Replacing 2001 V6 struts w/ Tokicos - Do I also need rubber parts and/or links?

[Lesoral]

My 2001 Camry LE V-6 has 50K miles on its original struts. The tire store (STS) said one of the struts is leaking and the others are weak. Regardless, I'd like to replace the OEM struts with Tokico blue/HP.

(By the way, I have read the following thread. No need to repeat what's there, but I do have some different angles.)
1998 Strut and Suspension repair/tune-up questions

In my previous car, I learned the hard way that it pays to replace the rubber bits at the same time. And although these don't have that many miles on them, they are 10 years old. Make sense?

Adding to my reasoning is that, since this probably won't be at a dealer, if the shop finds something gone bad, they'll probably use whatever they happen to have on hand, or if its marginal, will just declare it "good," rather than leave the lift tied up while getting a replacement.

So, I don't mind ordering the full set. But am confused about what to order. Especially since some online vendors show multiple options, all seeming the same (e.g. two KYB front driver side mounts, one a "direct OEM replacement" -- http://www.discountautoshocks.com/sh...0strut%20mount )

And finally, although the tire shop is discouraging me from necessarily replacing the rubber, they're strongly recommending I replace the links (with Moog) as standard procedure.

Thoughts on this? Where best to get this stuff? I'd like to get the job done this week, before putting 600 mi on new tires, but can probably let it go till after my trip. The car is soft, but not "bouncing." Since I didn't get the car new, I don't know how soft is normal.

[cruisn76]

Originally Posted by Lesoral

My 2001 Camry LE V-6 has 50K miles on its original struts. The tire store (STS) said one of the struts is leaking and the others are weak. Regardless, I'd like to replace the OEM struts with Tokico blue/HP.

(By the way, I have read the following thread. No need to repeat what's there, but I do have some different angles.)
1998 Strut and Suspension repair/tune-up questions

In my previous car, I learned the hard way that it pays to replace the rubber bits at the same time. And although these don't have that many miles on them, they are 10 years old. Make sense?

Adding to my reasoning is that, since this probably won't be at a dealer, if the shop finds something gone bad, they'll probably use whatever they happen to have on hand, or if its marginal, will just declare it "good," rather than leave the lift tied up while getting a replacement.

So, I don't mind ordering the full set. But am confused about what to order. Especially since some online vendors show multiple options, all seeming the same (e.g. two KYB front driver side mounts, one a "direct OEM replacement" -- http://www.discountautoshocks.com/shop/?N=0&VN=4294967188+4294967152+4294967065+429496706 2+4294967124&PN=&Nr=AND(part:Shock+Absorber+and+St rut+Assembly,universal:1)&Ntt=%20Toyota%20Camry%20 %20strut%20mount )

And finally, although the tire shop is discouraging me from necessarily replacing the rubber, they're strongly recommending I replace the links (with Moog) as standard procedure.

Thoughts on this? Where best to get this stuff? I'd like to get the job done this week, before putting 600 mi on new tires, but can probably let it go till after my trip. The car is soft, but not "bouncing." Since I didn't get the car new, I don't know how soft is normal.

If you have to replace the Endlinks and shop recommends the MOOGS, go for it. Those are really good replacements, the quality is even better than stock. The joints can be filled with grease which make it all that better.

Now as for rubber bits, are don't get which ones are you talking about. If you are referring to all the bushings than I would replace as necessary. At this point I would be more concerned about the strut mount, bearing, and dust boots as these things tend to go. If you are getting Tokico Blues I would also invest in performance springs if not then it would be a waste. If you are not getting performance springs then why not get a set of Monroe Quick Struts? Much more convenient and less worry cause the whole thing is brand new.

Thing it over and decide which route you are really going and then you can look at the parts you need

[cruisn76]

btw, I haven't had good experience with KYB strut mounts so i won't recommend them. Other members might but that is personal opinion

[Lesoral]

By rubber parts, I mean all bushings, bearings, etc. involved subject to wear.

In my previous car, a Sentra SE-R, replacing the following was a good standard procedure.

top mount gasket
Mount insulator (rubber pressed in)
Thrust bearing
upper seat (metal)
Upper rubber seat
Bumper/dust cover combo
Lower rubber seat

I'm thinking Tokicos based partly on the recommendation at this sticky post:
Springs & Struts Guide
I enjoy throwing the car around sometimes, but am not a racer. I would like better control in emergency lane changes, etc.

IIRC, I had Tokicos in the SE-R. Very different experience over storm drains vs. the Camry, but then, the SE-R was sprung relatively firmly. I realize that springs are a major factor as behavior over driveway aprons and storm drains goes, but as far as comfort is concerned, somewhere in the middle would suit me.


AFAIK, aftermarket springs would be lower quality and/or lower the car. Most of my mileage is highway (all sorts), but I also drive in the city and snow, so clearance is important. If you know of a stock height spring that would improve handling, let me know. I might someday add a beefier real anti-roll bar, but that's about the extent of my plans.

[cruisn76]

Originally Posted by Lesoral

By rubber parts, I mean all bushings, bearings, etc. involved subject to wear.

In my previous car, a Sentra SE-R, replacing the following was a good standard procedure.

top mount gasket
Mount insulator (rubber pressed in)
Thrust bearing
upper seat (metal)
Upper rubber seat
Bumper/dust cover combo
Lower rubber seat

I'm thinking Tokicos based partly on the recommendation at this sticky post:
Springs & Struts Guide
I enjoy throwing the car around sometimes, but am not a racer. I would like better control in emergency lane changes, etc.

IIRC, I had Tokicos in the SE-R. Very different experience over storm drains vs. the Camry, but then, the SE-R was sprung relatively firmly. I realize that springs are a major factor as behavior over driveway aprons and storm drains goes, but as far as comfort is concerned, somewhere in the middle would suit me.


AFAIK, aftermarket springs would be lower quality and/or lower the car. Most of my mileage is highway (all sorts), but I also drive in the city and snow, so clearance is important. If you know of a stock height spring that would improve handling, let me know. I might someday add a beefier real anti-roll bar, but that's about the extent of my plans.

Off the top of my head, the only performance spring that doesn't give too much of a drop are: TRD, H&R's and Eibach. These three springs have a very subtle drop of 1.25 inch. So it won't interfere too much. Plus they are the most reliable springs

Its just that I find putting a stiffer shock with stock springs won't give you good enough change. On top of that, the stock springs are mushy so pairing that with stiffer shocks could be a no no.

EDIT: You might mess up the rebound rate and you could end up bouncing around even more

I am currently on H&R's with KYB for winter. (Can't run my Ksport coilovers in winter) and I have good clearance and ride comfort.

Now I have KYB and H&R setup for 3-4 years now, and I must tell you I don't like them in terms of handling. My case is reverse from yours. My KYB's are considered OEM replacement for my Toyota so naturally they will match the OEM ride comfort. But because I have them paired to H&R springs which are stiffer than OEM the combo doesn't do so well. Now if I had matched my H&R's with Tokicos I would have been much happier. Again, others might tell you otherwise, but this is through my experience.

KYB + H&R = Mushy / bouncy
Tokico + H&R = Stiffer

Coilovers = Extra STIFFY