Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

Howdy brother CL'ers!

I've been wearing the "search" button out on this forum for the last week, I've done my research, and now it's time to heat up the credit card. I've decided on the following for my '92 ES300 with 170k on the odometer (the current suspension is very tired):

• KYB GR-2 struts
• Tein S-Tech springs
• Toyota Solara strut tower brace
• TRD Rear Sway Bar

I also understand that I might as well replace the related strut mounts, etc. That's where things have not been as clear with the posts I've found. I'm looking for some advice from those who've been there or who just know - what is the list of related parts so that I can order those at the same time?

• Strut mounts (2)
• Sway bar end links (2)
• _________?
• _________?

Are there particular vendors with whom CL members may enjoy a substantial discount?
Depending on how much of a bite this round takes out of the wallet, the wheels and rims may also follow.

iDrive

Sorri, but I have no idea about that kinda thing. I was curious though, would those same springs fit on a '96? If so, how low does it drp it and could I possible get a link?/

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

Awww. C'mon.

No love? No one knows?
Or no one's done this?

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

No one's really jumped in here, so I'll provide you with data as I get it. This should help us 2nd gen guys since there seems to be even less out there for us.

This morning I spoke with the guy (JPI here in Dallas) that's installing my suspension parts. He recommended picking up STOCK strut mounts and dust boots. I ordered those from Luis at Carson Toyota; that guy is super helpful, super nice and the CL discount is awesome. I'm hoping I can order even more of my new suspension from them.

One problem already. There's no TRD rear sway bar listed for the 92-96 ES or Camry. The only Solara RSB listed would only match up with 3rd gen and newer ESs. :-(

Are there ANY 2nd generation guys on here with RSBs? If so, could you share what you got, part numbers, vendor, etc. with the rest of us?

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

I finally found this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by flipside909

Sways, for the MCV10 chassis 94-96, you only have one choice, Whiteline.

MCV20 97-01, you can use the TRD Rear Sway for the Camry/Solara or Whiteline. I wouldn't recommend the front sway for the ES simply because it's a front heavy FWD car. You will only make the understeer worse with a front sway bar. Just stick with a rear sway.

Tower bars, the TRD Strut Tower Bar designed for the Solara will work on any MCV20 chassis vehicle i.e. Camry & ES300. That's your only choice for name brand. Keep in mind, with any front strut bar added to the engine bay, you have to cut into/modify the hood insulation in order for it not to rub on the bar when it's shut.

So it appears that I'll be placing an order with Global Performance Parts for the RSB. Looks like they're ~$170.

Next item up for the goose chase: Springs. I have to decide between Tanabe and Tein. What's available for my year/model may make the decision for me. If you've been there with a 92-96, please feel free to chime in.

TruPlaya26

iTrader: (4)

I think this might be what your looking for, check these out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-SWA...88869629QQrdZ1

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...userid=arm_can

http://www.partsandaccessories.com/a...ped_brand=true

http://pa.partsandaccessories.com/pa...20Link&dp=true ,

you might have to search around on the pages, hope this helps.

iDrive

Wow, thnxz for the update, very helpful. I was curious though, where'd you find Tein S-Tech springs for your car? 92 is same model as 96 I believe. Did you have to look under Camry?/

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

Update:
- Scratch Tein - no application for 2nd gen ESs or compatible Camry
- Scratch Tanabe - no application for 2nd gen ESs or compatible Camry
- Scratch Solara strut brace - there are fitment issues
- Scratch Megan Racing, Cusco, HKS, Hotchkis, Eibach, Tokico (non-sealed available), and just about every #*&$ other vendor. It's official - the ES3- is a step-child.

Options:

• Modify Tein/Tanabe application for Honda Civic to fit the ES (extra $$$$ probably?)
• Whiteline has an application for compatible Camry
• Whiteline has an adjustable strut tower brace
• Intrax has an application for compatible Camry
  • Make: Toyota Camry (V-6) Model Year: 92-96 Part Number: 75.1.004 Type: SLS Chassis: V10 Front: 1.6" Rear: 1.5" Lbs: 32 List Price: $309
• H&R has an application for the 2nd gen ES300 (92-96)
  • H&R OE Sport Spring - Toyota Camry all 1992-1996 - 54682-55_1063 - $230.30
  • H&R Sport Spring - Toyota Camry 6CYL 1992-1996 - 54682-2_1065 - $230.30

Summary:

• KYB GR-2 struts:
  • 334170 Right Hand front ~$85
  • 235708 / 334133 Right Hand rear ~$75
    
    *When 235708 stock is depleted use 334133
  • 334171 Left Hand front ~$85
  • 235709 / 334134 Left Hand rear ~$75 *When 235709 stock is depleted use 334134
• Whiteline rear sway bar
  • BTR36 REAR HEAVY-DUTY SWAY BAR - 18MM $141.75
• Whiteline springs:
  • 70393A Whiteline Control Lowering Springs - Front Pair $148.69
  • 78600A Whiteline Control Lowering Springs - Rear Pair $148.69
• Whiteline adjustable strut tower brace
  • KSB566 Strut Tower Brace - Adjustable $179.82
• Toyota
  • Strut mounts $160
  • Dust boots $30

LABOR TOTAL $350
GRAND TOTAL ~$ 1478.95

So, unless some of you gurus and/or 2nd generation chaps can chime in here with anything you've done or options you know about - it looks like I'll have a white ES with a suspension brought to me by Whiteline.

Help?

iDrive

i havent heard much of Whiteline, but i see that Eibach provides springs for 2nd gen ES as well.

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

Quote:

Originally Posted by iDrive

i havent heard much of Whiteline, but i see that Eibach provides springs for 2nd gen ES as well.

Eibach doesn't list any application for the 2nd gen ES that I could find, but I was able to find a kit for the compatible 1992/V10 Camry.

8226.140 - Listed as 1" drop on the front and rear.

That's a pretty conservative drop. Hmmm...

LAMF

Whiteline adjustable strut tower brace
KSB566 Strut Tower Brace - Adjustable $179.82

Don't waste your money on that ****. i got the exact same one without the Whiteline sticker on it for 15 bucks total on Ebay.

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

I'm going to start another thread that lists the available suspension components for 2nd generation ES300s as a reference for the 2nd gen owners.

It should be helpful for folks, so the mods can sticky or not sticky it at their choosing.

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

Here's the update:

Whiteline
Vendor: Raptor Racing (group buy pricing on TN)
78600A Sedan 25-40mm Rear Lowering Springs $113.88
70393A Control Lowering Springs - Front Pair $113.88
BTR36 Rear Heavy Duty Sway Bar - 18MM $112.00
KSB566 Strut Tower Brace - Adjustable $142.20
Subtotal $481.96

KYB
Vendor: PerformanceCenter.com
334131 KYB Front Right GR-2 Twin-Tube $68.28
334132 KYB Front Left GR-2 Twin-Tube $68.28
334133 KYB Rear Right GR-2 Twin-Tube $57.02
334134 KYB Rear Left GR-2 Twin-Tube $57.02
Subtotal $250.60

Suspension Subtotal $732.56

Non-suspension related, but cool:
Vendor: Autocarparts.com
AXX WheelSkins - Perforated Eurotone 2 Color Steering; Top/Bottom Color Oak, Sides Color Sand $48.63

I'm excited now. A newly rennovated, tighter and lowered suspension plus my steering wheel will look a little newer.

Now the hard part. Waiting on everything to be delivered so I can set my install date at JPI and get going.

I'm also a little disillusioned that I won't be getting the wheels/tires at the same time. This wasn't cheap, so I'll need to recover for a short while until I can purchase some wheels. But then I'm having a hard time getting a name/model on the wheels I want, so I guess that'll take a while anyway.

FwC

Change you're strut mount. If you're having so much trouble looking for a good spring... I say you do what I did and convert to full system coilovers, I have k-sports and I love them... U titled it a suspension renovation, this will be more like a suspension MAKEOVER. Get that rear sway bar and the bushings... Upgrade to some nice MOOG sway bar Endlinks. If you lower your car a lot, you will definitely blow out your cv-boot Can't help it, they're old and they aren't made for a lowered susp. Any strut bar you get for this car is probably not going to make a big difference in handling because they only make the adjustable ones not the direct fit (search EBAY, $9.99 Plus S&H). For the most part... Anything having to do with chassis and susp with our car is the same base for the Camry V6. I don't know what else I can tell you, maybe some other members might argue with my opinions.

maniax

iTrader: (3)

i was very close to getting ksports too actually. What i hear is that their performance is amazing for the price, but after a year or so the struts blow out and are very expensive to replace. I believe the warranty is only for one year.

I've heard quite a few stories about this so i think while they may be great handling coilovers, the value really isnt that great considering the lifespan of the struts.