The OEM shocks are KYB and are recommended. If you are going away from stock, I have no idea.

 

Thank you slooper. ;]

 

KYB GR2 would be a good choice. However, since you are in the market, if you find progressive springs with matching dampers, let me know. I want to lower the avy and put in 16 or 17 inchers to make it look better

 

TOKICO blues is the best choice.

 

Look for the Camry shocks/coilovers. They are basically the same part. In my opinion, Tokicos are cheapies, but not bad. They just happen to be pretty popular since they are the only ones that actually list them for the Avalon; other companies don't bother.

 

With all due respect, I don't really agree with mmejia comment above in that 1) I saw "virtually" all choices available because usually parts will be cross-referenced even though a specific model, etc. may be googled. Search engines and company sites seem to be fairly "Artificially Intelligent."

Second point, if you are going to post something, it would be helpful to make it complete thereby giving your recommendation, not just knocking someone elses, that is if you have one. Telling someone just to do a "search" is not necessarily all that helpful.

 

You are taking this completely the wrong way. I clearly said it was my opinion that they were cheapies.

I didn't tell him to just do a search; I told him what would help his search.

If you look for Avalon, you will most like not get results from Tein coilovers or JIC Magic, which will actually fit. They are usually only listed for Camry. Most places won't list them as compatible since they are different chassis. There are also Ksport coilovers (which I have on my car) that will also fit. These would all be found under Camry...I didn't find them looking for Avalon.

I don't have an actual recommendation as I have not had more than one kind of coilover. I have heard all of the above are great, so it's just a matter of deciding what you like and what you can afford.

Avalon 1995-1999 (MCX10)
Camry V6 1992-1996 (MCV10)
Camry V6 1997-2001 (MCV20)

 

I /others took it that your opinion is that Tokico are cheapies.

However, we are taking apples (OEM) and oranges (coilovers) here, so I stand corrected. If in your opinion of "cheapies" means that they are inexpensive, then yes, most certainly compared to the "oranges" you are referring to, they are, costing 1/3 the price. Which is even more reason to clarify what someone wants/needs/is looking for.

In hindsight, I think I may have stepped into the wrong orchard from the get go...I will pay more attention next time.

 

Don'y just get the Shocks. I made the mistake by changing just shocks. Then Strut mounts. Get a Quick Strut, which include all misc items except strut mounts& bearings. Over years, all components deteriate, & changing hem together save you head ache later on, if you plan to keep the car longer. I went with Monroe Sensa-trac. Front shock bought around $85 @ pepboys 1 1/2 yrs ago. Rear was around $60.

However, get Monroe Quick Struts, which will not only give whole new components, but also save you in labor. One good place a friend of mine bought is "strutmasters.com".

 

Param

What is needed to do the front struts job? Straight forward swap out or is a strut compressor needed? Mine are wiped out to the point I can almost feel a paint stripe

 

Straight out job is to get
(1) Monroe Quick Struts( which contain Sensa-trac struts and all other Monroe parts needed as one unit)
(2) Strut Mounts (with Bearings)

To see individual components:
http://www.monroe.com/catalog/ecatalog.asp.

Camber bolt, etc.. are not (shouldn't be) required, if you stay with the standard tires & no accidents on the car. If any alignment place insist on camber bolt etc..walk away if you can, because it is an indication that either the Technician is incompetent or the place is trying to rip you off.

 

Depends on what you buy. Monroe sells some struts with springs on the (Sensa trac quick strut I think) that would be just swapping out. I recommend replacing the strut mounts while you are at it.

If you buy KYBs or Tokicos, you'll need the compressor, since they are just the strut. I believe Tokico has a coilover that goes for around $500-$650 (Part # HPK351), but that drops it a few inches and is stiffer.

Alignment might be a pain since there is no real way to adjust camber except with a little play room you get on a bolt I believe.

 

Param, is this a lowering package or OEM replacement?

Looking at the Monroe wesite provided, I don't see an all inclusive package. Is there one?

 

Quick Strut is available. It is in Monore's website. However, for illustration purposes I post that link earlier.

A gentleman who bought a set of tire/rim, told me that he got Quick Struts from "Strut Masters" in the US for $155. That was 2 yrs ago. I do not know the price. You can check other retailers too.

To further clarify what is in the Quick Strut, I am posting a Toyota Dealership link. Item #23 - #27 are in the Quick strut. You can verify that when buying from anywhere.

http://www.trademotion.com/partloca...entid=0&make=34&model=Avalon&year=1999&graphicID=8410140&callout=28&catalogid=2


Item #28 Strut mount you have to buy separate from the Quick Strut Some vendors sell just the mount without bearing, but you do need the bearing also.

Please replace mount with bearing. Avalon front is known for the rattle (sounds like a bouncing water bottle!) noise due to bad mount/bearing. I learnt the hard way. I didn't know better & try to minimize the $$ spend, but ended up paying more to change mounts.bearings later.

 

I just talked with Monroe and they said the struts and mounts are the same between the Camry and the Avalon but the springs are different. Do you really need new springs?

 

The springs shouldn't need to be replaced unless they are damaged or have compressed some. That is unless the springs that come with these cars are to weak or some other issue. Someone else correct me if i am wrong. I don't want to give out bad information.