gne3 -> gen 3.5 suspension questions

[septicdeath]

I have some quick questions. I have a 93 v6 wagon, and I just purchased a complete set of tokico and vogtland springs. I have some questions about the fronts.

#1. The tokico's I used were the HB31 79/80 81/82. Knowing that these were actually for 95-99 Camry's I started collecting all the parts to build a complete strut planing on not using any of the old parts. So I got new upper mounts designed to have the bearing and spring mount, as well as new upper and lower isolators.

#2. I ordered the vogtland (v10 chasis, 93-96 Camry v6 springs)

#3. I ordered new strut mounts and bearings (as thats what the 95 camry used).

Okay, so here's my question, I tried to locate the 95 upper spring seat(s) on a few discount auto parts sites, specifically because if I was completely re-building the struts I would need these as well. I didn't have a lot of luck finding them, so I figured no biggie, maybe I'll re-use these from the stock assemblies. I pulled my stock units off yesterday, and they don't have the upper spring plate, it looks like the spring is seated against the insulator rubbed and right onto the upper strut mount. So I started putting together my tokico's they same way, but remember, my new top strut mounts are the ones that want a bearing/plate between the top mount and the strut isolator. I've been told that the top mount is the same, just dont use the bearing. But the assembled unit just doesn't seem as tight as the stock unit. Maybe the top mount ISN'T the same. Can someone offer some suggestions here?

If I do get the upper spring plates, it seems that the top of the spring will be about 1" more compressed along the length of the strut. (The strut seats at the mount, or at the plate depending, the plate is spaced a little under the mount). What will this do to the design? Since the springs are 1.4" drop, but specified for 93 (no upper plate) to 96 (they DO have plates) I would assume that the drop is not affected by the slightly more compressed spring in the 95/96 setup?

Thanks guys. Looking forward to some debate.

SD

[rdimpulser6]

Here's your first problem. You have a gen3 camry and moving to the gen 3.5 setup. They are similiar, but not the same. You said your stock setup has the spring and boot isolator directly up against the mount, this means that your strut bearing is at the bottom spring seat. when you turn the steering wheel your strut turns also, while the spring stay stationary. With the 3.5 set up. The bearing is at the top and the spring/ strut assembly turns as a whole unit. The mounts are different (one holds a bearing and one does not), the boots are different (the gen 3 have a about a 3/4 inch lip which rests on the mount, compared to the 3.5 which are flat) . You need to use the bearing otherwise your springs will bind up when turning.

[septicdeath]

Yes, and no. I understand about the bearing on the lower spring plate. However, the struts pulled from the vehicle must have been replaced by the previous owner, they don't have a detachable lower plate, I am aware of this component setup as well. The existing units. have the lower seat built into the strut, with the raised grove to seat the spring in, the strut is 100% the same as the tokico's I removed. . The existing units have no bearing at all. Thats why I am asking these questions. I understand putting it back together with new parts that way that it came out is wrong, and that I should have the upper plate to ride against the bearings and new top mounts I have.

[rdimpulser6]

Sounds like the previous owner tried to take some short cuts. The only other part you need now is the upper spring seat. This will hold the bearing in the upper mount. Then your done. Check this out. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php or monroe part #904950. on the website.