Baby Lex

Hey people, I'm new to this wonderful site and still figuring out how to use it to my benifit as well as others. I recently installed Eibach springs ("1 in. drop all the way around) on my '95 ES300. Now I'm stuck in between two types of struts. I need some insight. What will compliment the springs? TOKIKO, or KYB? Also after the install, I've noticed some rattling from the factory struts when I go over bumps. What gives? And while on the subject, what is the correct backspacing for this vehicle? Any help will be much appricieated!

frankjrsES

i bought the same eibachs for my 93 and i also have tokico. they make the ride really nice. the back end does sound sound louder with bumps when i go over them too. i think its that the car is lower and the springs r firmer. im very with my set up. the rim feels more sporty. i say go tokico

WILB3

Baby Lex, did you do the install yourself? If so, describe the job....difficult or not so difficult? I've had difficulty finding a shop that does that here in STL.

Baby Lex

I wouldn't recoment it to anyone without experience. And besides you need a machine to compress the springs to get them in. I have the EIBACH pro-kit which is 1" drop all the way around. And I decided on the TOKIKO struts at all four corners. Much better over stock! Greatly reduce body roll, and improved handling. Even braking and acceleration is nicer due to the reduction in the "dive" in the chassis. Firmer without loosing much of the quality of the ride. Take turns at higher speeds and what else can I say? It's great! Only downside to it in my opinion is the front. I believe the front should be lowered 1.6" to compliment the rear. Looks higher than the back end. The rear sits very nice and sexy, especially on 18's. She handles much better than when she was new, and it was a wonderful investment. I still have my front stut bar, and it doesn't make any noise like others. I did have problems with it rubing against some vacuum lines and sliding them off, but I zip tied those and all is well.

Luc

My friend and I did his '98 a while back ago, we would've finished in 4 hours, but the spring compressors that we rented were defective. We took out the bottom seat, back side armrests, C-pillar panels, rear deck and sub cover, and outside seat belt retensioners just to get to the rear strut bolts. That is typically required for all of the ES generations. The tools we used were impact wrench, deep impact sockets, rachet with 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm sockets, 5mm allen key, adjustable crescent wrench, and two different size torque wrenches. This is definitely a two-person job outside a shop, since someone needs to support the struts/springs while another one loosen/tighten the strut mount nuts, likewise for the removal and installation of springs.

meZoom!

to all of you posters above:

good job! (pats everyone on the back)

Baby Lex

Any shop that can replace struts should be able to do springs as well. It's a good idea to do it all at the same time. Saves time and money. Good luck.