Need advice on new coil springs/struts for 97 Toyota Avalon

[Clicker]

My wife drives a 97 Avalon with 140K on it. The car is very clean and runs great so I want to milk the most I can from it. I just shoed it with Michelins so I'm gonna get another 50K at least outta this baby.

Needless to say the ride quality is not as nice as it was when new but I think it's due to spring sag. All the suspension is original except the front strut tower bushings, replaced them at 82K.

I've priced the OEM coil springs which run $88 for the fronts and $75 for the rears. Not to bad but the struts and shocks are almost double that. I don't think the struts and shocks are bad but I wonder if I'll regret not changing them while everything is torn apart.

Should I consider other manufacturers on the strut/shock part of the deal? I'm not looking to lower the car for a sportier ride just want the nice smooth plush ride it had when it was younger.

I'm going to do this work myself at a buddies garage. I appreciate any advice from the gear heads about my line of thinking.

 

[fordnut]

Re: Need advice on new coil springs/struts for 97 Toyota Ava

Hey...what do I know...but, I will not pay for OEM parts from the dealership...Most parts houses have about the same stuff.

They all will give you a parts warranty...Spring the extra few bucks for the "lifetime Warranty" Then, if they don't do what you think they should do a few years down the road...make them warranty them...

Steve

Hey tightwad...just buy her a new car.....LOL

 

[Clicker]

Re: Need advice on new coil springs/struts for 97 Toyota Ava

Hey tightwad...just buy her a new car.....LOL

Man that's cold, if I do that it'll cut into the gun money!!!
You best not come around here talking that smack to her either.

 

[tigerfan00]

Re: Need advice on new coil springs/struts for 97 Toyota Ava

if you're up to ordering parts online check with www.rockauto.com

I've ordered several things from them and am very pleased with them...both prices and service

If you absolutely MUST have OEM Toyota parts...try www.toyotapartsales.com

That's Toyota of Dallas's page and they'll do mail order for just about any part you need for cheaper than you can find at your local dealer...OCCASIONALLY I've been able to get my dealer to price match an item but its not every time

 

[Schultz]

Re: Need advice on new coil springs/struts for 97 Toyota Ava

Clicker take a look at the Monroe Sensa-Trac struts, It's a decent strut for the money.