Zacharias

Please pardon the noob question, but I have a 1996 Gen2.2 ES and am having issues with sourcing aftermarket parts for the rear suspension when I call the local supplier and use the ES model info.


Wondering if the following parts are a direct interchange to Camry (and if so, will it also be Camry model year 1996?):
- stabilizer bar bushings
- stabilizer bar links
- upper strut mounts


Want to try calling and saying Camry, in case that works better. This shop is usually responsive but they say everything is showing not available....
I am seeing interchange info on eBay listings, but I don't trust things I learn on eBay LOL.


Thanks

Zacharias

Actually this turns out to be a moot point. After thinking about it a bit more, I called back the same parts counter and spoke to someone else.


Everything can be had.


I guess the first guy I spoke to was having a bad day (and I just found out he's the co-owner of the business, go figure that).

Oro

In the future, you can use a source like toyotapartsnow.com (there are several like this). They have exploded diagrams and you can get the actual p/n's and then compare to the lexus ones (also there are online schematics).

Then you can verify yourself and not be hostage to someone else's whims or lack of knowledge.

Zacharias

Thanks for that info.


As an aside, let me give a big shout out to how clear the Toyota/Lexus materials are, both the parts stuff and the repair manual info.


I come from the world of a major European marque and their stuff can be a bit, err, less user friendly....

Oro

I totally agree. And not just the docs, but the overall friendliness to repair vs. ease of original assembly.

I went from US marques c. 1987 to German. The difference in thoughtful engineering and was shocking. Then about 10 years ago I found the German quality to really be no different from US; the honeymoon with better design, but mediocre execution, had finally hit me.

I'm all about quality Japanese design in automotives now. I still do have one early 90s Audi, but only because it's rare, fun, and reasonably good looking. But it is a bear to keep running right, even despite moderate miles and one complete head rebuild. And it is a total B*T*% to work on - nothing is intelligently laid out or accessible. I flirt with the thought of selling it and getting an LS430 instead. Probably just get the LS at some point but keep the 5-speed V8 Quattro. But I still feel the Japanese engineering is very superior; they just never built a car to do exactly what this can, unfortunately.

Zacharias

Interesting. I just watched Speedkar's YT video on changing the V6 timing belt. In a couple of spots he mentions stuff is hard to get at... and I was kind of amused, based on my last gasser car (a Dodge Magnum).


Just hope I don't have to change the rear valve cover anytime soon, tho