maniax

iTrader: (3)

So i've decided to keep my car.

I'm looking to replace some of suspension parts to make it ride better. It's not bad but it feels loose everytime i hit a bump and there's lil noises here and there. It just doesn't feel as tight as it should.

First, I'm looking to replace the front and rear sway bar links as others have suggested since it's relatively cheap.

Then, I'm looking to replace the front and rear struts and also front and rear strut mounts.

I've found gabriel replacement strut cartridges and mounts on ebay for very cheap so I think I will go that route.

Based on your experiences, did you have to replace the strut mount bearings at the same time?

Is there anything I need besides these items to restore the factory ride feel?

Oh and I've recently replaced all the bushings with polyurethane ones under the car a few months ago. So i should be fine in terms of bushings.

TIA for your input

Yaj95ES300

I would also like to get mines back to Lexus standards in ride quality. I know shes 12 years old but the roll in the car is terrible, and the steering wheel shakes when at hwy speeds. New front rotors, tires, axles, and brakes
I just got the KYBs in and gabriel mounts (AutoZone), just waiting for the H&Rs. I'll let you know how that works out.
Oh yea, good move on keeping ur car!!

Sash

I kept the original mounts on my 97' when I put in my KYB struts and everything has been working fine so far.

maniax

iTrader: (3)

it's hard to explain but my car feels like it's riding on stiff struts but at the same time i don't have the cornering capability of a stiff strut.

Also I have noises when i go over bumps and potholes, i'm hoping the sway bar links and strut mounts would fix that.

As for the shaking steering wheel at highway speeds, I have a bit of vibration but it doesn't really bother me.

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

Awesome decision. You were just getting a good run on it and I was/am looking forward to seeing where you take it.
Mine was the same way just prior to the suspension overhaul.
Daizen and Whiteline are our main choices for the bushings. The Whiteline rear sway bar is a WONDERFUL upgrade for the stock rear sway bar. I highly recommend it.
Good choice. Are you looking to a)improve handling and performance, or b)are you merely looking to replace what you have as cheaply as possible?
This is definitely a cheaper route. That might answer my question immediately above.
Go ahead and replace the strut mounts at the same time. You'll save money on labor if you're having it done, or you'll save time on labor if you're doing it yourself. Plus, they seem to be the weakpoint on our suspension as they seem to easily degrade and begin making pops and creaks. I got the OEM Toyota ones from Luis at Carson for $160.
You'll likely need to replace the dust boots. They're inexpensive though. I also got the OEM Toyota ones from Luis at Carson for $30. These do serve a purpose so you might as well get 'em done.
You're already ahead of the game with the bushings then.

dallison

just replaced all 4 struts and strut mounts. it cost $500 from www.ajusa.com

the parts were perfect and made a difference. the old struts had almost no rebound at all