I have 2000 Camry with 244K miles and a 4-cylinder engine. I have to slow down to under 5 MPH and be careful of car bounce as I drive through drainage crossings across intersections otherwise I severely bottom out the struts. I purchased the car earlier this year so I don't know its history and the previous owner only had it for a short time (he prefers work trucks). I'd like your opinion as to whether I should put struts made for a 6-cylinder car on this 4-cylinder car. I don't mind a stiffer ride, I mainly want to be able to drive a little faster through the drainage crossings. I feel like an idiot slowing down so much because my car isn't a "lowrider" styled car... it's nearly all original. I'm a bit concerned with the danger at higher speeds negotiating curves especially the ones in overpasses. Appreciate your help in deciding this issue. BTW, I live in Texas between San Antonio and Corpus Christi so maybe you have a rough idea of the way roads are in residential neighborhoods although I'm sure they can differ greatly from city to city or town to town.
Get the right struts for your car. If you put the V6 struts, it may sit higher because the V6 strut was made for the heavier engine. It will handle off too.
To be honest i wouldent mess on with other cars suspension shocks 1 they might not fit 2 they can compromise the ride and handeling to the point it could be dangerous you can buy stiffer shocks for you specific car plus putting harder shocks on could damage other parts of your car wheel bearings ball joint general suspension parts but its compleatley up to you
Sounds like you need to replace the struts to maintain control of the vehicle. Have you checked to make sure you haven't broken a coil spring/s, not uncommon. I don't believe there is a 4 cyl and 6 cyl strut for your car. I think they only use one strut for both engines. Replace the shocks with a quality strut like KYB. Once you have separated the spring from the strut measure the height of the spring and compare it to OEM specs.
