Suspension improvements for Subaru Loyale

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

For those who use the Subaru Loyale (EA82) in a Rude way, either with heavy weights or offroadind too often, I wrote a Writeup years ago, with some Ideas to improve the Suspension on those Old Gen Subies, using parts from other car brands that fits easily on the Subaru Loyale.

 

The Writeup is ~► Here.

 

Since it is on the USRM you cannot reply there, but feel free to comment here, share your experiences and add your own ideas, etc...

 

I Hope that you'll find my writeup, Helpful.

 

Kind Regards.

[branbikenut1]

When you say "rear coil springs" what do you mean? my 92 4x4 loyale only has the coilover shocks in the rear.

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

Well... the Strut assembly comes with a Shock absorber and a Coil Spring, either the Front and the Rear ones.

 

I was Writing about the Coil Spring on that assembly.

 

You can see the Rear one which is a Mix of the Toyota Shock absorber plus the Honda Coil Spring, on my 1985 Subaru "BumbleBeast" EA82 Wagon, in the Following Photo:

 

 

 

 

The Toyota's Coil Spring is too Stiff for the Subaru's Rear, the Subaru ones are OK but Weak for my Rude / off road \ loaded use of my Wagon, so the Honda ones were Perfect for me, those aren't too Stiff, nor too Weak.

 

Look for Part Number on my Writeup's Link Above.

 

Kind Regards.

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

I've received some Questions about that Suspension Mods I've done, via PM; I'll post here the most common Questions along the Answers, in order to Help more people who wants to do these Mods.

 

 

... you mentioned the steeper angles on the axels. how much of an increase does it make and how much stress does it put on the axels? that is my only concern with this swap is then going thru axels so quickly because of greater wear on them.

 

 

Well, the Rear suspension, using the Toyota 4Runner Shocks PLUS the Honda Coils, will be Lifted (a little less than) Two inches (2") but if you use the 4Runner Shocks along with the Stock Subaru Coils, it will be almost no Lift at all on 4WD Subies. (Remember: 2WD Subies has a 2" Lower base for the Coil Springs on the Shock Absorbers, as explained in the Writeup)

 

Please don't forget that the 4Runner Shocks only have 4" of total Travel, while the Subaru Shocks has 6" ... BUT the Coils Won't let them go much Down, specially with the Honda Coils.

 

The added +/- 2" inches will Stress the Rear Axles to their Maximum, if you want to Do the 4Runner Shocks plus Honda Coils on a 4WD Subie, Without stressing the Angles, you must consider to Drop the Rear Differential a Little.

 

Kind Regards.

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

Another PM:

 

i am just curious what year of the toyota 4runner front struts fit onto the rear of a loyale 4wd wagon? ...

 

The salesman from the Aftermarket parts store where I purchased those KYB 341232 Shock absorbers, said that those are for the Front of a Toyota 4Runner for the 1998 model year.

 

However, Toyota used the same platform and shared these shock absorbers in the Hi-Lux Surf, and the Land Cruiser J90 (Prado). -pretty Popular here-

 

The Following is a Screen Caption of a website that I Saved long time ago, where you can find the Original Toyota's Part Numbers for their OEM Shock Absorbers, which are the Same KYB: 341232 that I Used in the Rear of my "BumbleBeast"

 

 

 

 

I Hope this info could be Helpful,

Kind Regards.

Edited September 11, 2012 by Loyale 2.7 Turbo
To center the Image ;)

[2.5LOYALE]

does it matter what engine on a 1998 4Runner...and is there any 2wd 4 runners of this era?

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

Since the same part number was also used on the Land Cruiser Prado and the Hi-Lux Surf, some websites even list it for the Tacoma of the same era... I Believe that it will be fine if you Stick to the Part Numbers Provided.

 

I Searched and Tested the KYB 341232 only, My Subaru "BumbleBeast" Runs very well with those since years ago, despite they has only a li'l more than 4" of Travel (The original Subaru Shock Absorbers has around 6" of Travel) but that short travel is not an issue, because the Coil Springs won't let it go more than 4" under compression.

 

Any other Toyota Shock Absorber could be "Visually" Identical, but can have some differences, such like even shorter travel, Harder ride, etc...

 

So I Kindly suggest you to stick with the Part numbers given, I can not guarantee to work anything else.

 

Kind Regards.

[Sonicfrog]

What did you use to drop the rear diff to a better height?

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

In my case... I Didn't dropped anything because my Subie is 2WD only, I Bet it is the only 2WD Lifted Subie around, and it Hold up Great with the Local 4X4 clubs' Cars, I do Weekend mountain adventure Travels with them sometimes.

 

(Pictures ~► Here.)

 

At the Bottom of my Writeup, I explain that the 4WD subies must drop the Rear Diff with this mod, because it Lift 2" the Rear.

 

There are Special plates to Drop the Rear Diff that you could buy from the People that does Lift Kits, there are Many of them Here, in USMB, I Kindly suggest to Search in the Off-Road Section; but also you can be creative and build your own plates to drop the rear Diff 2" ... it is Not rocket science.

 

Kind Regards.

[2.5LOYALE]

It seems they don't make the kyb part # anymore... here in the states ..can't track it . where did u get it from?

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

It seems they don't make the kyb part # anymore... here in the states ..can't track it . where did u get it from?

 

Well, there are Lots of that Shock Absorbers available here, in my Country, since there are Plenty of Prado and 4Runner here, and our Streets has Tons of Pot Holes and even Pot Holes inside the Pot Holes...

 

However, the previous posted List...

 

 

...

...

 

 

... of Original Toyota Part Numbers could be Useful for you, in order to Buy a Monroe or Rancho equivalent.

 

Just Use the OEM Part Numbers Given, and try RockAuto.

 

Kind Regards.

[2.5LOYALE]

found this on rock auto is this it? 107 $

 

 

KYB EUROPE Part # 341232 Excel-G; Mounting Type: Bottom eye, Top pin; Front Axle; Twin-Tube; Type: Gas Pressure

- Non-stock item--shipping delayed up to 2 business days

 

http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,catalog,407,partnum,341232,d,KYB_EUROPE_341232.html

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

If the part number is the same, it should be the same Shock absorber I used...

 

But $ 107.ºº is Very expensive (Unless the price is for the Pair); I believe you can search for equivalent parts from other brands such like Monroe, Gabriel, etc...

 

Or you can search for the same part number on e-Bay, Amazon, etc...

 

Good Luck!

Kind Regards.

 

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

For those who don't want to use Toyota 4Runner Rear shock absorbers, the Subaru ones does work great with the Honda Accord's Coil Springs.

 

Let me write some information about the Subaru EA82 Rear Shock Absorbers:

 

Originally Subaru Developed two different Rear Shock Absorbers, one seems to be Taller than the other, but the Main Difference is on the Base where the Coil Spring sits: the 2WD version has that base welded to the Absorber's body, Two inches Below the place where it comes welded for the 4WD versions.

 

but suddenly, instead of Making Two different Versions of the Same Shock Absorber, one with the Lower welded Base for the Coil Spring, and Another with it welded 2" up, Subaru reinvented the Rear EA82 Shock Absorber, using an "Adjustable" Base system.

 

So you can Move by Hand (Prior to put in the Coil, of course) the Base, to lock it in the Lower Place (as 2WD where) the Upper Place (as 4WD where) or in the Middle (as XT's?)

 

The Subaru Part Number, of the Rear Shock Absorber which is one-size-fits-all, that features the "Adjustable Height Base" for the Spring Coil, is:

 

Subaru 21007GA471 which is Made by Kayaba, Japan.

 

The Kayaba Part Number for it, is: KYB 341215

 

 

These are Photos I have of the Rear EA82 "one-size-fits-all... Models" Adjustable Shocks:

 

 

Those are Sold without their adjustable Base... You must purchase it Separately!

 

The Part Number for the Spring Coil's Base (seat) is: 21025GA230

 

Here you can see the Base Placed in the Highest Notch:

 

 

 

 

And here, with the Base placed in the Lowest Notch:

 

 

 

 

Yes, there are 2" inches of Difference...

 

 

I am Glad that my Subaru "BumbleBeast" runs on 'yota 4Runner Shock Absorbers, as you can read, ~► Here.

 

No More Rear Shock Absorber problems...

 

Kind Regards.

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

According to online databases, The KYB 341232 I used in the Rear

 

of my Subaru "BumbleBeast" does interchange with:

 

~► Monroe  D8344 

 

~► Sachs  230631

 

~► BOGE  27-D67-A

 

But any other Toyota Shock Absorber could be "Visually" Identical, but might have some differences, such like even shorter travel, Harder ride, Thicker Body, etc... So I Kindly suggest you to Stick to the KYB Part Number I Provided, I can not guarantee to work the other ones... 

[yobhgareb]

Hi,  Could I cut the Honda springs to work with the Toyota shocks for the rear of my1986 4wd Subaru? if so, how much do you think I would need to cut off to keep standard height? Thanks.

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

Yes, you could cut the Honda Coil Springs to keep the Original Height... but it doesn't make much sense, since you can install the Original Subaru coil Springs along the Toyota Shock Absorbers and thus mean to Keep the Original Height.

 

Kind Regards.

[yarran]

hey mate i have read through a lot of your threads i am trying to do the front and back suspention mods with slight variations as i am from australia, eg i will be using KING SPRINGS instead of the moog nappa brands.

 

i i have a thread going over on AUSUBARU.com     http://www.ausubaru.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24071  i will paste some stuff from there.

 

 

L series Front & Rear Suspension Ford & Honda King springs

So ive just purchased online KDFS-14 & KHFS-58 King springs for my L series wagon. I tried to source some second hand ones from Perth Wreckers but it was half the price to get them new after postage up to KARRATHA

And my Question is...

KDFS-14 are the ford laser springs that will be going in the front, Has anyone fitted a new pair of these not second hand?

And the same for Brand new KHFS-58 the Honda civic springs that will be going in the Rear?

 

 

 

 after alot of thought..

ive also purchased new struts front brumby adjustable (thanks to FROG) backthe 2WD sedan ones to gain more height 

Part numbers... Front Kyb #333231/0 Rear Kyb #341214

and also to try and put less pressure on the spring seat with dampers that actually work unlike the ones i have in atm..

 

Called kingsprings today..

 

KHFS-58

The Front 2 Coils HONDA CIVIC 1987-1993..

so i was talking to king springs today about the civic springs compared to the standard kings for the L wagon. he gave me this info...
 

 

(Civic)   KHFS-58   Diameter=65mm,  Hieght=380mm, 11turns,   280lbs

(Lseries)KSRS-03* Diameter=65mm,   Hieght=280mm, 9.5turns, 320lbs

(Ford)   KDFS-14   Diameter=115mm, Height=300mm, 7turns,    185lbs

(Lseries)KFFS-45   Diameter=115mm, Height=275mm, 5turns,    230lbs
 

 

he said the KSRS-03* would actually be stiffer because 9.5turns is stiffer than 11turns..

i asked him twice to make sure i didnt miss hear him but thats what he said!

can anyone shed some light on this?

i can see how the extra 100 mm on the rear will lift..
but only an extra 25mm on the front and a loss of 45lbs carring weight i cant see how they will sit any higher if not a lot lower..

have i just wasted money on new springs that will do less than before!?

Edited September 17, 2013 by yarran

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

If you read my Writeup, which is Here:
 
~► http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/106807-improved-shock-absorbers-and-spring-coils-on-loyales/
 
You'll notice that I used the Honda ACCORD coil Springs, instead of the Civic ones,

 

also the Ford Tempo has Two Different coil Springs...

 

Look at my Writeup for part Numbers.
 
Kind Regards.

Edited September 19, 2013 by Loyale 2.7 Turbo

[Tom0]

I would just like to ad my $.02
Subaru had a third shock for the ea82, 21007GA280 (Rear, would imagine fronts are different as well). Spring perch is at the very bottom of the shock and the shaft is machined at the end. Its like that to accommodate for this hydraulic cylinder that slips over the shaft above the spring top hat. The hydraulic cylinder needs to seal around the shaft in order to work. And finding a replacement is proving very fun, ahah.

Anyway, pictures!
Tom.

http://puu.sh/bKmJQ/db9c69e926.jpg

http://puu.sh/bKmJ3/68f50a8427.jpg

 

http://puu.sh/bKmIs/8c3a318983.jpg

 

http://puu.sh/bKmHR/a86c0b1a54.jpg

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

Aren't those the ones used on the models with Adjustable Height, "Pneumatic" Suspension?

[Tom0]

That is what I thought until i took one off and pressed the button. Definitely had fluid coming out. Has a filler under the hood as well, going into guard. 

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

...There's a cool cutaway drawing of a red on grey sedan with this suspension from a JDM sales brochure somewhere, Jeszek will know... I though I had it but can't find it....

 

The Height Adjustable Suspensions were Banned in the United States from 1974 to 1981, due to the Stringent interpretation of Passenger vehicle bumper height regulations by the U.S. government agency NHTSA.

 

Subaru was one of a few manufacturers who offered such feature in the United States, after the ban was lifted, on the Subaru XT, the gen III Subaru Leone wagon (EA82), and the Subaru Legacy for a short time, but instead of Hydraulic, those newer suspension controls, were Electro-Pneumatic.

 

I knew that Subaru offered Suspensions with some sort of "Height" Control, on certain "Top of the Line" pre 1985 models in some markets of the World except USA, due to said Ban; BUT those older suspension controls were Hydraulic instead.

 

But as far as I know, it was Not Exactly a Height Control, but a Load control, in which by a Switch on the Dash, the Ride became a little higher but Harder, like in "Sport" mode of the old toyota celicas, with the Hydraulic system aid / Pressure; or the Ride becomes Softer and lower when the Hydraulic assistance is turned off. 

 

I never saw any hydraulic assisted suspension "in Person" but I heard about that in Honduras long years ago, the old Subaru Mechanics from the local Subaru dealer's repair shop, told me about such feature which came in few "Fully Optioned" Wagons.

 

The Part Number you Provided: 21007GA280 Indeed belongs to a Third gen Leone, and is part of this List I have for such models:

 

 

 

 

Thank you for sharing the actual parts' Photos, you're so Kind. 

 

Best Regards.

Edited September 30, 2014 by Loyale 2.7 Turbo

[Pat Gilbert]

So I have to fix my XT6 because the rear suspension is failed. I have 4WD, so a  rear strut for moderate offroading would be the toyota 4 runner 4x4 front strut with new loyale wagon rear springs? I have heard the xt6 FWD struts are a bad choice for replacing the original xt6 air ride. I read that they handle poorly and ride terrible. I do not want to modify my knuckles though, as I have read may be necessary to use say later Impreza struts. so I may try to peice something together like you have done. I do not want to increase the ride height, really, except on the strut that is popped!! I wanted to ask if the XT6 front 4wd strut is  any different than your original loyale strut, and in what way? Also, when you were sourcing the front springs, you mentioned that you took the old coils with you, were they the loyale 2wd versions? 

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

... you mentioned that you took the old coils with you, were they the loyale 2wd versions?

 

Yes.

 

 

 

... so a  rear strut for moderate offroading would be the toyota 4 runner 4x4 front strut with new loyale wagon rear springs? ...

 

Yes, but I don't know if the mounting perch on the XT6 Body is equal to the Loyale Body, since my experience with XT6 is mainly limited to their ER27 Motors...