3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Replaced stock struts (125K miles) with KYB GR-2s yesterday...
My friend owns a '99 Camry 2.2L. His car has 125K miles on it and was riding like a boat (i.e. bottoming out over small bumps, massive body roll when turning, and just general sloppy handling). I replaced the struts on my wife's corolla with GR-2s so I suggested that he order a set and we would install them.
We got the fronts done within 90 minutes. By the way, his car has 22mm knuckle/clevis bolts up front so I ended up buying an impact socket set just to get a 22mm socket.
The rears took FOREVER. It took about 30 minutes to figure out how to remove the rear seat. Then the rear endlink bolts stripped on both sides (sprayed PB blaster and let it sit for a while before doing the work... this still didn't help). It was getting late so we zip tied the rear sway bar out of the way and he'll pick up new endlinks this week.
The top hats were still in decent shape. 3 out of the 4 dust boots were in decent shape. The springs were still good. So all of the good parts were reused.
The ride/handling difference is incredible. Even as a passenger the car felt more stable and planted. The GR2s soak up the bumps really well, but still give you enough road feedback to let you know you're in control. Now this isn't really a performance upgrade from stock ... just a stock replacement.
I give the KYB GR2s a thumbs up for anyone wanting to replace their stock struts and reuse their other stock suspension components.
__________________
- 2008 Subaru Impreza STi (mine)
- 2002 Toyota Corolla CE (hers)
thanks for the review! what did the parts total cost? i'm considering replacing my front struts (rears are new) and i hadn't looked into any replacements just yet. so, i was curious what this set of four cost you friend.
thanks for the review! what did the parts total cost? i'm considering replacing my front struts (rears are new) and i hadn't looked into any replacements just yet. so, i was curious what this set of four cost you friend.
He shopped around and was about to get them for around $65 per corner with free shipping. If you go a google search for "coupon code <insert parts website name here>", you can usually get 10-20% off the order and/or free shipping. They retail for about $110 each at Advance Auto Parts.
I forgot to add, he has a shop manual. So we grabbed the correct torque specs from that and all the nuts/bolts were torqued to spec.
__________________
- 2008 Subaru Impreza STi (mine)
- 2002 Toyota Corolla CE (hers)
I forgot to add, he has a shop manual. So we grabbed the correct torque specs from that and all the nuts/bolts were torqued to spec.
good job on torquin' them to spec! - most aren't too diligent with that stuff.. plus i'd check on them again in a week, to make sure nothing broke loose or shook loose.. suspension stuff takes massive beating. hehehe!
good job on torquin' them to spec! - most aren't too diligent with that stuff.. plus i'd check on them again in a week, to make sure nothing broke loose or shook loose.. suspension stuff takes massive beating. hehehe!
i have GR2's and S-Techs on mine!
Yeah, I'll go over the nuts/bolts again with the torque wrench when we install the rear endlinks next weekend.
__________________
- 2008 Subaru Impreza STi (mine)
- 2002 Toyota Corolla CE (hers)
I have GR 2s on my 99, after a week or to they break in and are not as stiff as when first mounted but still better than OEM. If you have an I4 and put stiffer shocks on you might consider a front strut bar.
I have GR 2s on my 99, after a week or to they break in and are not as stiff as when first mounted but still better than OEM. If you have an I4 and put stiffer shocks on you might consider a front strut bar.
What would be the benefit if having a strut bar?
__________________
2000 Toyota Camry LE (Japan made) i4 5S-FE 367,000+ miles.
It's also called a strut tower bar and stiffens up the front of the car. I have the TRD strut bar and noticed a little more understeer but with more control during hard cornering.
I can also vouch for the KYB GR-2's, as I had them for almost 5 years with no problems.
I have GR 2s on my 99, after a week or to they break in and are not as stiff as when first mounted but still better than OEM. If you have an I4 and put stiffer shocks on you might consider a front strut bar.
I run GR2's, H&R sports springs, and a TRD RSB on the 96, and they perform fine. Handle great.
But having owned and driven another Coupe with Tokicos, the same spring, and RSB...I prefer the Tokicos myself!
The car just felt more glued to the road to me!..IMO
I've run Tokico Dspecs (adjustable) with STI springs and STI top hats on my previous car (2005 WRX). It was a fantastic combo. The adjustability of the Tokicos was really impressive. They handled track days and autocross really well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by haux
What would be the benefit if having a strut bar?
You'll notice more of an improvement from larger sway bars.
__________________
- 2008 Subaru Impreza STi (mine)
- 2002 Toyota Corolla CE (hers)
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
