Looking for aftermarket RAV struts/springs and R/R info

[srivett]

Hi guys,
I got volunordered to fix up the front springs/struts on my parents 1997 2wd non-ac RAV-4 and after a whole pile of running around the only aftermarket parts I can find are KYB strut cartridges. The Toyota struts, springs, and boots are 650CDN!! Is there anything else available and how can I tell if the RAV takes cartridges?

Here's the story: My parents RAV has 230K km on it and the front springs are so worn out that the front end is actually resting on the struts' bottomed out position. Seeing as money is tight at this point I'm wondering if it is possible put spring compressors on the front springs while the struts still in the car. The plan would be to then undo the strut shaft nut and pull the springs without interfering with the wheel alignment. If I'm lucky the RAV will still have good struts and no more work will be required. If I'm not lucky atleast I'll have saved my parents the cost of an alignment until they can afford OEM struts and boots to go along with the springs. The first set of struts were replaced under warranty @ 100K Apparently it is riding pretty rough at the moment.

Thanks, Steve