1993 Camry LE, advise on Struts

[71Corolla]

Bought this car a couple of months back, U.S. made 1993 LE sedan (5SFE). Body is excellent, but I knew the car needed quite a lot of work. I've done the timing belt and everything associated with it, as well as the value cover gasket job. I also swapped out the speedometer with a unit in kilometers. For anyone wondering, the kilometer spec speedo works perfectly in the instrument cluster and reads the correct speed. I matched the 109,000 miles reading from the old speedo by changing the reading on the Km spec unit to show 170,000 kilometers. (close enough)

The struts are completely gone in the front and I decided to pull the front right unit because it is the worst of the lot. As you can see, the unit is completely bagged. Not only that, but in the process of disassembling it, the spring basically fell apart. I don't know if it was broken when in the car (possible) but if not it was not far from breaking into pieces. The strut bearing also fell to pieces when I tried to get it out.





So to do the job right I need a new spring, (will replace the other side as well, I always do those type of parts in pairs) strut mount, strut bellow, bump stop, strut assembly, strut bearing seat, strut bearing, coil spring insulator, did I miss anything? Sourcing all of this stuff online (I'm in Canada) it comes to around $800 for both sides. Now that does NOT include the spring. I called a Toyota dealer they want $280 per spring. What can I do to save cost here? Some stuff can be re-used like the coil spring insulator, but most of the rubber parts are pretty much shot.

Should I try to get a wrecker part in better shape and rebuild those? Keep in mind I do not want to lower the car or anything like that, I want to go with stock ride height and ride quality. Will a Japan made model strut fit in my U.S. made car? I'm at a loss as to what to do here.

[93celicaconv]

What? $280/spring?

Check www.1sttoyotaparts.com for your car. I just did, and the most expensive spring for your model (makes a difference if it has a manual or auto, A/C or no A/C, etc.) is $83, cheapest is $51.50 (prices per spring).

You can call them at 877-810-7067. They are located in Tacoma, Washington, so on Pacific Daylight Time. I'm sure they can get you OEM springs a lot more reasonable than your dealer is offering. They are open until 5 pm PDT, so you can still call them today if you want.

[fenixus]

i have a feeling that any automotive parts in Canada are like 5 times more expensive over there than here in US, WTF ??

good advice, if online dealer/store refuses to ship to Canada, try shipping the part to any relative/friend in US, so they can re-ship it to you cheaply with USPS Expedite Canada instead of expensive UPS.

[71Corolla]

Yes, $280 per spring, I double checked by giving her the VIN# to be sure. I thought the price was pretty much insane TBH. The part# for the coil is 48131-06020. Thanks for the link I'll price out the parts I need from them and see what it comes to. I really don't understand why the Toyota dealers here outright rape people on replacement parts.

Not all auto parts online here are that bad, but overall yes they are more expensive, sometimes much more so. I am also going to source a few local wreckers to see if I can get a couple of units that are in better condition. These seem to be in very rough shape given the mileage on them. Poorly made?

edit - I know plenty of people in the U.S. (lived there for awhile) and can easily get a friend to ship stuff up for me.

[ricamryman]

Just get some Monroe Quick Strut Units!.....

[93celicaconv]

www.1sttoyota.com also allows you to use a Toyota part number, if you have it. You do, so I typed it in. It said your part number was superseded by part number 48131-33070. Price is $71.40 per spring. Shipping cost is 10% of total order, with a $9.95 minimum.

[71Corolla]

Originally Posted by ricamryman

Just get some Monroe Quick Strut Units!.....

Uh no.

Not interested, although that is such an easy way out. I priced out all the parts@ www.1sttoyotaparts.com and also www.toyotapartszone.com. Buying basically every part to built the complete unit (including the coil) comes to about $650. Even if shipping is $100 I am still way ahead. I will go that route if I can't get anywhere sourcing a good wrecker part. Ideally I only want to replace the absorber assembly and a couple of minor parts. I can get the KYB shock assemblies for about $110/side with free shipping.

[ricamryman]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

Uh no.

Not interested, although that is such an easy way out. I priced out all the parts@ www.1sttoyotaparts.com and also www.toyotapartszone.com. Buying basically every part to built the complete unit (including the coil) comes to about $650. Even if shipping is $100 I am still way ahead. I will go that route if I can't get anywhere sourcing a good wrecker part. Ideally I only want to replace the absorber assembly and a couple of minor parts. I can get the KYB shock assemblies for about $110/side with free shipping.

I really don't see why not?.....Way easier that what your doing!.....

[71Corolla]

Originally Posted by ricamryman

I really don't see why not?.....Way easier that what your doing!.....

Unless someone can convince me that the Monroe quickstruts are up to the same quality as original parts...

Most everyone I talked to told me that Monroe is a terrible product. The only people that recommended them were repair facilities that use them and didn't carry KYB etc.

[fenixus]

i would consider getting cheaper aftermarket struts like Gabriel or KYB. i have no idea about Monroe. not many people sticks to OEM struts. most likely KYB would be the most optimal choice both price and quality wise. just my opinion, decision is up to you.

i've been currently running on Gabriel struts in front and they are not bad after 4 years (37k miles) of heavy duty driving. next time i will try KYB hoping they last longer, because the one on front passenger side starts becoming a little noisy sometimes.
after all i think it depends on the roads condition in your area (NJ/NYC is terrible) and how often you hit a pothole

[71Corolla]

My original plan was to put in the KYB Strut Assembly GR-2's, but with the broken spring I have to go original part on that one, or a wrecker part which I'm iffy about. But as you can see by the pics almost nothing can be salvaged I need all new parts. BTW, the original Toyota strut assembly is about the same price as the KYB, so may as well get Toyota units.

[SoulTaker]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

...it comes to around $800 for both sides...Keep in mind I do not want to lower the car or anything like that, I want to go with stock ride height and ride quality.

It will be alot cheaper if you get lowering springs and KYB shocks. KYB shocks have stock ride quality.

[ricamryman]

If you shop around, you can get two Quick Struts for the front end for $300.00! This is a 17 year old car ya know!!!.......The ride will be just fine & they will last....

[projektvertx]

FYI guys, one thing I found out was that KYB = OEM Toyota. Hence why ride quality is the same I recently bought this part OEM Toyota, and when it came in, it had KYB engraved on it:

[ArmyRangerSean]

I just put new springs on my 93 le a couple weeks ago. Your best bet is getting a set of ksport springs off of ebay I got mine for about $200 for all 4 its a nice 2 inch drop all around and then look for either KYB or Tokico blue struts on there they will probably run about $300-$350 on ebay for all 4 just make sure you check the ad carefully cause some will say 1993 camry struts/shocks on the header but they will have strut cartridges written somewhere in the ad and only a few 93 cams have rebuildables. Hope this helps