rtklein

My 1992 ES300 has a real sag in the rear. The tops of the back tires are about level with the edge of the wheel-well. Every time I go over a big bump it feels like the suspension bottoms out and it has quite a bit of suspension travel. It's even worse with three people in the back seat and all their stuff in the trunk with a full tank of gas.
Also, there is a rattling noise that is almost constantly there, especially noticeable when going over bumps or rough spots.
Do I need to get new struts? I've been told that I should be able to get replacement cartridges fro these struts. Or do I need new coil springs? I've been looking around on here but everyone seems to have a different answer, and I can't find any postings or pictures of actual results.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

dmight

sounds like the struts are completely worn out. Not only the strut cartridge, but the springs and mounts also. It would be cheaper to replace with a complete unit that has new strut cartridge, spring and upper mount. After market, probably about $150 - $155 per corner. If you replace just the cartridge, the sag will probably come right back, and the rattles will still be there. I'm guessing the dealer would charge about double. Remember, any time you do work on the suspension, have the vehicle realigned. Don't put this off very much longer, it only gets worse.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Monroe quick struts, new end links, new sway bar bushings fixed this for me.

EEngineer

your struts are blown, you are sitting on only springs...

and the rattle is probably from your strut mounts.

get new strut and springs. do not use any old suspension parts. replace everything. good luck!