[Lumberg]

Hey guys, it's time for me to put some new struts on all four corners in my 2000 V6. I just got the spring compressors, and I am getting ready to order the parts, but then I thought there might be other stuff I should get and install while I am at it.

I am not going to lower the thing, just sticking with the stock springs.

I'm more interested in simple (read: inexpensive) upgrades, like upgrading to poly bushings on some stuff. After diligently searching I don't find any conclusive info. Of course if there are other wear items that should be replaced when replacing struts, I need to know that as well.

I am interested in stuff that doesn't require specialized equipment. For example, I know there are polyurethane control arm bushings available, but the last time I did those (on a 1978 Impala), I had to bring the control arms to a guy who had a special press and pay him $100 to switch the old with the new. If by some chance the procedure is easier with a Camry, please advise.

I already have a TRD RSB on the back, and I know the Gen4s have a beefy FSB so I don't need to upgrade that. But perhaps poly end link bushings for the FSB?

The only other related upgrade of which I am aware is a strut tower brace in the front, but I have heard that it doesn't really do much on Gen4s.

In case it helps I am planning on going with KYBs for the struts.

I dunno. Guide me, oh wise ones!

/me throws a significant look at raptorracing

TIY

 

[RudyT]

hope your strut mounts are good. from what i hear these things are notorious for them going bad. mine are even bad. sounds like the wheels gonna fall off when u hit a bump. soon to be remedied with some new struts and mounts. poly bushings that can be found and some other suspension goodies. sad thing is the kyb mounts cost almost as much as the kyb struts. check fleabay
o/

 

[Lumberg]

strut mounts? at the top?

 

[RudyT]

yup

 

[Lumberg]

OK, I see now. I've checked a few online catalogs. The metal "cap" that is at the top of the assembly. I see there is rubber in there. It looks like something along the lines of sway bar bushings.

I am 99% sure the mounts are fine, the car is just starting to fail the one-bounce test. It's not making any noises or anything.

I have done lots of research and it looks like the only thing really worth upgrading is the FSB-to-frame bushings. Looks like I can pick up a set of Energy Suspension for like $20 at my local auto parts store. Looks like pro line (that Aussie company for whom toyhead is a US reseller) also makes em.

Looks like one end link boot on each side is ruptured. I can't find any performance upgrades for that part, so I'll keep looking.

Also, the control arm is totally separate and there isn't much in common with the strut replacement other than removing the front wheel, so that's good.

Any way of telling if I have a 18 or 19mm FSB without measuring?

 

[Lumberg]

anyone....anyone?

Bueller. Bueller. Bueller.

 

[eurohazard]

I'll tell you this from experience.................go ahead and pony up the dough to buy /change the strut mounts.

I put new struts in my Camry, just because the handling was sloppy. I go to change the struts, and the mounts looked OK. On my first spin around the block after the installation, I get the dreaded front suspension thumping. I KNOW it's my strut mounts, I've just been too lazy to change them out. Everything else is tight/secure.

 

[Lumberg]

I'll tell you this from experience.................go ahead and pony up the dough to buy /change the strut mounts.

I put new struts in my Camry, just because the handling was sloppy. I go to change the struts, and the mounts looked OK. On my first spin around the block after the installation, I get the dreaded front suspension thumping. I KNOW it's my strut mounts, I've just been too lazy to change them out. Everything else is tight/secure.

Ah so they can go bad from the change. Thanks.

 

[dokushoka]

I'll tell you this from experience.................go ahead and pony up the dough to buy /change the strut mounts.

I put new struts in my Camry, just because the handling was sloppy. I go to change the struts, and the mounts looked OK. On my first spin around the block after the installation, I get the dreaded front suspension thumping. I KNOW it's my strut mounts, I've just been too lazy to change them out. Everything else is tight/secure.

Could be your control arms...

 

[Lumberg]

So I am pretty much set on the FSB-to-frame bushings and shocks.

One other intriguing part is the rubber washer that goes in the lower spring seat. Sounds like you can get that in poly. Find that pretty interesting. Would it hold up as well as rubber?

 

[Hajoca]

Poly is usually firmer than rubber, and wears out slower. Poly does transmit more vibration, and may make noise if not well lubricated. Rubber - metal will squeak when it slips too, but poly is smoother, so it will slip more readily.