DIY AE86 Strut Assembly into TE72 With Coil Overs

NOTE: Paradise Racing also sells the coil over kit for TE72 I just wanted to go with AE86 strut assembly in case I wanted to go cheap and use lowering springs; so it is up to you but the steps will work for either one of them.

Things needed:

AE 86 Strut insert refill (autozone)
AE 86 Strut Assembly (junkyard)
AE 86 Calipers and Pads (junkyard)
AE 86 Drilled and Slotted Brake Disk (optional)(ebay)
Paint
Primer
Drill
Wire Brush for drill (3 different sizes is better) (Dollar Store or Walmart)
Bearing Grease (autozone)
AE 86 Coilover kit (paradise racing)

Tools Needed

12mm socket
14mm socket
17mm socket
19mm socket
21mm socket
Electric or pneumatic impact wrench
hammer
flat tip screwdriver
10mm wrench
8mm wrench
Vice grip
hydraulic jack
jack stand
ratchet
diagonal cotters
breaker bar
pry bar
empty container or bucket
vice
big pliers

Steps

First of all I started with a rusted off strut assembly so it was time to clean the corrosion, primer and paint all parts. Before this; it is better if you take it completely apart. You will need the 14mm socket to take the calipers off the assembly. Also the 12mm socket to take the caliper apart. You will also need a bucket, big pliers, and a vice to take apart the strut insert. Don't tightened the strut too tight in the vice since it will damage the cylinder...just enough to remove the nut. Now remove the brake disk by removing the grease cover at the front with a flat tip and hammer. Use the diagonal cutters to remove the cotter pin. Now remove the nut follow by the bearings and brake disk assembly. If you are to replace the disk use the 14 mm to remove 4 bolts on the back of disk assembly to remove disk from assembly. Also remove the brake disk backing plate from strut assembly by removing 4 bolts. Once everything is apart clean, primer and paint all parts.

Now just assemble everything the same way you took it apart. Now it is time to order your parts and be jumpy every time the door bell rings...lol. The first thing I got was the coil over kit from paradise racing. The way you set them up is fairly easy. First the treated sleeve and the locking nut and the adjustment nut on top(the one with Allen key bolt), follow by the locking ring, then your spring. Next one will be your top part or hat. Use the zip thighs out of the kit to keep the hat and spring together and pit the cotter pin/locking pin into hat. Then use the second upper cover out of your AE86 strut assembly. The one with bolts that goes attached to the frame from the ae86 will not be used, you will use the one out of your TE72. Check out pics to learn how to set it up.

Now it is time to get the old ones out and the new ones in. First raise the front end of car up and put it on jack stands. Using the 21mm socket remove front tires. Then open hood and take strut assembly center nut cover out(that is the one on top of each strut assembly under the hood). Now use your impact wrench and 19mm socket to remove the strut assembly main bolt(you may have to use the vice grip to prevent the strut insert/piston to rotate during removal). Your upper hat from the TE72 strut assembly will stay attached to the car. Now use your 10mm wrench to removed the brake line and put empty container under it to recover the brake fluid. Once removed, use a flat tip and hammer to take out the locking pin/latch that holds the line in place out. Now use your 17mm socket and breaker bar to remove 2 bolts under strut assembly the ones holding it to the lower plate. At this time your strut assembly will be loose and all you need to do is pry it out and/or step on lower plate to make room for assembly to come out. Now remove the old assembly and install the new one the same way you removed the old one. Make sure both side are adjusted the same way. Install both tires and lower car. Now remember to bleed the brake system and your done. Take it for a spin and bring it back. Now do final adjustments, so lower or raise and you are done.

Now enjoy your new coil overs and your new look....hope you enjoy and got something out of this DIY .