should I get OEM struts or KYB GR-2? More questions too...

[Protocold]

my car has about 110K miles and the struts are all bad.

I am planning to have the front strut mount replaced as well to get rid of that noise.

Now, I have a few questions:

1) I kinda like the comfort ride with the original camry suspension, will KYB GR-2 too hard as compare to the OEM or it is more the same but with just slightly firmer feel?

2) I do not plan to lower the car. Do I need to change the spring? Will they worn as bad as the struts?

3) Do I need to replace the back strut mount too since the car has 110K?

[BigAirSkier1580]

Well, how do you drive your car?

KYB is a little bit firmer. nothing harsh by any standards. But if you just daily drive your Camry on the streets, you might as well save the money and get OEM.

[Protocold]

oh. OEM is cheaper? How much and where can I get cheap OEM struts?

I need a place to buy the mount too.

[mauibuilt59]

Struts are the cheap part. KYB and OEM are same price. The part where they get you is installation. I was gonna purchase KYB's online, 4 for about $280. I called around and asked how much they would charge for installation and they quoted me about 400+ bucks. Rip-off bastards. (I settled for shitty monroe sensitracs because it was only 400 bucks including installation)

[Tubbyc]

KYB will still give you a comfortable ride.. if that is what you prefer.. they are inexpensive, I am not sure how much OEM struts cost. I saw those KYB struts for sale on eBay, they only cost $235US +$30US shipping. The installation should only cost you about $130 to $250 US dollars depending on which shop you take your car to.

[gaak]

by the way guys its really a piece of cake to change out the struts yourself, save you a lot of money and maybe allow you to get a set of Tokico's...very nice struts.....

[BigAirSkier1580]

Originally posted by gaak
by the way guys its really a piece of cake to change out the struts yourself, save you a lot of money and maybe allow you to get a set of Tokico's...very nice struts.....

I woudln't go so far as to say that. I tried to install Tokicos on my car myself, and it did not work out. Completely seized and rusted up assemblies.

[Protocold]

I searched around today and found someone will do it for $120 for labor only if I buy all the stuff.

Now I just need to actually go buy them.

So KYB GR-2's ride is just as comfortable?



Do I need to change the spring? will they worn out as easy?

[Nick]

if your rear springs are sagging, then you should replace them

you will definetly need dust boots

you might need strut mounts, upper and lower insulators...

kyb gr2's are alright, but they are a bit stiffer than stock, if you want smooth, go with monroe sensatrack, they usually have a buy 3 get 1 free deal

[Tubbyc]

Originally posted by Protocold
I searched around today and found someone will do it for $120 for labor only if I buy all the stuff.

Now I just need to actually go buy them.

So KYB GR-2's ride is just as comfortable?



Do I need to change the spring? will they worn out as easy?

Well, you might as well change your springs at the same time to save you future cost, so you don't have to spend an extra $120 in the future. I am not sure if you have to change the springs or not, however, if you change your springs to lowering springs, it will give you a better handling but lowering your car at the same time. I sat in a ES300 equipped with KYB strut before, it is really comfortable.