OEM Struts KYB or Monroe? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

91boz · 08-01-2010, 01:34 PM

I am going to replace my struts soon and would like opinions on KYB GR2 vs Monroe sensa track shocks? Both are similar in price and I am just looking for an oem ride.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 08-01-2010, 02:20 PM

OEM ride? Go monroe. The KYB GR2's are a tad more aggressive (stiffer) than stock.

Chris Crash · 08-01-2010, 02:46 PM

I've got the monroes in the front and KYB GR2s in back. The monroe's are softer than the kyb's. The front will dip down more over bumps than the back, I kinda wish I had KYB's in the front, but I still like my ride the way it is for now.

91boz · 08-01-2010, 08:42 PM

How can I tell if I have servicable struts or not? I looked at the bottom where the strut rod enters the tube and there seems to be a thin silver nut?, sliver thin with 6 pt. flats around. Can I just order the strut cart. and drop it in or do I need to buy the whole strut assy?

This is for a 94 LE with 1mzfe engine

***LynchburgCSI*** · 08-01-2010, 08:52 PM

Ah 1994. The mixed year. I forget how to tell the difference between sealed and serviceable struts. But someone else may know. I'm not sure if the cartridges will drop into the OEM body. Anyways, I'd just order the whole strut with serviceable cartridges. That way, if you keep the car long enough, you can just order new cartridges.

Does ANYONE know for sure if the aftermarket cartridges drop into the OEM bodies?

***PhatRoyale*** · 08-01-2010, 10:07 PM

Get the KYBs if you want a ride similar to stock.

71Corolla · 08-01-2010, 10:16 PM

Don't bother trying to service the strut, just get the whole assembly. Why mess with it, the cost difference is not that great! Plus your old housings will be rusted and ugly. I installed KYB's, they are fairly harsh over small bumps. I did replace my springs with new stock units (both fronts were broken) so that may affect things. The info on the KYB's says the strut "compensates for worn suspensions" so I don't know if that makes a difference, but I doubt it. They are just too damn harsh IMO. If you want a stiffer ride and improved handling/cornering then get them. Otherwise get Gabriel or possibly the Bilstein's.

If I had to do it again, I would not get the KYB's.

***projektvertx*** · 08-01-2010, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

Don't bother trying to service the strut, just get the whole assembly. Why mess with it, the cost difference is not that great! Plus your old housings will be rusted and ugly. I installed KYB's, they are fairly harsh over small bumps. I did replace my springs with new stock units (both fronts were broken) so that may affect things. The info on the KYB's says the strut "compensates for worn suspensions" so I don't know if that makes a difference, but I doubt it. They are just too damn harsh IMO. If you want a stiffer ride and improved handling/cornering then get them. Otherwise get Gabriel or possibly the Bilstein's.

Bilstein is track struts, you'll get an even harsher ride. Gabriel SUCKS. But yes, don't mess around with dismantling the assembly. You already have a headache of dealing with a spring compressor and worrying about using it without breaking your jaw off

If I had to do it again, I would not get the KYB's.

Monroes are just fine IMO, I have them on a 1 inch drop and they are fine

I'm positive KYB IS the OEM brand (not sure about GR2's though). Couple months ago, I pulled a "shock absober" strut, located in the engine bay. Both the new and old part had KYB followed by the Toyota part # engraved in them

71Corolla · 08-01-2010, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projektvertx

I'm positive KYB IS the OEM brand (not sure about GR2's though).

Yep, but they are made to Toyota specs so the replacements could be tuned differently. When you say you have Monroe, you did the quick strut assemby? Or can you just get the strut itself? Every time I look up the Monroe part for these cars, all I see is the quick strut.

I didn't use quick struts because I wanted the stock springs and mounts I believe they are higher quality.

91boz · 08-02-2010, 12:54 AM

This is a pix of one of my struts. Is this the serviceable type?

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1280728431

***projektvertx*** · 08-02-2010, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

Yep, but they are made to Toyota specs so the replacements could be tuned differently. When you say you have Monroe, you did the quick strut assemby? Or can you just get the strut itself? Every time I look up the Monroe part for these cars, all I see is the quick strut.

I didn't use quick struts because I wanted the stock springs and mounts I believe they are higher quality.

I did monroe struts. I think Advance Auto Parts carries them exclusively now?

bronzemaxell · 08-02-2010, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 91boz

This is a pix of one of my struts. Is this the serviceable type?

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1280728431

from the picture, your strut is serviceable, non-seal, need to replace with strut insert only.
the big problem is, taking the insert out is a bitch because hex nut might be rusted onto the strut housing. i have to put the strut on a 6" wise, and then use a 8 ft pipe on a pipe wrench on the hex nut to get it loose.
i can feel the metal twisting on strut, probably need 2oo to 400 ft lb of torque to get it loose.

normally 92 to 94 Camry, i4 and v6 have serviceable strut, unless it has been swap out with a 95-96 strut

i replaced both my 93 and 94 camry, both serviceable strut with Tokico HP strut insert, around $200 to $250 shipped on ebay, i like Tokico far better than KYB, i used to have KYB and it is a little stiffer than OEM initially, but as mileage increased, it felt as soft as oem.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 08-02-2010, 06:11 PM

Just a heads up. KYB = OEM company. The GR2 does NOT NOT NOT ride like the stock shocks.

***projektvertx*** · 08-02-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

Just a heads up. KYB = OEM company. .

Add that to the suspension sticky

. It's a misnomer around here, I found that out when I changed the shock absber that in between the tranny to the sub-frame.

par_pa · 08-24-2010, 10:11 PM

91boz, did you make your move?
I am very sensitive to suspension settings, especially considering the rough roads we have in Quebec. I have changed the 4 struts of my 2000 Avalon, which has the same struts that Camry, to OEM at 80000 km, and found them a bit soft with full load aboard, having a tendency to bounce.
Soon after, I switched to Tokico, but that was a mistake for what I was looking for. The handling was marvellous, but the ride was too firm, was nearly every bump produced short but sharp body motions. I waited a full year hoping that they will soften, but they stayed overly firm. I then had Monroe Sensa-Trac installed (Tokico were resold), and it greatly improved the ride with light or full load, but the handling was not as sharp as with the Tokico.
As I kept reading on various posts that KYB Excel G were the best, I swiched again and installed 2 of them at the rear of the Avalon, hoping to get the best of both worlds, great ride and sharp handling. The result is disappointing. The ride, especially with a light load is firmer than with the Monroe Sensa-Trac, sometimes being hard over sharp small bumps, and the handling is about the same as before.
I am going to switch back to the Monroe, and maybe try the Monroe Matic.
So my advice, stick with Monroe Sensa-Trac, you will get what you want.