Need help and advise about lowering my car

[Solorange]

This spring I plan on putting some tokico struts and some intrax springs on my car. I debating whether or not I should do this myself. I have never done this before, but would like to get some experience from this. Has any of you done this on your own before? Also is there some instruction manuals that are very descriptive for installing springs and struts? You help and input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot ~ Chris

[dna59]

I'm sure it's no big task. You could go to autozone.com and go to their repair section on their website if you need to see how to take of struts and springs. You could save yourself alot of money by doing it yourself. But yeah there are alot of people on here that have done it so I'm sure help is not a prob.

[CDub LXi]

I just installed my Teins on my '01 Camry Sunday. I am going to post a little half-ass how-to on it.. just give me time. I bought a new computer and I'm in the process of transferring all my stuff over to it.

BTW, it's easy

[amerikim]

Real rough estimate is $200 labor for struts and springs. Do the sway bar at the same time.

OR

First thing is go buy a $15 manual then budget accordingly for tools and time planning.

[Toysrme]

mmmm it's a DIY project. Do yourself a favor and buy a repair manual. Also a good time to get any specialty tools you need for the job.


Hey! While you got the car up with the wheel off, it's a perfect time for lower engine/driveline checkup/maintinance! Great time to change the belts, check the engine for leaking (lower & rear), CV joints/boots, and anything else yuo can get to.

[CDub LXi]

On my '01 you need:

Front and rear sway bars
14mm wrench
5mm allen wrench

Front and rear brake lines
12mm wrench (preferably socket wrench)

Top mounts (under hood)
14mm wrench (preferably socket wrench)

Top mounts (rear deck)
12mm wrench

Lower bolts for front
22mm socket (preferably 1/2" drive with heavy duty wrench)
22mm closed ended wrench

Lower bolts for rear
19mm socket (same as front with drive)
19mm closed ended wrench

Top hat bolt (once springs are compressed)
I used a 3/4" socket on an impact wrench. I didn't have the metric equivalent so... 3/4" worked for me.

I'm under the understanding that the Solara suspension is the same as the gen 4 and gen 4.5 camry so... hope this helps.

I had most of the tools so the only thing I needed to buy was the 22mm wrenches and 19mm wrenches. I also had to rent the spring compressors from autozone (you get it all back when you return them).

Total install price after returning spring compressors
rougly $25 since I had the tools except for said wrenches.

[97camryman]

I have installed Tein s-tech Solara springs on my 97 Camry with Tokico struts. It was very simple really just time consuming. Buy a haynes repair manual or read up. Baically you remove a wheel while car is jacked up and use a breaker bar on the two biggest bolts at the bottom that tie the strut to the axle carrier. Then use a 5mm allen and box end wrench to unbolt the sway bar end link. Just leave it hanging. Then you disconnect the ABS connectors and unbolt the brake line bracket from the strut. Then you support the axle carrier hub assembly with a jack and use a hammer and punch to knock the lower bolts out. Finally remove the top nuts and carefully guide strut spring asembly out. Then you use a spring compressor to remove the spring tension. Then take off the top nut and get the insulators and strut mount assembly. Reverse steps to reinstall the strut and spring. The full procedure is outlined in the haynes repair manual. Its basic hand tools and about 6 hours.

[95camguy]

diy

[Solorange]

Yeah tools instant really the issue. The only tool I dont have is an impact wrench but this will just be a reason for me to get one. I am just more worried about making sure I do the install properly. I would say im pretty mechanically incline considering I did a bunch of stuff to my camaro. I was told that the spring compressors are hard to use and you have to be extremely careful with them. Just to make sure the spring doesnt pop out and do something like cut your head off. Did you have a hard time with the spring compressors. Does autozone give you instructions for the spring compressor? Also what manual would you recommend buying. I dont like the haynes manuals. They are too brief. Also how long did it take you to do the install and was it your first time?

[CDub LXi]

they're easy to use. self expainatory.

[95camguy]

dont bother getting an impact wrench, just use a super long cheater bar.

sometimes autozone's spring compressor is referred to as "suicide sticks" and while i think there are better spring compressors its hard to argue with a free rental.

oh and make sure they loan u the right compressor, last time they tried to give me the type that goes inside of the spring(strutless type)

[Solorange]

Thanks! Did you guys need a camber kit?

[CDub LXi]

Here are the compressors you should get from autozone:

[97camryman]

Yup those are the compressors I used as well. You won't need a camber kit either. They can adjust to bring it all back within specs when you get an alignment. Make sure you soak the lower two strut bolts in penetrating oil every day for a week before you take them off to install new suspension and they will come off smooth as butter. Not necessary but a big help.

[CDub LXi]

What's a good price for a 4 wheel alignment? I'm getting my 18s Friday and want to get an alignment Sat so I don't wear the new tires out.