Gen 3 and 3.5 Strut Mount Differences

[xylium]

I have seen alot of posts asking questions about the differences between Gen 3 (92-94) and the Gen 3.5 (95-96). While it is very possible to place the Gen 3.5 struts on the Gen 3, you also need to get the Gen 3.5 Strut Mounts. The reason being is the Gen 3 have the bearing plates in the spring seat (underneeth the spring) while the Gen 3.5 have the bearing plate located in the Strut Mount (on top of the spring). This is especially important if you are using the Complete Tokico Struts as opposed to using the cartridges. The cartridges could only be used on the 92-94 Japan Spec Version and some very rare US models. I have inlcluded some pics.

92-94 Gen 3 Mounts with lower bearing plate:



92-94 Gen 3 Struts without bearing plate mounted.


95-96 Gen 3.5 Mounts with bearings but no upper plate.



95-96 Gen 3.5 Struts (Notice the Welded on Complete Spring Seat)

[xylium]

Oh, I forgot to mention that KYB makes SEALED front struts for the Gen 3 (92-94) and Gen 3.5 (95-96) Again, the reason is the struts mounts are completely different between the half gens.

[Midas]

you are the man!
this answered all my questions, and relieved me of the frustration of not being able to replace my struts with tokico's on my 94 camry being that it DID NOT come with oe rebuildable strut housing, therefore tokico inserts where not an option!
Thanx!!

[Venom_5]

good points & pics ...

definitely didnt think about mentioning it when i purchased my strut mounts [before i returned them ]

[Ravie_g]

Ok something i still dont get. Some 92-94's still have SEALED struts. Does this mean that it has the Gen3.5 Strut mounts? or is it the same lower bearing setup?

[xylium]

Very few 92-94's came with sealed struts but they still had the bearings down below. One easy way to tell if you have the bearings down below is to look at the base of the spring. If it just looks like a peice of metal with a thin layer of rubber over it, it's the newer style. If it looks bulky and has a raised 1" high, 3" diameter center, that is the bearing and you have the older style. I wish I had taken pics of my struts when I had them out on my 94'. That car is gone now but I'll see if I can take pics when my brother changes his on his 94' V6. It might be a while though as his struts are amazingly still good. I don't get it, his is a 94' with 100,000mi on it and mine is now a 00' with 81,000mi and his are in better shape?

[Ravie_g]

lol he drove better XD, no no kidding lol. My question was just for inquiry. I have non sealed. i know how that works, just wanted a definite answer on my question, and thanks for giving it.

LateR