shocks

[suprajustin88]

Hi, I was wondering how easy (or hard) it is to install new tokico illumina II shocks on an 88 supra with TEMS suspension. Would someone with not a whole lot of car knowledge be able to do it? Also does anyone know where I can get installation instructions before I purchase them, so I know what I have to do? or if anyone has done it and can just tell me the steps that would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks!

[projectsupramk3]

It's very straight foward, as long as you have a few good tools, and an air compressor will come in handy. Just the top nut (after the TEMS dust covers and actuators are removed) on the shock and lower bolt on the lower A-arm. You will have to put a set of spring compressors onto the stock springs to get them out, it's tricky since they are so soft you'll use all of the travel in the compressor. An impact gun makes short work of spring compressor so you don't wear your arms out with a wrench. You will also have to remove the bolt from the upper A-arms in the front to get the shocks out, the right side bolt could give you some trouble hitting the fluid tank but it will fit. Once the bolt is out just swing the upper A-arm to the side. I don't even bother disconnecting the sway bar end links or anything else down there. As you can see it's very simple, should only take you about 10 minutes per corner to swap them out with the right tools. You did buy upgraded springs also right? While you're doing this you should upgade to stiffer springs, which will work with the stiffer shocks much better as well as make the car less of an off-road baha machine.

[suprajustin88]

I have not bought springs yet. Is there some that you would suggest me getting more so then others?

[projectsupramk3]

All the aftermarket springs are pretty much the same spring rate wise, the ride height is the biggest difference between them all. If you want it low get H&R's, if you want a nice even wheel gap get Eibach's, Intrax and the others are somewhere in between. I used to have Eibachs/Tokicos and the height was great, no dragging on anything, about 1" wheel gap all around.