Shorter Inserts For Ke2x Struts

[Super Jamie]

i'm doing the whole handling thing at the moment. i have a pair of rob's old springs from redwrf for the front. in the event that these sit the car higher than i'd like, i'll look into getting them reset lower, and run a shorter stroke damper insert to keep things captive

 

my questions is: does anyone know an insert that fits into ke2/3/5/7 struts (they all take the same insert) that is 20mm or more shorter than a factory insert? i'm about to go catalog hunting, does anyone know any manufacturer's websites where i can download catalogs with product dimension info?

[Peter]

I know that if you go to a parts dealer you can look through their catalogs and in particular Monroe have the specs listed in the back.

 

The specs refer to the inserts body type, t1,t2,t3 etc

 

You then look for an insert that will suit your application with the desired stroke etc.

 

If it exists.

 

Short of that go to some one like pedders and get them to order Konis or the like to suit your application.

 

The next step would be to get your struts shortened to suit a particular shock.( the usual method if you are getting serious )

 

Then while you are at it get adjustable coil overs to suit. ( will probably then need new springs )

 

And then yaada yaada yaada.

 

All up cost around $500 give or take a bit.

[Super Jamie]

yeah i know, i'd just rather do the research myself so then a) i know for sure it's going to work, and b) i'd rather not waste a businesses time with enquiries about products that i might not even buy

 

i found a monroe america catalog with dimensions, they're all in inches and the part numbers are different to aussie ones, but it's better than nothing

 

i really could use about 30mm extended length to keep the spring captive. ae86 inserts are only 23mm lower (spaced down at the top). ae92 inserts are minimum 102mm lower (spaced up at bottom). hmm, shit

 

can you use a T3 insert in a T2 strut? (ie: ae86 inserts in ke20 struts)

 

when using inserts of a different length, should i space them inside the strut at the bottom or at the top or equally at each end?

[Super Jamie]

ahh this is what i was looking for too http://www.club4ag.com/faq%20and%20tech_pa...0Conversion.htm

[mumblezzz]

The Club4AG FAQ is probably the best explanation of the short stroke conversion i've seen on the internet. Plus it can be applied to pretty much any old corolla.

I'm having a pair of HTS into some RA65 Celica struts and converted to coilover.

[Super Jamie]

ae86 struts are the closest i can get i think, and that's not enough. if i get the springs reset taller, the car will sit higher right? shortened struts and height adjustable coilovers are way out of my price range, think it's time for a new set of springs

[mumblezzz]

What is the standard KE20 insert dimensions? Casing, stroke etc. Did you want to shorten the strut??? whats the inner diameter of the KE20 strut?

 

Its a waste of time going with SS inserts in the standard casings, you'll just bottom out everywhere.

[ae71neo]

Its a waste of time going with SS inserts in the standard casings, you'll just bottom out everywhere.

But if you had stiff springs in it should be alright wouldnt it?

Edited August 20, 2004 by ae71neo

[irokin]

but do you really want a jarring ride that'll probably understeer everywhere

[Super Jamie]

i'm keeping the original strut, shortening etc is more money than i really want to spend. ke20 inserts are 38mm diameter, but the housing looks like it will fit a 42mm insert as long as it's 20mm shorter than stock

 

i spoke to an engineer, rta tech enquiries, highway patrol and an authorised inspection station. they ALL said there is no rule that says springs must be captive at full droop, so i'll just use rob's springs and these stock-type gas inserts i already have, replace them with decent KYBs or something one day

 

just need to lathe up a topnut then SORTED :unsure:

 

saw a guy today about desetting my leaves, looks like that's going to set me back about $180. now all i need is to have the struts modified for ke55 brakes, get my adjustable strut tops drilled and tapped and find a suitable bearing and i'm done :D