Possible Struts replacment - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

WilBoud · 02-01-2012, 09:22 PM

Looking for info about my 2000 XLS with 85,000 miles.

I had the opportunity to do a heavy braking and left turn manuver to avoid a car today, and it sounded like the front struts collapsed or bottemed out.

What struts are being used to replace the oem struts??? I'm wondering if I would be better off going with Toyota parts, or aftermarket struts....???

Bdub215 · 02-01-2012, 09:56 PM

I picked up some KYB Excel-G (replacing the GR-2) from just suspension for a decent price for my 01. They're selling all 4 corners for 285 bucks plus shipping. And individually 60 something a pop.

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fltwd56 · 02-01-2012, 10:02 PM

I know most here recommend KYB replacement struts. That's what I chose for my 2000 XLS when I had mine replaced and I'm very happy with the decision. They are a little firm at first, but after you drive a little they loosen up and ride really nice. I would also replace the mounts since I've heard that they can begin to show some wear in the form of noise. The best deal I've found on them has been rockauto. I did cheap out on the front mounts(in the beginning) and bought Mevotech. Got KYB for the rear. I learned my lesson with Mevotech because they were noisy from the get go and created a pop like feeling in my steering as I assume the bearings weren't moving fluidly. I pulled both front struts and replaced just the bearings with Raybestos premium bearings and reused the mevotech mount...and now all is well. Just pick a good quality mount and pair them with the KYB and you'll be good to go. Monroe also makes a good quality strut, but I've read that they feel really soft on these cars. Hope this helps.

Jeff

BiXLL · 02-02-2012, 06:38 AM

I went with www.completestruts.com and am very happy so far.

bobflood · 02-02-2012, 10:54 AM

+1 for what BiXXL said. Good price and seem to be fine after 30 days or so in service.

phi_alpha · 02-02-2012, 12:02 PM

I just purchased Stagg SHS kit off eBay this AM. I'll post my experience and pics when they arrive and are installed (if you can afford to wait).

phi_alpha · 02-02-2012, 01:59 PM

I just purchased Stagg SHS kit off eBay this AM. I'll post my experience and pics when they arrive and are installed (if you can afford to wait).

phi_alpha · 02-09-2012, 12:14 PM

Tracking shows my kit (struts and springs) should arrive today. They will go on next weekend.

playbak · 02-18-2012, 05:30 PM

I have a 2000 Avalon with 188K on it. I got the KYB GR-2 GR2 STRUTS SHOCKS TOYOTA AVALON 95 - 03 and have not been impressed. The car now bottoms out very easily. They seem worse then the worn out original. I'm very disappointed. I also redid the mounts. I've had them for a few years, but the problems started within a few months after purchase. I think I'll go with the original struts on the next round.

phi_alpha · 02-25-2012, 05:41 PM

I have had lowered almost all my past vehicles (90 Acura Legend, 2002 Focus, 2004 Silverado) because I prefer the look (less wheel gap) and the ride (less body roll). As stated, I bought the Stagg SHS kit off ebay (included was 4 struts and 4 Vogtland lowering springs) to replace the worn out OEM parts (110,000 miles). The ride dynamics have improved greatly. Significantly reduced nose dive under hard breaking, rear end drop under acceleration, and stability around curves. The car feels well planted and recovers well from any road bumps or dips. The look is good too! I took a pic on my phone and will attempt to post it (I've done it before I can do it again). Time will tell about the durability, but the price for the entire kit was too good to pass up (under $400 shipped to my door in NC from ebay seller JDMwerks13). I am completely satisfied and would recommend the product to anyone experiencing the same disappointment I had with the worn out factory equipment.

Ill try to post my pic as quickly as I can

phi_alpha · 02-25-2012, 06:08 PM

Hope this works...

http://www.toyotanation.com/photos/s.../ppuser/225055

phi_alpha · 02-25-2012, 06:10 PM

DOH... pic didn't work. just click on the camera under my name

KoG506 · 02-27-2012, 01:16 PM

I got the GR-2 (most recent strut) for my 2000 avy, What should I replace? I know i need to replace the spring seats, the originals are ripped, should I reuse everything else?

phi_alpha · 02-27-2012, 05:15 PM

My situation was this... shocks were done and I was on a budget. I replaced only what was necessary, in this case, the shocks (I lowered it too with springs). There were no creaks,thumps, or rattles before (just a super soft ride), so the other parts were inspected and I was fortunate not to have to replace anything else. GOod luick with yours.