Lowering Question

[corollaTE27Fan]

If I lower my presently unmodified 1974 UK spec KE20 by using lowering springs at the front and either by using blocks or modifying the leaves of the rear springs should I also consider changing the shocks. If yes what is the best source (i am in the UK) and would I need to consider any suspension mods/adjustment.

 

Any advice chaps would be appreciated.

[LittleRedSpirit]

The McPherson strut needs a spacer put it in if you lower it more than an inch and a half from stock. Its generally referred to as a roll centre adjuster and it puts the steering rack angles down to where they are designed to work and not give you bump steer. That and a wheel alignment.

[altezzaclub]

When you do it just measure the minimum height of the shocks.

 

In the front it needs to coil bind before the shock bottoms out so the spring acts as a limiter or it will smash the shock foot valve. You can buy a lot of bump stops to cushion the last 30 or 40mm.

 

You might want to change the rear bump stops so they just protect the rear shocks, it depends on how much the rears contract. Make the new ones more progressive as stock ones are hard as rock.

 

4 people in the car won't help your cause either... I've been in cars that are badly lowered and lowered too much, its not nice.

 

How low are you planning on??

[corollaTE27Fan]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

 

I only want to lower the car for aesthetic reasons as I will be fitting some alloys.

 

Due to dire parts availability here in the UK I will keep to 1.5 inches if that means all I need is to look at replacing bump stops.

[corollaTE27Fan]

Now looking at shocks and being in the UK, i don't have access to the parts that you chaps do in Aus and being a novice at this also I need to use bolt on stuff rather than get bogged down in modifying stuff to fit,

I have been reliably informed that standard MR2 (aw-11) shocks fit the standard KE20 front struts when lowering the front and Ford Escort Mk2 shocks the rear when lowering the rear, but what my source hasn't told me is whether I need the fronts or rears from these cars.

Do any of you guys have any similar knowledge or can verify what would work when using standard lowering springs on the front giving a 35 - 40mm drop and 50mm lowering blocks only on the rear.

Thanks guys!

[parrot]

AW11 rears are too wide diameter wise.

 

I see Terry from Road & Track (terryo on this forum) has spent some time looking at the AW11 front option for customer cars he has worked on. Ask him. Do be aware you may run into issues with length requiring appropriate spacing and possibly with stroke.

[ke26wag]

just my 2 cents worth I run AW11 rear inserts in the front of my KE26, just had to shorten the strut tube by 40mm

[Banjo]

Hi Keith,

Welcome aboard. Wow, that is a beautiful KE20 you have there. It looks to have been lovingly looked after, & probably has low klms. Seems a shame to modify it in anyway, but a set of olde skool mag wheels, will probalby make it look even better.

 

Love to see some more photos of it on here, and a bit of it's history, if you know it.

 

If it hasn't got any serious cancer in it, you will be the envy of many on this site.

 

Cheers Banjo

[corollaTE27Fan]

Thanks Banjo

 

The KE20 is super rare here in the UK.and any mods I do will be reversible.

 

The car itself has done only 41000 miles and I am the third owner, the previous owner restored the car and its totally rust free.

 

History wise it was purchased here in the UK and is RHD and owned by a little old lady who garaged it alll its life.

 

It's totally original down to the tool kit and picnic tables that I am lead to believe were a Toyota accessory available here in the UK.

[parrot]

Awesome. Awaiting photos of said picnic tables!

[Banjo]

Hi Keith,

You are indeed lucky ! Members on this forum have "wet dreams" of finding & owning a rare find like yours. Well done.

 

I'd almost sacrifice a nut to own one in that beautiful restored pristine condition.

 

Like Parrot, I'll await your pictures on this forum.

 

If it's not a personal question, how much did you pay, to aquire this beauty ?

 

Cheers Banjo

Edited March 7, 2016 by Banjo

[corollaTE27Fan]

Hi Banjo

 

70's Corolla's here in the UK over the last year or so have nearly doubled in value, I saw one in Ireland sell recently for around 8000 Euros or £6000 which works out at about $11,500 Australian dollars!

 

Fortunately I got mine for around 2/3rds of the market price here in the UK just before prices started to rise.

 

My ultimate dream is to own a TE27 before I pop my clogs.

[Banjo]

Wow ! That's probably about 3 times their original purchase price back in the early 70s. Who said early Corolla's don't appreciate.

 

I remember, I once bought a 1978 KE55 Coupe, from a girl next door, who had had it since new. I got it at a good price, as the 3K "rubber bung" oil filler cap had popped out, and she had driven it unawares, until she lifted the bonnet. The site was so horrific, she assumed it was stuffed. A good Saturday afternoons work, and I had it looking clean as a whistle under the hood. Only problem was my girlfriend at the time, was driving it to work, and it had a fight with a truck. Truck "1", Corolla big "0".

 

I remember cleaning out the glovebox & finding the original new purchase receipt for about AUD $ 4000.

 

Cheers Banjo

Edited March 9, 2016 by Banjo