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Gen 3 suspension questions


septicdeath
04-04-2008, 04:08 PM
Guy's I'm all over the place on this, It all started with me trying to just get everything ready to go, so I dont re-use any of the old parts.

1st, I found out that the existing struts were sealed and not serviceable (must have been changed), so I hunted down the correct sealed Tokico Strut.

I got my two pairs of Tokico Struts (hb3179/hb3180/hb3181/hb3182) for my 1993 Toyota V6 Camry Wagon.

I then got myself a full set of Vogtland v6 (1.4" drop) springs for the struts (vogtland has 2 models, the v10 (92-96 camry) and the V2 (97-06 camry).

The next step was to obtain the top mounts. Everyone told me that even the sealed struts OEM would NOT use the 3 piece strut mount (spring upper seat, bearing, suspension support) and then others told me I should get the strut mounts with the bearings.

I didn't order the Upper/Lower Insulator, so I finally ordered these for all 4 struts, and I have still not located a service manual that shows the 3 piece top strut mount (until I found a exploded view in a Gen 4 97' FSM).

To confuse maters worse, the internet dealer that I obtained 2 of the 3 pieces for the 3 piece top strut told me that their is no difference in the front top strut mount (you use the bearing or you don't, he was saying their is no non difference between the non bearing top mount and the bearing top mount was the claim). This cant be true, the non bearing top mount must also have the upper spring seat welded or fastened to the suspension support (the exploded view shows this as one solid top mount) right?

Is this true? Right now, I have the top suspension supports and the bearings, but the springs don't seat right because this setup HAS to have a spring upper seat, I know that since I have all the parts, that getting the upper seat and adding it to what I have would give me a better strut (one that has a bearing to allow for the turning of the front wheels. I'm at a lose because I've gone and gotten it all custom now, and the original car came with serviceable struts with bearings at the lower pring seat, but with sealed tokico's, the bearing has been moved to the top I guess.

I guess what I am really asking, is should I scrap the 3 piece top mounts and try to find the 1 piece top mounts, as the 3 piece mounts dont come into play until the 97- gen 4? even though it looks like it will all fit (with more in depth review, the tokico struts that I have, actually are really spec'd for a 97- camry or 99' solara). I hope someone will be able to chime in.

for the rears I ordered KYB upper suspension supports (no turning so no need for bearings) so that has been a little easier, just waiting for the rear upper insulator as it provides a rubber seating for the top of the spring where it meets the metal of the top mount.

Anways, a little confused, any assistance will be appreciated. When I get the car home next week, I guess I can always hope I can re-use what was on the car, but its all at least 40,000 miles, and why re-use this crap with all the money I spent to replace all of the strut assembly....

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