'94 Camry suspension - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

routabit · 03-24-2008, 11:00 AM

I have a great '94 V-6 Camry LE w/100K miles on it and I am the original owner. I have kept up on all of the basic maintenance and it runs great. One of the areas that still need some attention to make it really sweet is that the suspension seems to be pretty soft and clunky. Cosmetically, the paint stains easily (Wht), the interior is fading a bit and top of door panels show some fine cracking.

My question is: should I replace the struts, springs, or both. I don't want to lose the cush ride, just slow down some sway, bounce and clunky stuff when I go over bumps.

Also, are there any suggestion as to what to do to "refresh" the interior a bit, to include aftermarket stuff, dying the fabric, total re-upoulstry, new carpet, etc.

I am also reconsidering a cheap paint job so it won't stain so bad and hold a shine better.

I am not trying to build a "new" car, but just enjoy this one for another few years. A perfect body w/no accidents, Toyota w/ 100K org. miles is hard to give up. I believe it only BBks for about 3K though. My feeling is that putting a little more in it now for my daily commuter (50 mile per day) is better than a $600 mth payment for a new one.

eurohazard · 03-24-2008, 11:33 AM

Absolutely replace the struts. The springs? Probably not worth it. The new struts will make a HUGE difference in ride and handling....don't forget new strut mounts.

Dying the interior could be tricky. I have considered it myself (I have blue cloth), especially on the top part of the rear seatbacks.

I also have super white paint, and I also have some staining. The stains are happening because the clearcoat is gone, or partially gone. Repaints are a big deal.....if I ever do it, I going to do it myself. Don't settle for a $99 Maaco job.

routabit · 03-24-2008, 11:44 AM

Any ideas on the struts? Local Pep Boys, Midas or other chain shops? Private shop? I don't believe that's something I'm geared up to do myself. I assume a direct replacment struts. Name brand or knockoffs OK?

Sound's like you have the same blue cloth stuff I have. I've seen some older Asians ladys that live nearby that were smart enough to have a towel on the top of the back seat. Fading is a common problem with them.

I wasn't thinking about the cheapest paint, maybe about $500 in white again to make it an easy match.

***ASG14*** · 03-24-2008, 11:50 AM

I do not at all like chain shops for big repair jobs. There are a BUNCH of SoCal guys on the forum here, so hopefully one of them will know of a good independent shop you can go to.

PepBoys I would not trust changing my tire, and Sears massivly F'ed up the struts on my old car.

rdimpulser6 · 03-24-2008, 11:51 AM

FS: Eibachs, Tokicos for gen 3 camry

I got these for sale. Just want to get rid of them. I'm also in so cal. Please PM if you are interested.
These are brand new and I bought the wrong struts for my car.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23469644@N04/

Pics. you just need to make sure if the struts are sealed or not. Please look at the last pics to see a sealed strut.