Looking for a firmer ride.... 2001 Camry

[highcap56]

My Camry (2001 4 Cyl 145K miles) has had what I would consider soft suspension from the day I got it with 40K on it.

Now at 145K it is pronounced, however the struts are still viable and not bottoming, but the car just has a rocking chair ride that I DON'T like.

What can I do with the suspension to firm up the ride, but not go "competition" stiff?

Wife drives the Camry mostly, and does not like to bounce.

Do I JUST need to go to different struts, or are the springs the problem? I will replace front and rear of whatever I need.

A SUGGESTION as to which struts or springs to consider would be appreciated.

Remember, this car will never be raced, just driven daily in LA traffic. Want it firmer but not stiff.

[Mister_Perkins]

Lynch has a set of sport springs that will offer a stiffer ride.. may want to check out his f/s thread.

The only thing with sport springs is using the stock shocks you will still have the same ride quality. the shocks are very soft.

May want to look into an aftermarket shock that has a stiffer ride quality

[JohnGD]

Maybe all you need are new struts (not even going into the sports setup like Tokicos, Eibach, H&R etc)?

A new assembly like the QuickStrut is only $131.79 front and $127.89 rear plus shipping. A new assembly may be the cheaper way because mounts should be replaced each time too. Monroes come with lifetime warranty.

Front example:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=951378

Rear example:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=951475

Originally Posted by highcap56

My Camry (2001 4 Cyl 145K miles) has had what I would consider soft suspension from the day I got it with 40K on it.

Now at 145K it is pronounced, however the struts are still viable and not bottoming, but the car just has a rocking chair ride that I DON'T like.

What can I do with the suspension to firm up the ride, but not go "competition" stiff?

Wife drives the Camry mostly, and does not like to bounce.

Do I JUST need to go to different struts, or are the springs the problem? I will replace front and rear of whatever I need.

A SUGGESTION as to which struts or springs to consider would be appreciated.

Remember, this car will never be raced, just driven daily in LA traffic. Want it firmer but not stiff.

[Mister_Perkins]

I was just giving him a suggestion of sport struts because the stock camry struts are really kind of smushy to begin with. Actually the entire steering system of the camry sucks stock. lol

[JohnGD]

Yes I know what you mean. Toyota's suspension systems don't win awards.

I actually was thinking of Tokico Blue but figured maybe he's got old beat up struts is all. It's cheaper with regular stuff.

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

I was just giving him a suggestion of sport struts because the stock camry struts are really kind of smushy to begin with. Actually the entire steering system of the camry sucks stock. lol

[Mister_Perkins]

^^ Yep . always way cheaper with the original stuff

[PhatRoyale]

Tokico HP struts (a.k.a Blues) will fit your needs nicely.

Firmer than stock, but not too firm.

[LynchburgCSI]

Tokico struts + H&R or Eibach springs. Done. Well, other than a new rear sway bar and upgraded end links.

[highcap56]

Thanks for the replies. A local member has a set of Eibachs and KYBS for sale and I'm leaning that way.

One question - how are the stock Camry springs? I'm not too up (at least my wife is not) on lowering the car.

If I use the stock springs with the KYB's, do you think that would accomplish the end goal of a firmer ride?

(EDIT - the installed struts are definitely going in the trash. 145K on them. The car is babied, but they need to be replaced for sure.)

[jtex2717]

Dude....go to autozone or advamced auto parts...get 4 Monroe quick strut assemblies and call it a day....it will be a bit pricey but you will be able to unbolt one and bolt up the other and you will have a stock quality ride...call it done...if you want to go on the cheaper side...get 4 Gabriel or Monroe struts and put your same springs on them...and call it done...u will have a stock quality ride...

[JohnGD]

+1.

If OP doesn't need to replace anything else (rubber bellows, spring seat, etc), then only buying struts should save some money (especially with the frequent buy-3-get-1-free type of deals).

Otherwise just get QuickStruts and that's the easiest. Do check alignment afterward.

I personally prefer the Gabriel. But their later valving seems to be softer than before at lower rod velocities.

Originally Posted by jtex2717

Dude....go to autozone or advamced auto parts...get 4 Monroe quick strut assemblies and call it a day....it will be a bit pricey but you will be able to unbolt one and bolt up the other and you will have a stock quality ride...call it done...if you want to go on the cheaper side...get 4 Gabriel or Monroe struts and put your same springs on them...and call it done...u will have a stock quality ride...

[Pvt-Public]

I just got 4 Monroe Quick Struts for my '99, may have them installed by tomorrow evening I'll let you know how it goes.

[69GTSport]

Well I thought I was going to replace the struts on my car as the car seemed to float & bounce too much over bumps. I was also hearing a clunk sound in the rear. While looking underneath I noticed that the rear sway bar bushings were worn as I could get the sway bar to move up and down inside the bushing. So, I spent $13 at Autozone and then I replaced 'em and not only did the clunking go away, but the car's ride firmed up enough that I'm happy w/ it now....

[JohnGD]

Gen 4 have defective front mounts that may give you the clunks. In any case it's best to replace at least the front mounts with struts on any car (the rears on these are usually in good shape for reuse).

Originally Posted by Pvt-Public

I just got 4 Monroe Quick Struts for my '99, may have them installed by tomorrow evening I'll let you know how it goes.

[jtex2717]

^ Actually from what i see....on Camrys the rear struts blow before the front ones do....thats pretty odd...but its the most common thing...