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Busryder Samba SuperHero
Joined: September 17, 2007 Posts: 1663 Location: In Your Face...
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Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 12:43 pm Post subject: So... I Got a Real Car, and I Really Have No Clue |
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Hello all...
So after having driven Buses for the last 20 years, I now find myself in a modern vehicle... and I don't know anything about it at all.
I recently inherited my father-in-law's second car. He bought this car brand new in back in 98'.... it's a 1999 model year Toyota Camry LE.
It is very nice inside and out, and I am pleased. My FIL religiously kept up maintenance during the time he had it, oil changes, tune up's, timing belt changes, and whatnot's. The problem is that he did not keep a log of routine maintenance and he is no longer around to ask. So far, I've changed out the plugs and wires, oil and filter, and new tires... I have all of the owner's manuals but no repair manual.
Anyway, let me get to the point here....
I want to change out the 'consumable' suspension parts. I've done a little research on how to swap the f/r Struts/springs. but I can't seem to find the complete units. All of what I've found is components to rebuild the struts, not complete units. The Camry has 310,000mi on it and it needs all four strut towers, and I feel like I'm trying to read Japanese with this 'new to me' modern car.
So, I ask my fellow Sambanista's for some guidance here...
Can you guys point me to where I can find the right complete set-up for this car? I don't want the "top of the line" and most expensive shocks and struts, but I also don't want the cheapest Chinese crap either... I'm searching for complete towers, front and rear... and I'd like to find them online somewhere.
Thank you in advance for any advice or direction.
-Damian _________________
Lind wrote: |
Apparently I was just the lucky asshole that showed up at the right time. |
I am a Dick, hear me roar-
Me, an OVP Lifer... |
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bugger101 Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2010 Posts: 1559 Location: orlando
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Busryder Samba SuperHero
Joined: September 17, 2007 Posts: 1663 Location: In Your Face...
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Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 7:42 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
That's exactly what I needed man!
I ordered a whole new set of Monroe's.... and the shipping wasn't bad either (like just under $70 for everything, ships in 3 to 5 biz days).
I'll update this if I run into any weirdo 'Japanese' problems with this strange (to me anyway) job I have in my near future.
Thanks again bugger! _________________
Lind wrote: |
Apparently I was just the lucky asshole that showed up at the right time. |
I am a Dick, hear me roar-
Me, an OVP Lifer... |
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Major Woody Samba Enigma
Joined: December 04, 2002 Posts: 9010 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 8:11 pm Post subject: |
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RockAuto is excellent |
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wbrown45 Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2008 Posts: 1318 Location: ada, ok
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Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 9:28 pm Post subject: |
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justsuspension.com is hard to beat on KYB's for price. That brand is more than likely original equipment. Besides the ease of replacement, why do you need complete towers? I assume you mean the spring, and strut bearings in one unit, and not the sheet metal in the body, correct? You can rent the compressor tool at AutoZone, etc. for free. _________________ OK Thang |
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bugger101 Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2010 Posts: 1559 Location: orlando
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Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 11:35 pm Post subject: |
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Busryder wrote: |
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
That's exactly what I needed man!
I ordered a whole new set of Monroe's.... and the shipping wasn't bad either (like just under $70 for everything, ships in 3 to 5 biz days).
I'll update this if I run into any weirdo 'Japanese' problems with this strange (to me anyway) job I have in my near future.
Thanks again bugger! |
No problem I am at home for the weekend with a work related injury . So I had plenty of time to search the web . _________________ 75 west deluxe http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5270450#5270450
2010 ford focus |
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norcalmike Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2005 Posts: 4784 Location: Marina, CA
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 1:53 am Post subject: |
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Major Woody wrote: |
RockAuto is excellent |
agreed. huge selection, easy to use format, great prices |
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Bobnotch Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003 Posts: 22407 Location: Kimball, Mi
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 10:44 am Post subject: |
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norcalmike wrote: |
Major Woody wrote: |
RockAuto is excellent |
agreed. huge selection, easy to use format, great prices |
Another 1 I've found is parts train (www.partstrain.com ), as they're more east coast, and actually have better prices than rockauto. _________________ Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote: |
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
Tram wrote: |
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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Busryder Samba SuperHero
Joined: September 17, 2007 Posts: 1663 Location: In Your Face...
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 3:18 pm Post subject: |
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Hey everybody... thanks for all the comments!
I was kind of surprised at how huge that site was, massive selection of parts, well organized, and even better... offered a wide range of manufacturers set in a price scale. I easily found what I was looking for too...
As for "why?"... well, it has 310,745mi. And you can feel it too. No new metal is requierd for this car, as per my research. I found several 'How2's' out there... some good ones on youtube!
And upon second thought, I probably should have waited to make my purchase until you guys had had a chance to respond. I kinda jumped the gun I spose. Too late now.
Any tip's? They ship in 3-5 business days...
Thank's again! _________________
Lind wrote: |
Apparently I was just the lucky asshole that showed up at the right time. |
I am a Dick, hear me roar-
Me, an OVP Lifer... |
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Busryder Samba SuperHero
Joined: September 17, 2007 Posts: 1663 Location: In Your Face...
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 3:22 pm Post subject: |
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bugger101 wrote: |
Busryder wrote: |
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
That's exactly what I needed man!
I ordered a whole new set of Monroe's.... and the shipping wasn't bad either (like just under $70 for everything, ships in 3 to 5 biz days).
I'll update this if I run into any weirdo 'Japanese' problems with this strange (to me anyway) job I have in my near future.
Thanks again bugger! |
No problem I am at home for the weekend with a work related injury . So I had plenty of time to search the web . |
That sorta sucks man, but I am glad you were home... Get well soon! _________________
Lind wrote: |
Apparently I was just the lucky asshole that showed up at the right time. |
I am a Dick, hear me roar-
Me, an OVP Lifer... |
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doubledoor64 Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2003 Posts: 1073 Location: Ideeho
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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Wash your hands before you pull the back seat |
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Busryder Samba SuperHero
Joined: September 17, 2007 Posts: 1663 Location: In Your Face...
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 4:21 pm Post subject: |
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^^^ That's a real good idea! ^^^
Will make sure that happens.... _________________
Lind wrote: |
Apparently I was just the lucky asshole that showed up at the right time. |
I am a Dick, hear me roar-
Me, an OVP Lifer... |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32574 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 5:14 pm Post subject: Re: So... I Got a Real Car, and I Really Have No Clue |
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Busryder wrote: |
Hello all...
So after having driven Buses for the last 20 years, I now find myself in a modern vehicle... and I don't know anything about it at all.
I recently inherited my father-in-law's second car. He bought this car brand new in back in 98'.... it's a 1999 model year Toyota Camry LE........... |
No doubt you've got a decent car although a tad high on the mileage. With some TLC it should last you awhile.
I chuckle at your use of the term "modern car", this unit is so far from modern by todays auto standards that it borders on antique!
I guess it's all in your perspective, moving up from 60's Type II's to this 99 unit, I can see how it is modern.
Moving down from a truly modern car, it would be disappointing!
Enjoy!
Dave
BTW Toyotas are easy to work on. Most often well thought out and they present few if any real problems. _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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bugger101 Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2010 Posts: 1559 Location: orlando
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 10:51 pm Post subject: |
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Busryder wrote: |
bugger101 wrote: |
Busryder wrote: |
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
That's exactly what I needed man!
I ordered a whole new set of Monroe's.... and the shipping wasn't bad either (like just under $70 for everything, ships in 3 to 5 biz days).
I'll update this if I run into any weirdo 'Japanese' problems with this strange (to me anyway) job I have in my near future.
Thanks again bugger! |
No problem I am at home for the weekend with a work related injury . So I had plenty of time to search the web . |
That sorta sucks man, but I am glad you were home... Get well soon! |
No problem _________________ 75 west deluxe http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5270450#5270450
2010 ford focus |
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Busryder Samba SuperHero
Joined: September 17, 2007 Posts: 1663 Location: In Your Face...
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 3:51 pm Post subject: |
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Hey guys!
I was able to get this done over the weekend, without incident.
The front's came in on Friday, and thr rear's came in while I was finishing up the front swap. FedEx!
I plan to get an alignment this evening, but.... I have one last question and I'll let this thread die:
Should I get both, front and rear end alignments?
And thanks Samba Crew... very helpful, you all are. _________________
Lind wrote: |
Apparently I was just the lucky asshole that showed up at the right time. |
I am a Dick, hear me roar-
Me, an OVP Lifer... |
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Back to top |
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bugger101 Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2010 Posts: 1559 Location: orlando
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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Busryder wrote: |
Hey guys!
I was able to get this done over the weekend, without incident.
The front's came in on Friday, and thr rear's came in while I was finishing up the front swap. FedEx!
I plan to get an alignment this evening, but.... I have one last question and I'll let this thread die:
Should I get both, front and rear end alignments?
And thanks Samba Crew... very helpful, you all are. |
yes! you don't want uneven wear on your new tires do you _________________ 75 west deluxe http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5270450#5270450
2010 ford focus |
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andk5591 Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2005 Posts: 16757 Location: State College, PA
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Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 4:15 am Post subject: |
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Not related to parts, but something we preach here - get yourself a good service manual. Modern cars are a lot less forgiving than our VWs. I wont even touch our 2 07 model cars, but will do pretty much anything on our 94 Ranger because I have the manual. _________________ D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them... |
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Major Woody Samba Enigma
Joined: December 04, 2002 Posts: 9010 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:32 am Post subject: |
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If you live in or near a town of any significant size, get yourself a library card. When you have an upcoming repair, go online and have the service manual reserved for you. Bring it home, scan or copy the pages for the operation that you're doing (along with the pages that list capacities, service intervals, and other common tune-up operations, and staple them together and keep them on file.
You can also often pick up a used service manual on Amazon for super cheap. Shipping is also cheap==USPS Media Mail. |
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Busryder Samba SuperHero
Joined: September 17, 2007 Posts: 1663 Location: In Your Face...
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Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 1:28 pm Post subject: |
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So we had a 'sick kid' situation yesterday and I was unable to play with the Camry, other than to drive it around. I am VERY happy with the fruits of my labor/$$! It feels like a completely different car now, and I am almost shocked at the differences in braking and turning. Highway speed ride performance is very noticeable too.
Anyway... MW & andK, a service book is high up on my to-do list.
While do this job I did run into a few 'bumps', but no real incidents... I stripped the two securing bolts on the l/r strut bottom. I had a "beer-drinker/finger-pointer" friend that thought this was a real problem: I just cut them out with the ol' angle grinder. We went to P-N-Pull and I found replacements. While there, I noticed that some other Camry's had disc brakes on the rear, Mine has drums, and the hub housing looks to be exactly the same on both cars.
I want to upgrade my rear drum brakes to disc's now!
Does anyone have any mechanical experience with these cars? Are the components interchangeable? Can this be done without replacing the entire stub axle/bearing/strut cast iron housing thing? (it looks to be the same, just a different hub and backing plate with an added caliper)
^^Good Grief^^
Thanks you guys, for the tips... they really are helpful.
And, I am going to start the hunt for the best deal possible on the alignment now... but it really felt straight on the freeway, though it does sit about 1.5 higher now.
I'll ask for spec's of how far out it is, if that's even possible... _________________
Lind wrote: |
Apparently I was just the lucky asshole that showed up at the right time. |
I am a Dick, hear me roar-
Me, an OVP Lifer... |
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Back to top |
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bugger101 Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2010 Posts: 1559 Location: orlando
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Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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Busryder wrote: |
So we had a 'sick kid' situation yesterday and I was unable to play with the Camry, other than to drive it around. I am VERY happy with the fruits of my labor/$$! It feels like a completely different car now, and I am almost shocked at the differences in braking and turning. Highway speed ride performance is very noticeable too.
Anyway... MW & andK, a service book is high up on my to-do list.
While do this job I did run into a few 'bumps', but no real incidents... I stripped the two securing bolts on the l/r strut bottom. I had a "beer-drinker/finger-pointer" friend that thought this was a real problem: I just cut them out with the ol' angle grinder. We went to P-N-Pull and I found replacements. While there, I noticed that some other Camry's had disc brakes on the rear, Mine has drums, and the hub housing looks to be exactly the same on both cars.
I want to upgrade my rear drum brakes to disc's now!
Does anyone have any mechanical experience with these cars? Are the components interchangeable? Can this be done without replacing the entire stub axle/bearing/strut cast iron housing thing? (it looks to be the same, just a different hub and backing plate with an added caliper)
^^Good Grief^^
Thanks you guys, for the tips... they really are helpful.
And, I am going to start the hunt for the best deal possible on the alignment now... but it really felt straight on the freeway, though it does sit about 1.5 higher now.
I'll ask for spec's of how far out it is, if that's even possible... |
Well I would say leave it be, but's it's your car. Toyota built it with rear drum's and it works well doesn't it Mabye the one you saw was a sport's model or a newer version . _________________ 75 west deluxe http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5270450#5270450
2010 ford focus |
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