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View Full Version : HELP pls! Which KYB springs on 2000 BJ?


Muttley
13-10-2012, 07:18 PM
Hi there, May I ask for a little assistance here as my mechanical knowledge is lacking somewhat as far as a cars running gear goes...

Now I understand that half way through 2000, Mazda decided to throw a spanner in the works and move the swaybar mounts on the front shock/spring assemblies. Anyone that has had to replace the shocks on this year model would understand how much confusion this causes mechanics, spare parts shops and of course the more diligent research savvy mazda owners who like to suss out their upgrade options (ok and a little bargain hunting too).

I understand it is a simple matter of taking a measurement from the mount to base of the spring seat, only i dont actually know for sure which mount or where the base of the spring seat actually is. What I thought it was did not represent the measurements specified by KYB! SO...

This is what KYB specify:

MAZDA 323

333274 + 333275
BJ, Astina, 1.6L, 1.8L & 2.0L Hatchback
(Note: Sway-Bar mount is 105mm from the base of the spring seat)

333350 + 333351
BJ, Astina, 1.6L, 1.8L & 2.0L Hatchback
(Note: Front Sway-Bar mount is 34mm from the base of the spring seat)

I have inserted a couple of photos of my shock & spring assembly, any chance someone might be able to tell by looking at them which part it is i require?

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u69/playful79/IMG_0834.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u69/playful79/IMG_0841.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u69/playful79/IMG_0843.jpg

Thanks for your help guys!:rolleyes:

Muttley
13-10-2012, 07:25 PM
:confused: If I ...hypothetically... have purchased the incorrect part, ok lets say not so hypothetically, the 333350+333351's, which has the shorter distance, do i have any options for modification or should i start writing up my ad on ebay now? Fingers crossed i may have the right ones but i have a strong feeling i dont. Thanks Again to those who have taken the time to read this post and give my questions consideration!

chewyryce
13-10-2012, 07:36 PM
333274 + 333275
BJ, Astina, 1.6L, 1.8L & 2.0L Hatchback
(Note: Sway-Bar mount is 105mm from the base of the spring seat)

did you mean shocks instead of springs? well this is the one you want.

spring seat is pretty much the base where the springs sit on the shock absorber. you usually measure the distance from that to the top of the drop links. in this case yours is very far apart so it is the former

the latter which is 34mm from the spring seat will be very obvious. the top of the drop links will be very close to the spring seat.. thats the easiest way to tell.

here is an image for future references if anyone is still confused

below is the 105mm distance
http://s3.amazonaws.com/fcp-product-photography-us/public/assets/products/4821/large/333275.jpg?1273597113

below is the 34mm distance
http://w.dollarsbydesign.com/static/ecommerce/118/118552/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/3/3/333351.jpg

you can see the difference in the mounting points of the drop links.

TheMAN
13-10-2012, 09:18 PM
105mm are the correct ones for the BJ1

the struts are interchangeable either way... the distance between the bottom of the strut cylinder to the spring seat are the same between BJ1 and BJ2... it's the drop link tab that's the different distance

if you end up with the wrong kind, then you simply replace the drop links with the matching ones... no harm done


all suspension parts are interchangeable between BJ1 and BJ2... some just requires the right combination of parts

Muttley
14-10-2012, 03:38 AM
Thankyou gents. Thats news to my ears that i wont have to return the pair i already purchased. Is it only the drop links that i will need to ask for and purchase from spare parts? I have brand new Lovells Sports Low Springs and the KYB's ready install on all corners. Due to financial constraints i have been buying everything as i could afford it. I obviously would prefer to go to my mechanic with all the bits and pieces ready to go and not look like too much of a tool with bits missing left right and centre! Thanks again for your reassuring and difinitive advice! Chris.

chewyryce
16-10-2012, 10:24 PM
most mechanics dont care if customers bring their own parts in. i for one dont care. you should be able to buy drop links from any local repco,bursons or whichever parts shop you prefer. make sure you remember to buy the opposite ones that are currenly on your car :P

if you want to. for the labour involved in getting them fitted. you could save up a bit more and buy some tools and DIY. im sure there are plenty of AGT members from sydney who wouldnt mind helping a fellow member out. you learn more and save money (in the long run)

JDM323
17-10-2012, 06:03 AM
the endlinks i bought through wholesale suspension are beefier than stock and bolt straight up if you ask for peter he knows the bj platform well.