[Supras] Some questions about '88 NA Sport Roof, suspension and AT

[supraman88]

Rockey Fox wrote:
> Suprasport.com has several sets of bushings on their website....
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Supraman <Supraman88 at verizon.net>
> To: supras at supras.com
> Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 12:17:45 PM
> Subject: [Supras] Some questions about '88 NA Sport Roof, suspension 
> and AT
>
> It's time to do some more work on the Supra. My priorities this year are
> the shocks, springs, bushings and the AT.
>
> I still haven't decided on shocks; I have 'new' springs (take-offs
> w/approx 20,000 on them). I'm probably going to go with OEM, KYBs or
> Tokico AM shocks. The last time I had the alignment looked at, the tech
> said the Pass side bushings were too worn to do a proper alignment. So,
> since I'm doing one side, I'd better do both. Since I'm doing all the
> shocks and springs, I might as well do ALL the bushings (there is a
> creaking from the rear on left-hand turns sometimes, so the bushings and
> the shock mounts are all going to get done).
>
> Aftermarket bushings are out there, but I can't find them. I am betting
> that aftermarket polyprop bushings are just as expensive as OEM and will
> last longer (but who knows how long the car will last? If i have my way,
> at least a few more years...). Also, I'm betting 1/2-2/3 of the bolts
> are just going to snap, so I need a source for the bushings and the
> bolts (probably Toyota for those).
>
> Also, the AT does not shift by itself, for a number of reasons. The
> 'adapter' at the tranny end of the speedo cable is broken (SURPRISE!) so
> the speed sensor in the dash isn't getting input, and two of the
> solenoids are not reading anything on an Ohm meter. I have heard this is
> a common problem not only with Toyotas, but also the Jeep Cherokee,
> which uses the same A340 tranny.
>
> I have heard there are aftermarket soleniods available at a good price.
> When I was working at a Toy dealer, *MY* price per solenoid was $135!!!
> I can get a set of 4 for $67 on-line. I have heard of others using these
> as replacements.
>
> I guess, from what I have read, that the solenoids gum up from lack of
> proper maintenance and don't work. Does anyone know how this happens? I
> mean, does the shifting action pushing against the clogging cause the
> winding to burn out? It would seem to me, like a similar problem with my
> Mazda 626 with Hydraulic Lash Adjusters, that a cleaning might make them
> work again, but not if the windings are burned. Yeah, I'm cheap! (I'm
> also unemployed right now...)
>
> Any and all (um, USEFUL!) suggestions are welcomed! I will spend the
> money required to do the shocks, bushings and solenoids, but I'm also
> trying to be 'economical'...   ;)
>
>
>
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>
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I thought they were pretty expensive ($122 for 8 uppers, $68 for 8 
lowers). Then I went to Toyota. $29 each for the uppers. Lowers? Uhn-uh! 
Gotta buy the whole Control Arm for $197 each! WOW!

 From what I have read, replacing the lower bushings is a *bitch*, but 
it beats $400!