1992 ssr-x handling problems

[boddingtons]

My 2.4 ssr-x refuses to grip the road when trying to set off in the wet. I am not trying to set off fast but the back wheels just won't grip.
The only things I can think of are the shock absorbers (one is damp) or the tyres.
The shock absorbers have the electrical adjusters ( £130 each for new ones ) but i am wondering if they can be replaced with ordinary ones ( £35 each ) . Does anybody know how the balance of the car will be effected , will it effect the ecu (i've been told by a toyata dealer that it will effect the ecu but i'm not convinced), would it be dangerous to have adjustable shocks on the front and ordinary ones on the back.
It has yokohama tyres with plenty of tread. I've tried letting the pressure down from 30 psi to 26 psi but thats not made any difference.
Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[marky]

THE CREAM OF MANCHESTER is the cause.
Aftermarket non-adjustable shocks wont effect the ECU. Explorer procomp shocks, ES9000 are everybodies favourite.
All surfs tend to lose it a bit on roundabouts in the wet. Not usually from stationary on Tarmac if its an auto.

[boddingtons]

Yes it is an auto
The car seems fine on roundabouts, its just when setting off while turning at a junction the back wheels spin very easily and the back end swerves out.
do you think its more likely to be the tyres or the shocks.
I also have a 3L ssr-g with bridgestone tyres which seems fine.

[marky]

How are your rear springs as it may have a bit of rear end sag. £40 a pair 20% stronger from www.milneroffroad.com
where abouts in manchester are you ??? im in SALE

[exmee46]

I'll bet it's the tyres. How long have you had it - are they the ones it came in with? Rubber mixes can vary and for slippy wet 'orrible UK you need a nice soft mix. Suggest as a quick check you swap your rear wheels with your other truck and see if ze problem is solv-ed. ECU is not affected by electric adjusters if you decide to go down that road. Also, you can swap just one end if you want. Its merely a motorised adjuster valve on the top of each shock wired directly to the switch.

Mine is on Kumho's and they are quite prone to slipping in the wet, makes me drive more carefully - and it always comes back into line if you lift off anyway. I also find that they are more slippy (on tarmac) if I let the pressure down too far. Normally run 29-30.

My 3.0 will spin the inside rear wheel in all conditions when starting from a junction - in a most satisfactory manner . To prevent, just start a little more gently until it has got into 2nd gear obviously.

Cheers

Kev

[Koi]

Bet it ain't rubber or shocks, it easy to get the rear end out or spinning, especially if you put your foot down when turning, like out of junctions.
My 2.4 had BFG AT's, then BFG MT's and in the wet I could get it sideways no problems.
Its basically back to the rear wheel drive problem, ever drive a Capri or old 3.0 granada in the wet .
We have been spoilt with front wheel drive, traction control for to long, rear wheel drive is now a shock to some, treat it with respect and they are fine, oh and fun

[stara]

different tyres can make a BIG difference esp in the wet, if you think you are losing the rear unusually easily in the wet, then i would seriously contemplate new tyres. It could matter one day.

[NiftyNev]

I've got a slightly different theory on the cause.I believe tyres play a part in this but is not the only cause.My tyres were great when new but now have just under 40,000 Ks on them and now spin in the wet.New springs and shocks on rear make no difference.I think some of the problem is the lack of weight in the rear end to hold the tyres on the road.

Neville

[keef]

Try the Ford capri handling upgrade.... 2 bags of sand in the boot!!

[Gizmo]

As stated in previous posts there are several factors that allow the spinning of the wheels. Personally I have had the backend slip out or wheel spin starting off. This was with Geolanders on the vehicle direct from Japan, and also [but not as much] with Colway AT/s.

I have found since having the 20% stronger Springs on the back that the vehicle doesn't put its ar*e out as much. [Must have been the wallow] from the springs [butt sagg]

[Morr]

Yes it is an auto
The car seems fine on roundabouts, its just when setting off while turning at a junction the back wheels spin very easily and the back end swerves out.
do you think its more likely to be the tyres or the shocks.
I also have a 3L ssr-g with bridgestone tyres which seems fine.

As you have 2 Surfs, why not try temporarily swapping the wheels/tyres between them. At least this will help answer the question as to the tyres involvement in your apparent lack of grip.

[Guest]

I've got a slightly different theory on the cause.I believe tyres play a part in this but is not the only cause.My tyres were great when new but now have just under 40,000 Ks on them and now spin in the wet.New springs and shocks on rear make no difference.I think some of the problem is the lack of weight in the rear end to hold the tyres on the road.

Neville

Also how old are the tyres, rubber tends to dry out and go hard with age. I would suggest that the tyre compound is hard (I think Yokohamas have a pretty hard compound anyway). Hard compound = long life but less adhesion until they are hot. I would suggest a new set of tyres or just get used to the wheelspin.

Cheers

[stara]

that is definately true with motocross tyres hard compound = good for rocks and stony ground & tough, but are rubbish should you try to ride on tarmac (i disclocated my shoulder finding out how bad they really are on tarmac). soft compounds are really grippy but don't last two minutes on the rough stuff.