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Strut Help

7.7K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  alltoyo  
#1 ·
I need some suggestions for strut replacement. My Highlander is a 2007 Limited 4WD 3.3V6 3rd Row Seat with tow package. I am looking at quick struts made by PRT, API, TrueDrive, and TruParts. Has anyone used struts from these brands? The other brands (Unity, FCS, TRQ, Oredy, etc) all seem to have mixed results and I am seeking a good high quality, long lasting strut. Toyota struts are only sold as separate components are are very expensive, so that is not an option for me. Also, I saw a chart once that had the strut dimensions/specifications for different Highlander generation, engine size and trim levels but cannot find it. I hope someone here can offer some good advice on the strut question and chart availability. Thanks.
 
#2 ·
I hate to say it, but I have yet to see a quick strut match the quality of a “naked” strut like a KYB Excel-G or maybe the Sachs struts they sell for our car. Plus, you get to keep your OEM springs. You can always pull the old struts off and bring them to a shop for them to transfer the bits over to the new bare strut.

If you want to go quick strut, members here have had decent success with higher end Monroes.
 
#4 · (Edited)
You should first consider name brands like KYB or Monroe OESpectrum struts (not their cheaper Roadmatic). KYB is firmer and I personally find too harsh. I like the more compliant Monroe, but some may think it's on the softer side. Therefore it's your preference that counts.


Assemblies don't seem to be available for the Limited AWD. Therefore you'll have to have a shop assemble them using the components.

The FCS or PRT are considered budget brands. More people have talked about FCS than newcomer PRT, although PRT seems like a larger company. I wouldn't mind trying PRT just because the larger size of the company. And I'm sure the other "store brands" are probably made in one of those factories in China anyway.

Here's a discussion on Sensen, FCS, PRT, Unity: Rear Strut replacement question

In my response to a member (Can I use KYB strut mount to replace the original one?), some in the Lexus forum thought FCS was a great bang for the buck. I haven't used FCS, as I use Monroe's QuickStrut or OESpectrum struts. 2007 Lexus RX 350 AWD Front Strut Replacement - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

And use the 5% off discount code if you buy from rockauto, scroll to the newest post:
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#5 ·
I checked the warranty on several companies and found the following:
PRT - Limited Lifetime
API - Limited Lifetime
Monroe - Limited Lifetime
KYB - Limited Lifetime
Unity - Limited Lifetime
TrueRide - One Year
Truparts - One Year
FCS - Material and Workmanship that affect form fit and function

FYI, I bought this Highlander used in September with 203k miles. It runs and drives great. The top Strut mounts are rusty and I suspect that it is overdue for Strut replacement. The Carfax is clean, but shows no strut work ever done which seems odd.