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The definitive MKIV Supra SC300/400 suspension crossover thread

Old 08-05-14, 08:43 AM
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Albatross
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Default The definitive MKIV Supra SC300/400 suspension crossover thread

The reason I'm making this thread is simple, I couldn't find one which listed all of the control arms on our cars which can be had from the mkiv supra. I ordered a rear toe link for the supra for my sc only to discover this:



The SC rear arms are a little longer than the supra arms but they look identical when you don't see them side by side (which is why I ordered the supra piece since they had it in stock at elmhurst).

The List:

Identical doesn't mean the parts are exactly the same. In this list it means it bolts up with no modifications necessary to the part or your car

front lower control arms - identical
front upper control arms - identical
front spindles - identical
front swaybar - identical

rear upper control arm (identical)
rear lower camber control arm (2 bushings 1 ball joint) (INCOMPATIBLE) Supra's are shorter and the sway bar link location is slightly different
rear lower toe control arm (1 bushing 1 ball joint) (INCOMPATIBLE)
rear lower traction link (1 bushing and mates to only bushing on spindle) identical
rear spindles - Not identical according to *******.
rear swaybar - Not identical but requires mkiv rear subframe mounts to be compatible.

rear subframe - Not identical at all as the lower arms pivot point are out further away from the center line (see rear lower control arms being shorter). The Supra subframe also has front to back bracing unlike the SC. HOWEVER, it will bolt up and if you have all of the supra control arms the entire unit is a direct swap. From what I can tell the pros are increased clearance for exhaust, stiffer frame, and shorter control arms which might be beneficial somehow (probably only in a road race application where every bit of chassis flex is important).

subframe mounts - identical, cheaper, and an upgrade from stock. the rear mounts have the swaybar mounts which would allow one to bolt up a lighter (its smaller) and probably stuffer supra TT rear swaybar.

Sway Bar Endlink Configurations:

NOTE: you can use either supra or SC end links HOWEVER each requires their own control arms which requires their own subframe (for reasons listed above).

Supra rear subframe requires supra rear lower control arms requires supra sway bar links
SC rear subframe requires SC rear lower control arms requires SC sway bar links

brake lines - identical
calipers/rotors - identical

So there it is. Learn from my mistakes. Please post up what you know if any of this is incorrect or if you can confirm any question marks.

Last edited by Albatross; 04-14-15 at 02:51 PM.
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Old 08-07-14, 01:58 PM
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vipsoarer
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Front lower control arms - identical
Front upper control arms - probably the same (confirmation?) Yes

rear upper control arm (INCOMPATIBLE)?
rear lower camber control arm (2 bushings 1 ball joint) (INCOMPATIBLE)? Supra's are shorter and the sway bar link location is slightly different
rear lower toe control arm (1 bushing 1 ball joint) (INCOMPATIBLE) Incompatible, supra is significantly shorter like in your pic
rear lower traction link (1 bushing and mates to only bushing on spindle) (INCOMPATIBLE)? Compatible, same part

rear subframe - identical Not identical at all as the lower arms pivot point are out further away from the center line (see rear lower control arms being shorter). The Supra subframe also has front to back bracing unlike the SC i dont have a pic but these are upgraded units. They replace the stock pieces http://www.ebay.com/itm/ULTRA-RACING...-/200697330906
spindles - probably the same (confirmation?) They are the same
Old 08-07-14, 02:28 PM
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Updated the original post. Since the pivot point is further out from center do you think you could take a complete MKIV supra rear subframe with all control arms and swap it into an SC?
Old 08-08-14, 10:22 AM
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Yes you can. I use a supra subframe, lower control arms, upper arms and toe link and mixed them with my sc400 knuckles, diff and traction links to make my rear suspension. I have since pulled it out and mixed in upgraded versions of those parts. I'll try to get some pics on CL before I put it in the car so other can see. Give me a few weeks to finish it up.
Old 08-08-14, 01:26 PM
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scotturnot has a good read on this in the performance and maintenance
11-11-07
page 3
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Old 08-08-14, 01:41 PM
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Please link the thread, I couldn't find it (and for others that might be looking).
Old 08-08-14, 05:51 PM
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https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...-thread-3.html
Old 08-13-14, 08:10 AM
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rear upper control arm (INCOMPATIBLE)? these are interchangeable (I have both sitting with me) but the bushings MAY be different rubber
Old 08-13-14, 08:21 AM
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Updated. So it looks like if you want to use the stronger supra subframe you just need supra toe links and camber arms. good to know!

WILL SOMEONE PLEASE STICKY THIS FOR OTHERS?!
Old 08-13-14, 09:06 AM
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You seem to be consolidating the info well in here, keep up the good work. very valuable information.
Old 08-13-14, 10:54 AM
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This is perfect!
Old 08-13-14, 11:45 AM
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great info luv the CL FAMILY!!!(:
Old 11-03-14, 07:53 AM
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are the rear sc300 sway bar links the same as the supra links?
I did the supra sway bar with the mounts, but I had to cut off the sc ones (22 year old links ha) so I couldn't compare the two
Old 11-11-14, 02:36 PM
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Not sure if you figured it out yet but may as well put the info here.

Rear sway bar links are different. It all depends on the control arm being used as the mounts have a 90* difference. Has nothing to do with the bar itself.

Supra rear subframe - supra rear lower control arms - supra sway bar links

SC rear subframe - SC rear lower control arms - SC sway bar links
Old 11-11-14, 06:38 PM
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updated the OP to include swaybar endlink necessary configurations.

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