uses the same strut top as AE86
Early and Late KE70 use the same strut top as the AE71 which uses the AE86 strut top

thats from personal experience working with and ordering cusco camber tops etc for all of the above...