HamBurglar

Hello All,

I've been researching and reading the suspension threads on this forum for some time now.
After deciding to keep my ES and seeing inspiring pics from forum members cars I've decided to lower my vehicle.
I'm currently waiting on some struts I purchased from another member on this forum and have been looking for some springs.
I have 1994 ES300 with larger rims.
From what I understand, no other generation (3rd Gen) springs will fit on a 2nd Gen.
3rd Gen Toyota Camry (similar and shares parts with our ES?) springs will though.
Now I ran across an old thread on Toyota Nation that has me a little confused now, hopefully you guys can clear this up for me.

"hi everyone, i havent been on tn for awhile. i have a question. does anyone know if a 2003 camry eibach lowering springs will fit the gen 3? or any other year camry lowering springs will fit a gen 3? thanks"

"92-01 should be interchangeable for springs
also 99-01 Solaras
and... i think 92-01 ES300s
all have the same chassis. Avalons match the v6 too in the mid 90s."

"according to a toyotat tech who is also a member here, they do...but NO later then 02. however, i have no proof of this, just his word."

I also found some springs (Tanabe NF series) from eAutoworks (very kind and responded very quickly, excellent customer service, he even suggested I reference this site for information) for 97 ES.
I emailed to check compatibility or similar option and got:

"Thanks for your email. They will fit you 1994. I checked the suspension and they are the same.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thanks!"

I also emailed Tanabe directly and got:

"Currently, the springs we have only work for the 1997 and up ES300, also known as the MCV20 chassis. As such, our springs will probably not fit on your car, with its VCV10 chassis."

Well after all this new info, I'm a little confused now.
If anyone could please clarify this it would be MUCH appreciated.
Thanks!

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

Ok, all that is too long for me to read, so I'll just post what I know.

92-96 Camry, 92-96 ES, and 95-96 Avalon use the same springs.

97-03 Camry, 99-03 Solara use the same springs

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I don't believe 2nd gen and 3rd gen are compatible.
theres a excellent post by slooooow that has lots of the suspension info and parts #

HamBurglar

Thanks guys that pretty much what I got after doing alot of research on this forum.
After reading that post from Toyota Nation is just threw me off a little.
Thanks again for your help in clarifying this for me.

charley240

iTrader: (6)

92-01 can use the same springs. the spring rates may differ, but physically identical to each other. same with struts, theyre identical in form, but as far as function, they may differ ever so slightly.
goodluck
Charley

HamBurglar

Really??? I'm waiting on some aftermarket struts for a 92-96 ES that I purchased from another member on this forum right now, if I used aftermarket lowering springs from a 97-01 ES it will be a direct fit with no modifications?
If so that would be awesome.
I really wanted to use the Tanabe springs that have a "raked" drop effect, rather than having an even drop (pretty much only option for 92-96 ES) due to some issues I have on the rear end.
When you say they differ slightly in function, do you think the drop height might change (1.0 drop might be lower or higher?)?
So interchanging spring and strut combinations between 2nd gen and 3rd gen shouldn't be a problem right?
With your experience with ES's do you think it would increase or decrease the spring rate as well?

Thanks again for info Charley.

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

The struts/mounts are NOT the same. The Front Gen 3 Camry struts do not have the tab welded on for the sway bar link liek the Gen 4 does. So you can not use the Gen 3 front struts on a Gen 4.

Also, the the moutns are different. The Gen 3 front mounts I think are too big for the Gen 4 Camry

HamBurglar

Do you think I could use 97-01 springs on 92-96 struts?
Direct fit without modifications?
Thanks.

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

I do not know. But remmeber, it;s a different car. So just because it gives one car a drop you like, doesn't mean it will give yours the same drop.

Case and point. The 97-01 Camry, and 99-03 Solara (Same cars). The front TRD springs for both are the same, the rear TRD springs are different. The rear's for hte Solara lower more then the Camry ones.

HamBurglar

Thanks that helped.