2G Please help!

Raab1 · Aug 19, 2017

Hey all! So I recently picked up a 97 eclipse because it was just too good of a deal to pass up. I always wanted another one since I got rid of my gsx after high school. So here's the deal, it's originally a 97 gst that someone did an all wheeler swap so I guess now it's a gsx?? I finally got around to getting it on the hoist tonight to look everything over good and see what I'm all dealing with. (Bad oil leak, some cobbled up wiring that goes no where, things of that nature.

#1 it has Megan racing lowering springs so it is slammed to the ground, not really my taste. I'm looking to raise it up so it's not such a chore to get it on the trailer or hoist at least, I live in a rural area so dips and stuff like that are everywhere. What is your opinion on the best way to do that? Go back to stock height springs or higher, or get coilovers? Any good brands or ideas our there for a fair price?

#2 I have a hung up rim I noticed when on the hoist that just wouldn't spin with the rest of them without a bunch of force behind it, I kind of panicked without thinking it over and drained my diff and screened the fluid to make sure I didn't have any chunks or bullcrap in there, now after taking a step back I'm really hoping it's just a stuck caliper, I would have known for sure but when I was going to zip the lug nuts off with the impact I realized it's a specialty anti left lug nut and the socket was no Where to be found so I reached out to the guy I bought it from and he said he ever got one from the owner that had it before him. I'll attach a pic and hopefully someone has an idea of a type that fits it or where I could even find one.

#3 so when I start getting parts.. brakes, springs or coilovers, etc do I get parts for a gsx since it's converted? Or do I stay with just gst parts? Thanks a lot guys I really hope someone can help me out!

mechanized · Aug 19, 2017

Raab...im not completely sure about the gsx conversion but i think youre headed in the right direction thinking about coilovers...my 2g has groundcontrols on it and theyre adjustable...pretty nice for rural areas even tho theyre a pain to adjust sometimes...but once you find that sweet spot where you dont scrape anymore theyre great. then if you want to go autocrossing or dragging you can drop it down if you want. as far as your lug nut socket issue...those security sockets are available on ebay( see link ) and im sure amazon sells them as well...just know how many spline you need to be sure youre getting the right one. im sure someone will have some answers for you about the parts for your conversion, im just not familiar with it. good luck!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Tool-...ash=item2387612804:g:O4UAAOSwMvtZSwSK&vxp=mtr

oh and by the way...i just searched splined lug nut security socket on ebay and had a bunch of results.

Raab1 · Aug 19, 2017

Awesome thanks a lot! Yeah that would be awesome to be able to lower it if ever needed. Anyone have an idea on the parts problem or anything else? Hoping to run in to get parts shortly otherwise maybe tomorrow.

nismojones · Aug 19, 2017

Those just look like tuner lugs, can get those keys anywhere, universal as well. Unless that one up top-right is a sec lug but its tough to tell from the picture. Any auto parts store should sell them btw. Parts wise; you can use fwd and awd suspensions on 2g's. Only on stock suspension in the rears there is a difference in springrate.
If it hasnt been driven in awhile it could just be the E-brake, drum corrodes around the shoes and it'll be tough to move. Brakes are all the same in the rear so again you can use gst/x

Raab1 · Aug 19, 2017

Sorry I should have been more specific the wheel that's hung up is the front drivers not a rear. I did some digging and realized that gsx calipers and dual piston while gst are singles and that's what I have on the front so I picked up one of those. Bought new lugs hoping that the spline key that came with those would fit but it doesn't on the ones that we currently on there so I'm gonna have to get creative on getting them off I think.

Ok cool so as far as getting aftermarket coil overs if I'm understanding right they will be the same for both gst and gsx so if I was to pick up some used coilovers off someone it could come off of a gst or gsx? Or if you are just saying they are different but will both work on the car is there advantages of using one over the other type? Thanks for the help you guys!

nismojones · Aug 19, 2017

Yea you'll be good w/the coilovers from either model.

Most tire shops have a universal lug removal set, I've had to go that route before. You could buy a set yourself, but it depends on how much a shop would charge to remove 20 lugnuts

Raab1 · Aug 19, 2017

Which ones would be better to run? The awd set since it is now all wheel drive or does anyone know the difference between them? I appreciate all the help!

Eclipsedriver1981 · Aug 19, 2017

Most tire shops sell the lug keys just take a pic and show them

PlanZero · Aug 20, 2017

Theoretically the awd springs are stiffer, at least on lowering springs they supposedly are, and awd/Spyder stock style struts have a higher spring perch all to compensate for the extra rear weight. However, the later years of OEM springs have no difference between them. I've swapped awd/fwd springs, struts and coilovers and never had a problem. If you need struts as well (and you probably do if the car's slammed) then just go for coilovers; if the struts are good you can either get Moog OEM replacement springs ($40/set at rock auto- get all maintenance parts from rock auto.com and you'll save a ton) or some mild lowering springs (st, eibach,etc, 1.5" drop not too bad)
As far as GSX parts, the only difference really is the obvious awd parts (axles, tcase, driveshaft, etc)and trans, brakes and gas tank. Even though a lot of parts specify awd/fwd I've found most of the time there is no difference.
Also, if you have a set of stripped bolt extractors (the bigger set) you may be able to get that lug nut off. Or take a picture, bring it to auto zone or some such store and see if you can find a match, then return the set when you're done. If you need new ones buy em off eBay. I went with OEM style I think they were $20 for the set of 20.

Raab1 · Aug 20, 2017

Perfect! Thanks!!

JediMind · Aug 30, 2017

Definitely would recommend coilovers. I have always found these a perfect balance of inexpensive and smooth/stiff ride =

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TEIN-GSR56-...ash=item1a2a4f41b2:g:XwkAAOSwvKtY-iRn&vxp=mtr

They are $534 shipped. If you are sure all four struts are in great shape which is unlikely than you may be able to get away with stock springs but the ride quality will be night and day difference. Its unlikely from the condition you described all four struts are in great shape. Coilovers are worth it! Good look with your build man I'm jealous you have the AWD swap!

Raab1 · Aug 30, 2017

Thanks for the suggestion, I decided to get Megan coilovers. They should be here tomorrow. Thanks, I have a lot of little maintenance problems to take care of and things I need to do to make it right but I am getting them done one at a time. Got nothing but time!

storm720 · Sep 5, 2017

Raab1 said:
Hey all! So I recently picked up a 97 eclipse because it was just too good of a deal to pass up. I always wanted another one since I got rid of my gsx after high school. So here's the deal, it's originally a 97 gst that someone did an all wheeler swap so I guess now it's a gsx?? I finally got around to getting it on the hoist tonight to look everything over good and see what I'm all dealing with. (Bad oil leak, some cobbled up wiring that goes no where, things of that nature.

#1 it has Megan racing lowering springs so it is slammed to the ground, not really my taste. I'm looking to raise it up so it's not such a chore to get it on the trailer or hoist at least, I live in a rural area so dips and stuff like that are everywhere. What is your opinion on the best way to do that? Go back to stock height springs or higher, or get coilovers? Any good brands or ideas our there for a fair price?

#2 I have a hung up rim I noticed when on the hoist that just wouldn't spin with the rest of them without a bunch of force behind it, I kind of panicked without thinking it over and drained my diff and screened the fluid to make sure I didn't have any chunks or bullcrap in there, now after taking a step back I'm really hoping it's just a stuck caliper, I would have known for sure but when I was going to zip the lug nuts off with the impact I realized it's a specialty anti left lug nut and the socket was no Where to be found so I reached out to the guy I bought it from and he said he ever got one from the owner that had it before him. I'll attach a pic and hopefully someone has an idea of a type that fits it or where I could even find one.

#3 so when I start getting parts.. brakes, springs or coilovers, etc do I get parts for a gsx since it's converted? Or do I stay with just gst parts? Thanks a lot guys I really hope someone can help me out!

As far as the lowering springs are concerned, unless you're road racing it, 2" is way too much for the city, let alone for a rural area. My suggestion is to stay away from coil overs because only a few companies actually do it right and it will save you money not getting them. I wouldn't go with anything lower than 1.5" lowering springs, but if you want any kind of a decent ride I would suggest 1" drop or no lower than 1.3" from a reputable spring maker like Eibach, Tokico, etc. If you go cheap with eBay aftermarket springs you never know how consistent the spring rates are from fly by night companies. Also don't forget if you lower it, you should get the proper accessories for the front and the rear to adjust the Camber so you have better traction and steering characteristics along with better tire wear.

I have Tokico adjustable struts with Eibach springs, front camber bolt kit and Ingalls adjustable arms for camber in the rear and it works very well with the car. Hope this helps.

802gst · Sep 20, 2017

I believe I have those style lug nuts. also came with my car, I still have my key for them and can attempt to load a picture if it would help you. I'll keep my eye on the post. Good luck, I hope all you got is a stuck caliper and not a wheel bearing

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