Worn out suspension on 1998 Avalon suggestions?

[michaelcmatsos]

I have a 1998 Toyota Avalon XL that bottoms out easily with 3 to 4 people in the vehicle. I was throwing around putting replacement struts and springs on the vehicle or even going aftermarket and lowering the vehicle maybe an inch.

Has anyone replaced their suspension? Should I keep it stock height? What brands do you recommend and how much is this job going to cost?

Thank you for your help,

[BMR]

I'd keep it's ride height stock, but that's a personal preference.

KYB is the OEM supplier to Toyota for the struts, so if you want to have the stock ride characteristics, go with those.

Cost? 4 bare struts will run about $350, shipped. But that doesn't include any of the other parts involved; the upper mounts, the upper & lower spring isolators, and the bumper (to cushion the "bottoming"). It's impossible to know if those need replacing until everything's apart.

Another option is what's called "quick struts", which include everything, including the springs. If replacing everything, they're actually cheaper. Not all manufacturers offer them, so it can limit your choices.

If you're not DIY'ing it, expect labor cost to run ~$400 or so. And it'll need an alignment to finish the job properly.

[Jack Deth]

mine was bottoming out in the rear. i put new struts all around, but was unimpressed with the results. so then i put moog "cargo coil" springs on just the rear, that made all the difference in the world.

[michaelcmatsos]

Originally Posted by Jack Deth

mine was bottoming out in the rear. i put new struts all around, but was unimpressed with the results. so then i put moog "cargo coil" springs on just the rear, that made all the difference in the world.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MOG-CC277/

So you are recommending to buy some struts and get these springs for the rear? What do you recommend for the front springs?

What did you buy for the struts?

I hear that these 1st generation Avalons did not have good suspension brand new.

[Jack Deth]

if i was to do it again under the same circumstances, i would start with rear springs and struts, see what happens.
i think the moog p/n you have is wrong, should be CC273 - but double check. rockauto.com has them for $78/pair.
I used monroe sensa-track struts, they seem to be good quality, but a little stiffer than i expected. also from rock, monroe or kyb, $61 each.
check the shock boots before you start, i replaced mine, but reused the mounts.
i kept the original springs in the front, they were ok.
theoretically, the springs should last almost forever, save for rust, if properly engineered. i suspect that they were under designed and over stressed.
if your ride improves to your satisfaction, you can leave the front struts and springs alone until they become a problem. unless, of course, you've got the cash and want to mess with it.