AWD 2003 Suspensions swap out

[2003AWDVibe]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post as I've just recently acquired a 2003 AWD Vibe with 111,000 miles on her. I picked her up for $6100 OTD (seemed like a good deal). I took her directly to Belle Tire (Fenton Michigan) to get a total Amsoil Synthetic swap done on all the fluids. AWD fluid system was changed, oil changed, rear dif changed...etc. She is now equipped with
Bridgestone BLIZZAK tires all the way around for the upcoming winter. I pick her up on Monday and she will be dropped off to my detail guy where she will get the following.
1. Complete Detail and waxing
2. All badges will be removed
3. Limo Tent put on with the 5inch tent on the front window

Now for my question;
When the spring gets here, I'm doing (Belle Tire will actually be doing the work) a complete suspension upgrade. I've searched this site for the last two days and I have some questions I couldn't find on the site.
1. Where is the best place to purchase the Tokico shocks? - Please provide link to the website if they have one
2. I have three kids and I want to have a sporty ride, but I don't what them to get tired of bumping around, what is the absolute best setup to go with? Full Coilovers, Tokico adjustables? I'm looking for the low, wide stance with great handling, but I don't want it bouncy.
3. When doing a complete suspension upgrade, what all should I swap out? Springs, shocks, struts, sway bars, Mounts...etc
4.What am I missing here? I want to purchase the best of all of these things and have them ready for install around May 1st.
5. Since Michigan has a bad winter (2 feet of snow sometimes around here), Should i go with something adjustable to be able to raise the car in the winter and lower in the summer?

I will be giving this car to my two sons this coming summer, so I want it to be awesome by the time they get it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, and please forgive the ignorance. While I love automobiles, I'm not a mechanic so I don't know all the proper terminology.

Thanks for reading

[2003AWDVibe]

Ok, so I got the vibe back today. Windows have been tinted and all fluids has been changed and the new tires are on. I still think there is something else that needs to be swapped out or upgraded as it seems to ride a little rough. Maybe it's just the fact that there is 110K miles on the stock suspension? I've attached pics

[SeattleJeremy]

Vibes are not really known for a smooth ride. What struts does the car have now? What sway bars?

I have Tokico struts on my car, and have had a hard time finding a reliable place to easily buy them. I originally purchased them on ebay from a seller that no longer deals in their products. When one of them failed I had to contact their US distributor directly (no online store) http://belshoreinc.com/contact_us.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . They where able to facilitate the warranty replacement.

Something to note when purchasing suspension for your AWD car is the rear struts are AWD specific. They are similar to the Celica but the factory spec valving is different due to the added weight of the Vibe/Matrix. Some coilovers work, others do not, you'll need to do some research. Here's a bit of what I'm taking about http://matrixowners.com/index.php?/topi ... coilovers/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I don't think Tokico makes rear struts for the AWD Vibe/Matrix.
From what I've read the rear swaybar design and mounting in the same as the Celica.

When you had all the fluids changed, did you have the rear differential seals replaced?

Edit: Found the tokico blue's on Andy's autosport, the AWD struts are not available.
http://www.andysautosport.com/toyota/20 ... ks/tokico/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[2003AWDVibe]

Thanks for the Reply!

I had Belle Tire replace any and everything that was needed for the AWD system. After looking at the receipt, it doesn't look like they replaced the seals in the rear diff. But they did change the fluids in the rear diff, trans, coolant and oil.

I've seen others on this board say they run Tokico blues with Tein springs, but they never mention where they purchase the shocks from. I will review your links and see what I can learn on those sites.

Thanks again for the reply, I appreciate it

All suspension is the stock equipment that came on the car.

[SeattleJeremy]

If the rear diff isn't seeping fluid at the shafts then it's likely fine. Just something to keep an eye on, when doing normal maintenance, like inspect every oil change kinda thing.

[2003AWDVibe]

If the rear diff isn't seeping fluid at the shafts then it's likely fine. Just something to keep an eye on, when doing normal maintenance, like inspect every oil change kinda thing.

Thanks for the knowledge. I will definitely keep and eye on it.

[Salsa Guy]

There are some lowering springs floating around for the AWD/4WD Vibe/Matrix. But they are no longer being made. Some guy put Celica Coilovers on but had to do some minor MODS. I don't think there is any aftermarket suspension setup for these AWD cars.

Yes keep an eye on the rear diff seals. They are known issues.

[2003AWDVibe]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm hearing/feeling a noise in the front of the car. When I turn the wheel either way, I can really hear/feel it. Maybe it's suppose to be there and I'm just use to driving my 2009 GMC sierra for the past couple of years, but I swear something isn't right with the front. Almost like I can feel the wheel hubs or something. I realize taking bumps and potholes are one thing, but what I feel hear is something completely different. It's like, the moment I put on the gas, I can feel the wheel hubs and when I turn, I really can feel something? Any ideas? Belle tire was supposed to do a complete inspection, but I know something isn't right

Thanks for all the knowledge and replies

[thebarber]

Neverenoughauto.com is in Michigan...talk to brad

Otherwise check out microimageonline.Com. talk to garm

[2003AWDVibe]

Neverenoughauto.com is in Michigan...talk to brad

Otherwise check out microimageonline.Com. talk to garm

Thank you!

[2003AWDVibe]

Hey Guys, Just wanted to update you and ask for more advice. I've found out that I can't trust Belle Tire and I will never use them again. I own my own computer business with multiple vehicles and I've spent over 10K at Belle tire within the last 14 months. They charged me a RIDICULOUS amount of money to complete very basic repairs to the this vipe.

Anyway, The noise I was complaining about was the drivers side hub and had to be replaced. After taxes they charged me $531.23 just to replace one hub....seriously!! I later found out that they pulled the hub from a junk yard...

So, I want to know what are the best components to put on this car for the suspension? I'm getting ready to give this vehicle to my sons to drive back and forth to school and to run my daughter to her practices, so I want it in the best shape possible.

I want to replace all the hubs and bearings. Shocks, Struts, and any other parts you all would suggest for this car at 117K miles. I found a site that lets me order the KYB package and also the mounts and covers (if that's the right terminology). I know the Tokico Shocks are better, but I can't find them anywhere. If anyone has a direct link to buy them, I'll grab those instead of the KYB.

Should I replace the Tie rods or anything else like that while I have the Mechanic in there?

I truly appreciate your time and knowledge

[Salsa Guy]

Are you looking for just struts and such or lowering coilovers?

[2003AWDVibe]

Are you looking for just struts and such or lowering coilovers?

I don't want to lower the car as we have bad winters here in Michigan. Example, my kids have missed two days this week because of a history making snow fall. My concern is that when you apply the brakes, the car dive down and to the right. My son would freak out if that happened to him, being a new driver and all. I just want to make sure everything is good and the car rides the best possible.

[Salsa Guy]

You may want to check this thread out he's got a good setup. But yours will be different because of the AWD, mainly the rears.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=42824" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[2003AWDVibe]

You may want to check this thread out he's got a good setup. But yours will be different because of the AWD, mainly the rears.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=42824" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thank you!

[2003AWDVibe]

Ok Guys & Girls,

So, I've ordered the following for the suspension replacement;
Excel-G Kit for Pontiac Vibe (2003-2006) KYBKIT-611-235704-235703-344612-344612
Strut Boot SB102 KYBSB102 (2)
Strut Boot SB108 KYBSB108 (2)
Strut Mount SM5215 KYBSM5215 (2)
Strut Mount Bushing SM5382 KYBSM5382 (2)

My question is, should I replace anything else while I'm in there?

Also, I want to put on new hubs and bearings, do you have a recommendation? I've found some on ebay, but I want to get a recommendation from here before I buy.

Thanks for your time and knwoledge