Suspension questions

[nuron]

My '88 squeaks every time I brake and bottoms out whenever there is an uneven turn so I'm contemplating replacing the shocks and springs. I know the only choice I have are KYB's so how hard is it to install a new suspension? The main thing I need is that spring compressor tool right?

Also, where are the engine mounts located? The whole car vibrates a lot when running so I guess it's either the mounts or the A/F ratio (don't knkow how to check this).

[1122union]

Why KYB's only? I will be replacing shocks etc. on my 91 and have other selections.

You will need a compression tool. You can rent or buy them. They are not expensive.

RK

[nuron]

O I just read that brand a lot on here and the online sites list that when I select springs/shocks. What are my other choices? I'd like to have a smooth but controlled ride if that's possible.

[Tommy]

Nothing wrong with KYB's, about the best you can do for a gen2

If youve got the cash, buy some lowering springs while you're at it.

[OBwan]

Any auto parts store can get you springs and struts. They are not that hard if you want to do it yourself. I've had good luck with Monroe or Gabriel gas struts ($50-60 each range) . You can even get springs out of junk yards if you wish.

Your problem sounds like a broken spring. When you do the replacement, Check the upper strut mounts for play. It's the thing you stick the shaft of the strut through when you install/remove the large nut.

Also, if you have an early production '88 check if the hub at the lower strut bolts has an alignment cam. If it does just mark the position before you loosen the lower strut bolts.

I've done mine two or three times in its 515K lifetime.

Engine mounts are one on each side of the car near the strut towers, one forward against the nose and one underneath at the junction of the lower cross members. My guess would be first the forward one, then the aft underneath or both.
Either you can replace with a jack and basic tools.

[nuron]

Can all Gen 2 Camry parts be exchangeable? I think the junkyard around here only has like '90, '91 Camrys so I dont know if the springs from those will fit on my '88.

[Tommy]

of course they will, only difference would be between V6 and I4's, V6's being a little stiffer to handle the extra weight up front.

[OBwan]

Tommy is correct. The only difference you need to consider is 4 or 6 cyl. The hubs, CV shafts and such are different depending on the engine size. Just about anything else between late 87/88 and 91 is interchangeable. Also a lot of the mechanical parts in GEN 3 Camrys will fit GEN 2 models. I've used engines and transmissions from later models in my 88 Camry and 90 Corolla.

[88 LE]

Originally Posted by nuron

Also, where are the engine mounts located?

3S-FE
---------

Left side of engine.

Front of transmission.

Rear of transmission.

Top of transmission.

Rear of engine (backside of block).

What are my other choices?

Tokico, but they only work with serviceable struts.

[nuron]

Well, I went to the yard and pulled the front strut assemblies of a '91 V6 with 200k miles on it. It sits high! I wanted a smoother ride but I'll take this stiff ride over a bottomed out ride any day. Unfortunately I only replaced the front two, not the rear because it was hard to find a good set. BTW, can a V6 rear disc brake-equipped suspension fit onto my rear drum assembly?

I'll see how this goes, stiff up front, soft on back -_-.

[88 LE]

Originally Posted by nuron

BTW, can a V6 rear disc brake-equipped suspension fit onto my rear drum assembly?

It should work. I don't think there any differences in the struts. And aftermarket struts (Tokico and KYB) don't specify I4 or V6.


By the way you can use the rear disc brakes from a V6 on a I4. Grab all the brake stuff (caliper, rotor, brake lines, e-brake cable) and hub assembly / rear spindle . You should be able to unbolt the entire assembly from the lower control arm / trailing arm / a-arm / whatever its called.

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Originally Posted by 88 LE

By the way you can use the rear disc brakes from a V6 on a I4.

Yes indeed you can... I recommend it, too. The stopping power between my Camry and the drum-equipped I4 models I've driven is noticeable. It just makes winter driving a Liiiiittle more challenging, keeping them from locking-up. As 88LE said, be sure to grab the brake hoses from the frame to the calipers, as they're different than the hose/line connections on drum set-ups.

Don't forget the e-brake set-up, though. You'll need the rear cables off the yard car, as I believe they're slightly different (even though they still activate a drum brake located within the rotor/hub assembly). I may stand corrected, though...perhaps the cables are the same--just check to be sure.

[lexusmech]

I realize this is quite a bit later and don't know if you have your brakes setup yet but something very important is that the master cylinder for disc/drum is different than disc/disc.

A disc brake uses volume of fluid to move the piston. Drum uses more pressure than volume to move the brake cylinder in back. Basicly, if you use your old M/C, you're not moving enough fluid to activate those nice discs you just installed.

[Tommy]

Originally Posted by lexusmech

I realize this is quite a bit later and don't know if you have your brakes setup yet but something very important is that the master cylinder for disc/drum is different than disc/disc.

A disc brake uses volume of fluid to move the piston. Drum uses more pressure than volume to move the brake cylinder in back. Basicly, if you use your old M/C, you're not moving enough fluid to activate those nice discs you just installed.

False. Master cylinder is the same, you need to change the propotioning valve to increase available presure to the rears. Another fact - 4-5th gen celica rear disks will work just the same as camry v6 rears. same swap procedures.

[88 LE]

^ You can also use the front brakes (rotor and caliper) from a Celica All Trac/GT4 (ST165, ST185, ST205).

The backing plate / dust shield needs to be cut, bent back, or removed. Celica All Trac/GT4 rotors are bigger.

I forget if the calipers bolt on directly or if you need to use the Celica caliper bracket.