My Toyota Masterace was fitted with non-TEMs front suspension when I bought it. The garage said that TEMS was an expensive luxury and I did not need it. Any comments? Any recommendations to change to TEMS?

- (#7903) Peter Dawson, 2 Apr 03 7:29

tems suspension is far superior. it is however one of those things that is not worth the hassle/cost to install.
i note you say front does the rear have tems? does the dash have tems indicators?
if yes then someone has taken the cheap option to replace the front shocks (have a look in aceanswers for shocking prices). if all you need is shocks and controllers it comes down to cost over ride.
hth

- (#7904) Clive, 2 Apr 03 8:09

Peter, the TEMS s/absorbers cost around £105 each. There are benefits with TEMS in that the suspension "stiffens" up when turning, braking or otherwise exerting extra loads on the vehicle, The change is made (from soft to hard) via a steering and braking sensor. Personally, I find the Masterace front suspension quite apalling, TEMS or no TEMS and I am still investigating where that "lost motion" is in the suspension system which make rumble strips or discarded matchsticks in the road, such a pain to navigate. My view is that spending around £210 replacing the front s/absorbers, won't improve the "ride" in any way (as I have found out to my cost)but, there are the above "control" benefits which, I think, helps when these tall, slightly bulky vehicles are cornering a bit too fast.

- (#7905) John Davis, 2 Apr 03 9:08

Thanks for your help guys.
The car is fitted for TEMS (lights on dash functioning - trying to control TEMS s/absorbers that are not there!). I won't be rushing out to by the TEMS s/absorbers and I'll go steady round the corners...

- (#7906) Peter Dawson, 2 Apr 03 17:54