2000 Solara rear struts part problem

[usmc5811]

Hello everyone, this is my first post and I've tried to research the answer for the past week and havent had any luck. My problem is my 2000 Solara's rear strut mounts and struts are bad and its doing the imfamous clicking sounds, so im going to replace them with all new quick struts. The problem is I have the SE v6 and every set of monroe quick struts i see are for the 4cyl, some on ebay say theyll fit all engines then the bottom says for the 4cyl. I called a local pep boys and said they'll fit the v6 but then ive done a lot of research and it all says for the 4cyl engine only. If someone could just please help me lol, im ready to order the struts but i dont want to spend hundreds on the wrong set. Thanks guys.

[rusty9]

Rear struts should be the same for the rear regardless of engine size. They are different for the fronts because of the weight difference between the I4 and V6.

If you want to positive, call your local toyota dealership. the parts department will usually help you out no problem.

[BMR]

Maybe the struts are the same but different (stiffer) springs for the V6? So the quick struts for the I4 would have springs that are too soft? IIRC, some Camry suspensions are that way.

[fenixus]

camry 97-01 and solara 99-03 Monroe Quick Strut part numbers:

a) i4
FRONT left 171679, right 171678
REAR left 171681, right 171680

b) V6
FRONT left 271679, right 271678
There is NO Quick Struts for rear V6 application.

rear Quick Struts from i4 are a no no on a V6, springs will be softer.

http://www.monroe.com/catalog/ecatalog.asp

rockauto.com sells front Quick Struts at unbeatable prices, $125 each for i4 and $144 each for V6. shipping around $20 a pair. there is also a 5% off discount coupon for their store, google it.

[usmc5811]

Thanks guys, but if theres no quick struts for the v6 then what do i do lol, should i just order the qick struts for the 4cyl or do i have to order struts and mounts and springs

[fenixus]

you could order just struts OE type is Sensa-Trac (now called OE Spectrum) and new mounts. the rest of parts should be OK for re-use (inspect them visually though).

you could borrow Spring Compressor from local Autozone and do the job yourself, or you could bring old strut assemblies and new parts to local shop and they could do it for you, charging like $20 each or so.

[Tommyd55]

Try these Monroe part numbers for a V6 Solara.

271681 (rear left)

271680 (right rear)

[fenixus]

OK, I have just re-checked Monroe catalog and actually thy now recommend same Quick Struts for rear V6 as they do for rear i4 (parts 171681 and 171680) hehe LOL

so I guess rear springs are same on both models, only fronts have stiffer springs for V6, that's all.

[Tommyd55]

I emailed Monroe support to clarify this issue , will post their reply..

Here is their reply:

subject Re: Monroe Web Inquiry - Application
mailed-by tenneco.com

"Thank you for contacting Tenneco Automotive.

You will need to order a 271680 and 271681 for the 6 cylinder."

So Monroe support says use the 271680 & the 271681 for a V6 Solara... Why this is not reflected on their web site I do not know but that was their direct response to me for my 2000 SLE V6.

[fenixus]

^ Thank you. this explains a lot.

they have a screw up in their e-catalog (always had, it's just different screw up now)...

[Tommyd55]

Well things never cease to amaze me,

I called Monroe support on the phone this morning and the guy claims the correct parts are now the 171681 and 171680.

I really do not have much faith in them on this issue....

Your guess is as good as mine...

Anyone else want to do some digging I would appreciate it. I have the fronts on the way and will order the rears in about a week..... which ones??? not sure yet...

[fenixus]

LOL!

I would reply to that email you received formerly and asked them why the e-catalog and phone support say differently.

[Tommyd55]

I emailed Monroe support asking them to clarify what the difference is between the 271's and 171's . (rear application)

I thought I would ask if anyone here knows is there any difference between the rear mounting of the strut of a V6
Camry verses a V6 Solara...
Are they the same? or is there a difference due to the Solara being a 2 door coupe.....

the 271's for the rear are listed for the Camry and the Lexus ES300 97-2001 So why not the Solara??

jmho but I don't think they really know what is for what in this case.. I think its just because that's what the catalog says..

Lets see if they come up with an actual fact based reason for their recommending the 171's.

They have my curiosity up on this one... I just want them to tell me WHY...

[Tommyd55]

Here is Monroe Tech support reply... 6/24/2011

Thank you for contacting Tenneco Automotive.


The 271680 and 271681 have a higher spring rate and are not necessary for
the rear of your Solara. The 171680 and 171681 have more appropriate spring
rate for the weight of your vehicle which is why we list them by
application for your vehicle.

Thank you for your interest in our products.


So there you have it ....

[fenixus]

so in other words 27168x would make the rear stick out higher than it should ... while 17168x is the stock ... interesting.