TRD Springs w/ SE Struts

[Willy7o2]

Ok, I've had my TRD Springs sitting around for a while. I never installed them because I've read all these problems w/ stock SLE struts w/ the springs. I haven't found anyone selling their SE Sports struts on ebay or nuttin. My gf has a Camry SE Sport... can I jack those struts? Is it the same as the Solara SE Sport Struts?

[Willy7o2]

There are no problems with your struts.... June rolls them and her Gen 2 rides cool..

I've read posts about bouncing problem and stuff...

[slingshot]

yep, one guy here with an SLE was bouncing alot on the highway. We need more postings of similar installs.

[LunarMistGray]

I had my SLE V6 installed with the TRD springs and Rear Sway Bar. I do not have that bouncing effect. Now, from my experience driving with a lowered ride height I can't go full speed over big humps and valleys in the road like a did before the install. I live in DC and the roads are not the smoothest so I take it easy driving when i encounter a rough road. Driving on the highway or a smooth road I have no problems whatsoever. It rides as smooth as a baby's butt.

Also, I sent TRD a note asking this specific question and they said struts are not needed. Here is there response:

"Thank you for your interest in TRD. Yes, a stock Solara can support the TRD lowering springs. No, TRD doesn't offer performance struts at this time."

Now if you know how to drive and you know the limitations of your car then you probably will not need struts, but if you don't, then struts are probably needed.


Just realize that if you go with the lowering that ride quality will suffer a tad, but it was worth it for me.

I had mine installed by the dealer and though they robb you blind with the price, it was worth the peace of mind knowing that if something went wrong I could take back to them to fix.

[slingshot]

LunarMist,
Thanks for the info. Just how much did the dealer charge anyway?

[LunarMistGray]

The cost was as follows according to my ticket:
$427.04 for installing 2 ball bearings(90903-63002) and the TRD coil springs.
$135.00 for performing a 4 wheel alignment.

[slingshot]

The cost was as follows according to my ticket:
$427.04 for installing 2 ball bearings(90903-63002) and the TRD coil springs.
$135.00 for performing a 4 wheel alignment.

That's quite a bit of pocket change!

[LunarMistGray]

I know, BUT by the dealer installing, if anyting goes wrong, I don't have to pay. If I went to any other place and they messed up and couldn't correct it them i'm screwed because in the end I would end up paying twice. I may have gotten raped, but the mechanic who did mine knew what he was doing.

I'm curious for those who had there installs done by a non-dealer, how long did it take to do the install?

[PXLpainter]

I see there hasn't been any activity in this thread for over 6 months (I did a searcha nd found it) - I'm seriously looking into ONLY a spring change at this point, and this was the most promising thread that it can actually be done on an SLE.

Maybe the Convertible is a bit heavier and that causes more "bounce-for-the-ounce"??

Anyway - I can squeeze out a few hundred to get the springs (any way this can be a DIY??) but I can't go $1500+ for new struts and install just yet... going to run my stock tires down before taking the plunge into new rims, etc...

Any first-hand insight greatly appreciated!

JF

[Gorcman]

i, too, am interested in this case. The only case of the "bouncing effect" from which ive heard is from mikei. Is there anyone else with the SLE struts and TRD springs who can share with us their experience?

[PXLpainter]

Anyone have a ballpark for dealer install of TRD springs (If I was to bring my own springs)?

Yeah - I know I can probably just call the dealer, but I'm out of town all week)

Thanks - Jeff

[stockae92]

so i need get alignment done after the TRD spring installation?

[LunarMistGray]

Anyone have a ballpark for dealer install of TRD springs (If I was to bring my own springs)?

Yeah - I know I can probably just call the dealer, but I'm out of town all week)

Thanks - Jeff

Jeff,
Scroll up earlier and you will see what I paid. But beware because the dealer will charge a arm and a leg. As one poster said I got "raped" by the dealer, but it's year later and my car still rides smooth for me and the work is guranteed.