Which Strut to use????

[mtnbiker3000]

On my 04 corolla, pretty sure I need to replace at least the fronts. Should I just do all 4?? Does 67K seem right for strut life? What is the best brand to use?? I'm also thinking of replacing the stock springs with Tien S. Really looking for a solid and stable ride, especially on the highway. I don't really slam turns anymore, so ride is most important!!!

[kyle@tirerack]

I'd recommend replacing all four at once to keep things in balance. If looking for oe replacements I'd consider the KYB GR2. If you are going to drop the car you should upgrade to a Koni Sport or Bilstein Sport. The upgrades will hold up well and last longer in the lowered setup. Following link will show what we have for your car with info: Suspension Let me know if I can help.

[mtnbiker3000]

Thanks for the input. I think I'm going to forget about the springs, cuz the Hi-Po struts just cost toooo much... I think some stock replacement KYB's will do fine for now...

['_']

I have KYB GR-2's and they're a little stiffer than the stock ones. I drive a camry but that should give you an idea.

[mtnbiker3000]

The GR 2 is the stock replacement, no? Anyway, that's the ones I'm thinking of. Is there a spring option out there that can be used with the GR 2's. Something that only drops a small amount, maybe <1", but is maybe a little stiffer and offers a little more performance? The Teins and Eibachs are too aggressive...

['_']

My Eibach springs gave me roughly a 1.2" drop all around. You'll barely notice the drop and the ride is more firm but not too stiff. I've heard Tein's are a little harsh and other springs like H&R give you a greater drop. So Eibachs should be good for your purposes in terms of performance, ride comfort, and drop.

[mtnbiker3000]

'_' - Are you using the Eibach springs with the KYB GR-2's. I was under the impression that the GR-2's were more for stock springs and that any spring with a drop of 1" + needed the use of a KONI or Bilstein or other Hi-Po and Hi-$$$ strut / shock...

['_']

Yeah that's my setup, Eibachs with KYB's. There are other camry members with the same setup but Tokico's and TRD struts are other options. If you want a stiffer ride, go with the Tokico's or TRD's. If you want a softer ride, then KYB's should be fine.

[mtnbiker3000]

I'm learning more about this as I go, so bear with me. So..., correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you need a specifically designed strut with a shorter travel (KONI, Bilstein, etc) to work properly with a lowering spring?? And, the KYB GR-2 is matched to the stock travel, so not so good with lowering springs??

Also, it seems like one would need to replace the strut mounts at the same time as the struts. True? Or not so important? Anything else need to be replaced at strut / spring change?

Thanks...

['_']

From what I heard, it's in your best interest to swap out your OEM struts with aftermarket ones if you were to change your springs, so you're correct in that sense. Your struts would last longer if you did. I was under the impression that KYB's are aftermarket struts as well but give you a close to stock feel? If you still want to change the struts too, I'd recommend getting Tokico's or TRD struts. The KYB's are too soft for my liking so I was thinking about getting some Tokico's in the future. As for strut mounts, I'm not too sure if I replaced those. I got a set of 4 KYB GR-2's off eBay and had them installed with my Eibach springs at a local shop.

What car do you drive? If you want some ride comfort, and better handling, I'd suggest my setup (Eibach Pro-kit and KYB GR-2 struts.)

[mtnbiker3000]

So, I ordered my parts today. Will post again once installed...

Tokico HP - Blues
Eibach Springs

I anticipate great things!!!

['_']

You should be happy with the setup. I was planning on swapping mine out too.

[Gellenole]

if tokico made struts for the gen 5 camry's i'd be on them. I hope they come out with something like that soon.