Difference between SE and LE

[captainmike454]

What is the difference besides the cosmetic grille and body kit between a SE and LE are the spring rates the same is it just a bigger rear sway bar and tires?

I have an 2009 LE and have ordered the Ultra Raceing 19mm rear sway and front strut brace.

Are there any other modifications I can do to improve the handleing.

I am debateing the TRD springs.

[bandit]

Like you said, grille, body kit, seats are way better in SE. Springs are different as well. I did notice that driving the I4 SE and V6 SE, I felt the road more with the I4 and the V6 was much smoother. Tires are the same.

Rear sway and front strut is all you can do. Njerald only purchased these two and others bought either one.

[gdanaher]

The SE has some additional cross bracing behind the rear seat, preventing the seat back from being lowered for added trunk space. The springs are different and the wqhole vehicle sits about an inch lower than the LE.

[workerant]

Do the search. I've seen a thread awhile back with this exact topic and it went extensively into the details.

[njerald]

Struts and stabilizer bars/links are also different.

[1956kiteboarder]

The rubber bushing that the suspension parts mount on are different too.
Also there is some aerodynamic covers under the car on the SE.

[darksparkz]

Slightly blackout sport trim in headlamp.
17" wheels with 215/55/17 tires
3-spoke steering wheel
Sport tuned shock absorbers and springs
Strut tower
Trunk Mounted Braces
Blue Optitron sport meters

^All from www.toyota.com

[zhugeliang]

haha.. Too late for any changes now.

Same with myself.. I love the looks and etc. of the SE but i'm stuck with the LE...

Also, I had no choice since I had a budget of how much I was willing to fork out for the car.

Just enjoy what you have now and plan a new car in 7-10 years?

[sundarpn]

Dunno abt the 07's...

But how about on the older Gen 5's?

Can't one replace:
the struts,
springs, sway bars,
add a strut brace
and volia... convert an XLE or LE to SE purely from a ride perspective.

(Forget the looks part!!)

Will all these from an SE plug right into an LE or XLE (same year)? Are the strut mounts different or anything else?

Unfortunately there is no comprehensive info on this.

[captainmike454]

I actually like the looks of the LE with out the spoilers and body kit.

I am happy with the awesome V6 and hope the swaybar and tower strut will improve the handleing while keeping the ride smooth.

My main concern is the rear end which is too loose.