We carry seven AE86 coilover kits, all for 1983 to 1987. The kit names use terms like spindle (the part the front wheel mounts on), weld-in, true rear and separate rear. Picking one comes down to two things: how the front goes in, and what the rear looks like. BC Racing kits are shown first.
Animated illustration. It shows where coilovers sit on a car, not your exact kit. Depending on the car and the kit, coilovers can lean forward or back or stand straight up, and some cars use a separate spring and shock in the rear. Your ride height depends on the kit and how it is set up.
Two questions for every AE86 kit
Here is how the seven kit names answer them.
Kits that come with a front spindle
These are BC's "With Front Spindle" kit, both Fortune Auto kits and one Feal kit.
Kits that need welding
These are BC's "Weld In" kit, Feal's "Weld on front mount" kit and Ksport's "Welding Required" kit.
Rear setup options
Fortune Auto sells true style rear (spring on the shock) and separate style rear (spring and shock apart) kits. Both Feal kits can be had with a true rear, and the Ksport kit has one too.
BC Racing coilovers for the AE86
BC makes a spindle kit and a weld-in kit
BC Racing coilovers for the Toyota Corolla AE86 come in four series: BR, DS, ER and ZX. Both BC kits come in BR and DS. ER and ZX come only on the "With Front Spindle" kit. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.
Ksport has one kit with true rear coilovers. The kit name says welding is required.
Kit picks for a street car, restoration or track build
Street-driven 86
Start with the kits that come with a front spindle, and ask us what the install needs.
Kits to look at: BC Racing "With Front Spindle" in BR or DS, Fortune Auto
Restoration
Ask us what each front kit needs before you install it.
Kits to look at: BC Racing spindle kit, Fortune Auto, Feal (spindles)
Track build
Plan the front mount and the rear together.
Kits to look at: BC Racing ER or ZX (spindle kit), Feal, Ksport
All seven AE86 coilover kits
All seven fit the same years. Each card uses the full product name.
Notes in BC kit names: "Swift Front Only" means the optional Swift spring upgrade is offered for the front springs only on that kit.
Every AE86 kit we carry, model years 1983 through 1987
Chassis: AE86
Read the kit name: Check each kit name for two things. Front: does the kit include a spindle, or does it weld in? Rear: is it a true rear coilover or a separate style rear? Not every kit name answers both.
Here is what Corolla AE86 owners report most often on owner forums, in recalls and in service bulletins, and what it means for your coilovers.
Front roll center drops when lowered
AE86, 1983 to 1987
AEU86 owners often fit roll center adjusters to lowered cars, since dropping the strut front lowers the roll center and changes lower arm angle. MotoIQ notes a big drop can even cause positive camber gain. A low front changes roll center, camber gain and tie rod angle, so plan height and geometry together.
Before you install: Decide your target drop first, then ask whether roll center adjusters or longer lower arms suit it. Check bump steer once the front is set.
Wheel hop at the rear once lowered
AE86, 1983 to 1987 (live axle rear)
MotoIQ says lowered AE86s suffer from wheel hop and twitchy handling at the limit. AEU86 owners trace it to rear link angles changing with the drop, short damper length and worn bushings. A lower rear changes the four link angles, and a short damper can cut bump travel, so the car can hop under power.
Before you install: Check the rear link bushings before the install, keep usable bump travel at your height, and ask about traction brackets if the rear sits well below stock.
AE86 history
The last rear-drive Corolla
Ate Up With Motor calls the 1983 to 1987 AE86 Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno "the final RWD Corolla."
May 1983
DebutThe fifth-generation lines debuted in Japan, reaching major export markets later that year.
1983
Rear drive keptThe coupes kept rear-wheel drive on an updated chassis with a solid (live) rear axle.
1987
Last yearThis is the last model year our AE86 kits cover.
Answer the two questions near the top of this page, front and rear, and you will know which of our seven kits fits.
Questions about spindles, welding and rear setups
What does "With Front Spindle" or "Includes Front Spindle" mean?
It means the kit comes with a front spindle. Call us to confirm what ships in the box.
Which AE86 coilover kits need welding?
Three say so in the kit name: BC's "Weld In" kit, Feal's "Weld on front mount" kit and Ksport's kit, which says "Welding Required".
What does true rear mean?
It means the rear spring sits on the shock instead of apart from it. Fortune Auto, Feal and Ksport have true rear options, and Fortune also sells a "Separate Style Rear" kit.
How many BC series does the AE86 get?
It gets two or four, depending on the kit. BR and DS come on both BC kits. ER and ZX are added only on the "With Front Spindle" kit.
Do these fit a front-drive Corolla from the same years?
No. These AE86 coilovers are for the rear-drive car only. Front-drive Corollas are on our Corolla page.
Is there a warranty on the BC AE86 kits?
BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. Fortune Auto, Feal and Ksport each have their own.
