Replacement struts question

[toytrain13]

Excuse my ignorance! My wife's 99 Camry V6 has 90K miles and I'm wondering when I can expect to need new struts. I've seen Tokico struts recommended on this forum. Looking at photos of these struts (EBay) I see they don't include the integral coil spring. Should I replace the spring at the same time as the strut. If so, if I use Tokico struts (opinions, please) whose coil springs should I use? Is everything directly compatible with the original Toyota parts? And should I replace the strut bushings at the same time? I'm not looking for any performance upgrades, just top quality parts stock-type parts at less than the dealership wants. I'd find an independent Toyota shop to install the parts. Thank you for your advice. -Richard W.

[darksparkz]

To maintain OEM ride quality, you'd want OEM parts, but their usually more expensive.

The closest strut to OEM are KYB GR-2s, their a tad stiffer then OEM, so they'd perform a bit better on corners. Most people use KYB to maintain OEM quality and prevent some body roll on corners.

For springs, most performance springs lower the car by about 1.2"-1.5", which gives less body roll due to a better center of gravity. But they are typically stiffer, which may not be as comfortable as OEM quality.

I'd recommend doing springs at the same time as struts, that way you save lots on labor. I'd say, go with KYB GR-2 struts and swap with OEM Toyota springs. It's recommend to replace front strut mounst as well for the "clunking" noise that may occur later on.

[toytrain13]

Thanks Darksparkz- Good information. I've just researched KYB GR-2 struts/mounts and that looks like the way to go. I'll check with my discount Toyota supplier for the coil springs. I appreciate your advice. Regards- Richard W.

[triggerhappy007]

My car almost has 120K and is still on the stock struts. I want to get new struts (GR2) and springs (Eibach). Some of the strut boots are tearing so I will need to replace those. I've been hearing the clunking sound for a long time now, so I thanks for the tip on the mount. Do you think I need to replace the bearings too?

[darksparkz]

Springs & Struts Guide

^There's a little bit more information on comparing struts and such.

triggerhappy007, If your going with Eibach springs, you seem like you want to go into the performance area a bit more. I'd recommend going with Tokico Blues because their more stiff and would give you a better improvement especially with the Eibach springs.

I'm not too sure on replacing the bearings, but since your at it, you might as well. I think it's recommended to replace the inner bushings on the strut itself, but I forgot if the strut assembly comes with bushings or not.

[triggerhappy007]

I don't really want to spend $100 more for the Tokicos and the ride might be too stiff. I found these for around $480 (about the same as KYB and Eibach), what do you think of the set?http://www.autornd.com/catalog/produ...a99ac3497ddeb0

[felonyr301]

what the hell tokico kits i never heard of this so what springs are these really looking at the drop its the same as the H&R so is it really H&R springs put together with the tokico struts if so then $460 for both is great deal to me. Need somebody to confirm it.