Front strut mount bearings Options

[MaskedMan]

I was wondering if the front strut mount bearings could be purchased alone without buying new strut top mounts? If I do need to purchase new strut top mounts, where would be a good place to buy them with the bearings included?

[Galcobar]

I would expect you will probably need the whole mount -- the rubber portions tend to take the biggest beating over time, even in the California environment (actually, the heat might accelerate such deterioration).

1sttoyotaparts.com is a good source for reasonably-priced Toyota parts. The most common aftermarket version are KYB mounts, which are essentially the same as the OEM design-wise. Rockauto.com offers good prices on replacement parts.

As an aside, if you're redoing your suspension, make sure to also replace the spring seat insulators. Those can only be purchased from Toyota.