XT130 inserts fit TA22 top hats?

**BrianGT** · 21-02-2013, 05:02 AM

I need to buy a good set of uprated inserts to fit XT130 struts but use the TA22 top hat and spring plate....

Will the thread on an XT130 insert fit a TA22 top hat?

Any recommendations for a good insert for track/rally? I don't want to go coilovers.

Many thanks guys!

Edit: Or..can my oil shocks be rebuilt?

Searched here and on Net , my strut tubes are 50mm diameter and so are AE86....so is it reasonable to expect AE86 inserts to fit? How about the thread for the tophat?

My car is lowered about 50mm would I get way with a std length insert or would I need a 50mm shorter throw? That opens up ST185 inserts etc and maybe SWR20 rears??

I'm trying guys....yeah I know....VERY trying!!

**Javal** · 22-02-2013, 12:21 AM

Hey Brian. Your standard strut top should bolt straight on, almost all of the 2" toyota inserts have the same top and most of the strut tops of the era are of very similar designs with different bolt placement to suit various models. As for good inserts, it all depends what's available locally atthe right price. TRDs are always a solid choice if you want to buy out of japan, however being in europe konis or bilsteins might be an affordable option.

**Javal** · 22-02-2013, 12:23 AM

Also if you go for a shorter cartridge you may need a spacer to sit under the cartridge. SW20 shocks are ideal with a 50mm spacer iirc

**BrianGT** · 22-02-2013, 12:32 AM

Originally Posted by Javal

Hey Brian. Your standard strut top should bolt straight on, almost all of the 2" toyota inserts have the same top and most of the strut tops of the era are of very similar designs with different bolt placement to suit various models. As for good inserts, it all depends what's available locally atthe right price. TRDs are always a solid choice if you want to buy out of japan, however being in europe konis or bilsteins might be an affordable option.

You Sir are becoming a Star!! Just Pm'd you re-car info and inserts!

So you are saying that SW20 rear inserts with a spacer underneath to support the cartridge would be fine with my lowered ride height? They will be easier to find over here than a lot of other options!
Cheers mate!

How do I give rep??? You deserve it!!

I am not giving up...my car WILL be sorted!!

EDIT: I think the SWR20 inserts may be a little short overall.....they would compress my springs too much. At the moment there is very little compression, I can put the top nut on by compressing with my knees,and this gives me a good ride height and worked with the long stroke shocks I had.

Can anyone recommend an insert for the XT130 struts without coilovers? The TRD inserts I have in now were sat in a box for 30 years and nobody knows what they were actually supposed to fit! That's my problem....not knowing what they came out of!
Thanks anyone and everyone!

**BrianGT** · 22-02-2013, 07:06 AM

Decided on a set of AE86 Koni sport inserts.......it means I can use my springs and top hat. Ride height will be as it is and I should be a happy camper!

**Dan_k36** · 22-02-2013, 07:33 PM

I just got this combi done- should have taken pics for you, I had to run about a 20mm spacer to help the shock other wise it wou,d have been to low and don't dine what I wanted it to do,

**BrianGT** · 22-02-2013, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Dan_k36

I just got this combi done- should have taken pics for you, I had to run about a 20mm spacer to help the shock other wise it wou,d have been to low and don't dine what I wanted it to do,

Thanks mate! This is the kind of confirmation I was after!

Although the Internet has many answers not all of them are true and when you have to buy things first to try it get's expensive!!
Now I feel it's going to work.

Cheers!

**BrianGT** · 22-02-2013, 11:50 PM

Update: Turns out I'm getting Bilstein sport inserts.

A mechanic friend can get the complete AE86 strut with Bilstein inserts for a very good price.....I want the inserts and he wants the strut legs....job done!

The thing is, if it wasn't for this forum I wouldn't have known that AE86 inserts fit XT130 tubes.......he certainly didn't so a big thanks to all.

**BrianGT** · 18-03-2013, 10:32 PM

Right... AE86 Bilstein B6 Sport inserts are fitted to my XT130 struts!

I'm sure some of you know but the Bilstein gland nut thread does not fit XT struts. That must mean that AE86 struts have a much finer thread.

The rod on the Bilstein is much fatter than the TRD Toyota inserts so I had to go to a machine shop to get some work done.

He drilled out the centre of the original gland nut to fit the Bilstein rods and then milled a lip halfway up the gland nut from the bottom side so that it sat neatly on top of the insert casing. Enough depth to allow the insert to sit at the bottom of the strut tube and not need any spacer as the gland nut locks it solid.
He then removed the new oil seal from the Bilstein gland nut and milled the top of the original nut to take the seal...a very nice interference fit and held in with locktite.
It all bolted together really solidly and the Bilsteins are far superior to the TRD inserts I had previously....stiffer but a great ride too. I think the fatter rod helps here.