A search would have brought you to this thread I started a few weeks ago...
https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...-tch.9839.html

 

If the SE struts and springs are compatible, then I recommend you be patient and wait until the aftermarket companies like Eibach,Tokico, Koni, H&R, & Bilstein come out with compatible parts. Since they're mainstream companies it usually won't take them long to come out with the new parts, but it will most likely be for the SE and other Camry's but not the Hybrid specifically.

I don't believe OEM SE struts are worth $160 each when Tokico and Koni make ones which are much better, and have adjustable stiffness settings for the same price.



Keep in mind Toyota lists the SE V6 at 3483 lbs and the Hybrid at 3680 lbs = difference 197 lbs. That much extra weight makes quite a bit of difference when you lower your car. The SE springs probably will not drop your car as much like after markets, which is a good thing because none of them will really be made to compensate for the extra 197 in addition to the driver, passengers, and cargo.



Also by using the SE springs, your suspension geometry should not change all that much because the change in height is usually minimal with OEM sport springs.



If you're technically inclined, have a 2nd person available to help, and don't have a problem spending an entire day working on your car, then you could save the $1,000 and install them yourself. Oh and don't mind some frustration!



I recommend getting adjustable aftermarket struts with OEM SE springs. Don't settle for some unheard of brand. If you're gonna do it, do it right and get the performance you want.



Oh, don't forget that stiffening your suspension can lead to lower FE, because your wheels will react much stiffer to the bumps and potholes. Think of it as running into a brick wall instead of bouncing off it. Your car will absorb more direct force instead of redirecting it. This can decrease your cars rolling resistance noticeably, and your lowered car is also more likely to bottom out on speed bumps, steep hills, etc.

 

Eibach's web site now lists their Pro-Kit springs thusly: "Camry, 2.4L I4
(Incl. CE, LE, SE & XLE, Exc. HYBRID)".

I thought the Hybrid shared all the same chassis parts as the non-SE Camrys?

 

Agree that SE has specific parts...but I wouldn't be surprised to see that each model has specific shocks/struts and springs as it relates to engine and transmission...ex: V6 will have different part numbers than 4cyl, and manual trans will have different part #s than automatic, due to wight differences. That said, I bet the Hybrid has unique spring and shock numbers. Remember, the batteries add some weight to the rear of the Hybrid vehicle.

SE parts and aftermarket parts may actually FIT all the models. I once put factory V6 struts on a 4cyl car, and the front end ended up being a couple of inches higher... wasn't pretty to see, or to my wallet :-(

 

Your discount will most likely be in labor, and not so much on the parts. $250 is the avg price I've seen for a new set of Eibach springs. You can do Discounttire.com, tirerack.com, or try some place local. You'll normally pay another $250- 300 for install because it's usually at least a 3-4 hr install minimum.

I agree with Jbollt. Just because the parts fit, does not mean they should be installed. The CE 4cyl auto weighs 3307lb, SE 4cyl auto 3351lb, and Hybrid 3680lb. That is 373 - 329 pound difference between the Hybrid and the other cars. That much weignt diff on lowered springs will lower your car more than the spring manufacturer designed for, and you will bottom out everywear, have low spring life, and strut life too. If you're going to even chance getting springs which are not designated for your specific model, then you're taking a big gamble on the springs being too weak or strong for your car's weight.

If you're gonna do this, at least get springs and shocks rated for the heavier v-6 models. Yes the THC has a 4cylinder, but it's still the heaviest Camry on the lot. The only real positive is the THC seems to be less front end heavy, and more evenly dispersed weight.

Example:
(The last expierience I had with lowering kits.)
My V-6 2001 Accord which I just traded in for my THC weighs about 100-200lbs Less than the THC. V-6's tend to be front end heavy and therefore nose dive more when you try to pull in and out of parking lots, and during instantaneous grade changes on the road like in Seattle. Using Eibach Pro springs (specific to handling my V-6's weight) which mildly lowered my car 1.75in back & 1.5in front. I added Tokico 5 way setting struts (Specific for my car's weight).
Set on hardest setting 5, the car responds with much less body roll around corners, but you pay for it over highway bumps etc. You pretty much drive with 2 hands all the time on the highway because the suspension will respond so sharply to pot holes, bumps, etc. Larger than normal or sharp but narrow speedbumps will cause you to either ground out or smack down your frame on the bump (Very FRUSTRATING). Keep in mind this is all with only driver and max one passenger (300-350lbs more than car weight). With 2-3 more passengers your car will lower much more, and these problems will occur all the time. Moving the strut setting softer caused a more pleasant ride at the cost of grounding out even more.
I pretty much made it a rule of thumb to not have more than 3 people (including driver) in my car.

 

bump.

Has anyone found aftermarket suspension parts for their TCH yet??

 

We've had our TCH for over a month now and love the way it drives. If you want a tighter feel you shouldn't get a THC. The THC is a mid-sized family sedan that is designed to be comfortable and high MPG. I believe that adding third party components is a violation of the lease. If you want to "feel the road" and take corners faster then get a Jetta or S40. We test drove those along with Accords, and Subarus. The European cars simply drive tighter, that's all there is to it. But we chose the THC and I'm glad we did. It is fun to drive, quiet, and is getting mid-30's MPG.

 

That's very helpful, thank you nautiduck.

 

A guy on Tundrasolutions.com claims that he has lowered his TCH with TRD springs. But it's doubtful.

 

Why would you doubt him? Not sure who posted in Tundrasolutions, but LThompson posted in here about dropping his TCH on the TRD springs.
https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...1&postcount=27

However, it should be noted that he ended up removing the springs because the rear-end droop made the car look funny.
https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...2&postcount=37