What shocks/struts and strut mounts to buy for factory ride.

[greeneclipse]

Hey everyone,

A few quick questions about some suspension work on my '99 camry V6:

1)what brand struts/shocks should I buy to keep the factory ride?

2)what brand strut mounts should I buy (all mine are rattling like crazy)?
-I've heard that some brands are preferred over others as to the fitment.

3)where is the cheapest place to get these parts (online) ?



thanks all for your input

[darksparkz]

Springs & Struts Guide

I use KYB struts on mine as well, but then I have stock springs still on them. The KYB struts feels just like stock ride when it was new, if not better then it. I'd say ebay would be the cheapest place to get them, www.tirerack.com sells them as well.

[Baksdak]

I was wondering if I would need any special tools beyond the normal ones usually required. I am pretty handy and have done alot of stuff myself so I know I can do this, was just double checking. Also, if I replace both struts and mounts then both shocks and mounts out back this should cure the clunking...right? I have read some posts where some had to replace tie rod ends or some other bushings...what other bushings are there??

[NowUCMeNowUDont]

Originally Posted by greeneclipse

Hey everyone,

A few quick questions about some suspension work on my '99 camry V6:

1)what brand struts/shocks should I buy to keep the factory ride?

2)what brand strut mounts should I buy (all mine are rattling like crazy)?
-I've heard that some brands are preferred over others as to the fitment.

3)where is the cheapest place to get these parts (online) ?



thanks all for your input

for a factory ride why not get factory parts???

[greeneclipse]

Originally Posted by NowUCMeNowUDont

for a factory ride why not get factory parts???

true, but I don't know what brand/s are considered OEM. I've heard some people say Macpherson and others say KYB, so I'd rather buy these elsewhere if they can be found cheaper.


How about the strut mounts....do you guys have any experience with these?

[NowUCMeNowUDont]

Originally Posted by greeneclipse

true, but I don't know what brand/s are considered OEM. I've heard some people say Macpherson and others say KYB, so I'd rather buy these elsewhere if they can be found cheaper.


How about the strut mounts....do you guys have any experience with these?

go to toyota dealer ship of www.partstrain.com

[MentatGom]

I'd say go for KYB struts and strut mounts. If you are going to also buy strut boots, you'll only need two, as the rear strut mounts have them built in. I bought my stuff from www.tirerack.com.

[Bluesabre]

Originally Posted by greeneclipse

Hey everyone,

A few quick questions about some suspension work on my '99 camry V6:

1)what brand struts/shocks should I buy to keep the factory ride?

2)what brand strut mounts should I buy (all mine are rattling like crazy)?
-I've heard that some brands are preferred over others as to the fitment.

3)where is the cheapest place to get these parts (online) ?



thanks all for your input

As others have mentioned, the KYB strut mounts from Tirerack should do the trick and take care of your "clunk" sound. (Is it only when you hit bumps in the road and maybe even when turning?) If you want a more 'factory-like' suspension feel, I've also heard the KYB struts are a decent choice. Personally, I don't like the factory (a.k.a. Squishy) ride so I used KYB mounts, Tokico HP Blues for stiffer struts, and Eibach Pro-kit springs. You didn't mention how many miles your 99 Camry has or the condition of the springs, but it's a lot easier to change out all of these parts at the same time. I know... costs more money.

My gen 4 ('98 5SFE) had a little over 100k miles when I changed the suspension. 18000 miles later, no problems and I'm still amazed at the improvement it made in handling. (I also added a strut tower brace.)

As for where to get the parts, Tirerack is an excellent company - there are probably others out there in the online world that others use reliably. Stay away from the Toyota parts department as much as possible unless you like to throw away money. NAPA is another source I use with good results.

Special tools: You will need a set of strut spring compressors, which you can borrow from Autozone (or other parts store?). Autozone just keeps a deposit until you return their tool, then returns your deposit. I'm assuming you already have a breaker bar and a torque wrench or two. Be safe.

[greeneclipse]

ordered me a set of kyb gr-2's and some kyb strut mounts....do i need to replace those boots, or can i just reuse the old ones?

[camrii]

If the boots are worn then you need to replace them. I originally went your way but saved myself the hassle by buying the Monroe Quick Struts (Monroe Sensa-trac) for the front pair and then replaced the rear struts (Monroe Sensa-trac) and boot but keeping the original springs and strut mount. Of course with my setup, I wanted a balance between comfort and control. Driving a 1000 miles every two months can be a burden on your butt when traveling from Texas to Louisiana.