Hello everyone,
I recently had Sachs struts and shocks installed on my '11 V6 Ltd. The original shocks were completely worn out at about 40K miles. For example, the rear shocks leaked, could be compressed by hand and did not rebound. The RAV crashed and banged over road imperfections.
My OBJECTIVE OBSERVATIONS are as follows:
- The Sachs setup is firmer than the stock Base/Ltd. struts & shocks.
- RIDE: Though I've not driven a Sport, from what others have said I'd guess that the ride
characteristics are closer to a Sport but without the harshness. I'm sure that some of this is
due to running 60-series tires. Overall, the ride is still comfortable. When driving over rough
pavement, e.g., potholes, frost heaves and expansion joints, you hear a "thump" sound.
NYC has horrendous streets and the RAV handles them with aplomb. The suspension no
longer oscillates and "jiggles" on the rebound stroke; it is well damped.
- HANDLING: The RAV is more precise in handling curves, both constant-radius and
switchbacks. It takes a set and feels planted, especially at high speeds. Body roll is
noticeably reduced. (I still plan to buy a beefier rear anti-roll bar.)
- Overall, the RAV is more controlled. Despite the high center of gravity, it handles more like
a good sport coupe.
My SUBJECTIVE OBSERVATIONS are as follows:
- I love the change. But I like a firm, comfortable, suspension. I'd guess that someone who
likes a cushy, Cadillac-like ride might not like it. I do. >
- The Sachs setup is worth every penny. Which brings me to...
- PRICE: I purchased the struts & shocks from RockAuto. I can't praise them enough regarding service and price.
TOYOTA:
Struts: $164.54 each (minus 10% that I get as a regular customer).
Shocks: $51.57 each (minus 10%).
ROCKAUTO/SACHS:
Struts: $102.99 each
Shocks: $50.99 each
Strut Bellow: $14.83 each (for some reason these didn't fit. I sent them back and RockAuto
credited my card.)
Strut Mount: $65.79 each (I didn't get Toyota's price for these.)
Shipping Ground: $11.60
Shipping FedEx International Priority: $86.49 (This was for the shocks as they had to come
from the UK. I don't regret paying the high shipping cost.)
Total Parts: $567.29 (Minus the bellows credit.)
Total Labor: $557.90 (This was labor at my local independent shop that included a four
wheel alignment + adjustment.)
Grand Total: $1,125.19 versus $2,500 at my local Toyota dealer.
In sum, if you like the Sachs handling and ride characteristics, and the price, I honestly and heartily recommend going this route. My observations are not scientific. That said, I stand by them. It isn't the setup for everybody. But for those who really like to drive and want to increase the RAV's fun factor, this is a way to go.
Cheers,
mlrav
I recently had Sachs struts and shocks installed on my '11 V6 Ltd. The original shocks were completely worn out at about 40K miles. For example, the rear shocks leaked, could be compressed by hand and did not rebound. The RAV crashed and banged over road imperfections.
My OBJECTIVE OBSERVATIONS are as follows:
- The Sachs setup is firmer than the stock Base/Ltd. struts & shocks.
- RIDE: Though I've not driven a Sport, from what others have said I'd guess that the ride
characteristics are closer to a Sport but without the harshness. I'm sure that some of this is
due to running 60-series tires. Overall, the ride is still comfortable. When driving over rough
pavement, e.g., potholes, frost heaves and expansion joints, you hear a "thump" sound.
NYC has horrendous streets and the RAV handles them with aplomb. The suspension no
longer oscillates and "jiggles" on the rebound stroke; it is well damped.
- HANDLING: The RAV is more precise in handling curves, both constant-radius and
switchbacks. It takes a set and feels planted, especially at high speeds. Body roll is
noticeably reduced. (I still plan to buy a beefier rear anti-roll bar.)
- Overall, the RAV is more controlled. Despite the high center of gravity, it handles more like
a good sport coupe.
My SUBJECTIVE OBSERVATIONS are as follows:
- I love the change. But I like a firm, comfortable, suspension. I'd guess that someone who
likes a cushy, Cadillac-like ride might not like it. I do. >
- The Sachs setup is worth every penny. Which brings me to...
- PRICE: I purchased the struts & shocks from RockAuto. I can't praise them enough regarding service and price.
TOYOTA:
Struts: $164.54 each (minus 10% that I get as a regular customer).
Shocks: $51.57 each (minus 10%).
ROCKAUTO/SACHS:
Struts: $102.99 each
Shocks: $50.99 each
Strut Bellow: $14.83 each (for some reason these didn't fit. I sent them back and RockAuto
credited my card.)
Strut Mount: $65.79 each (I didn't get Toyota's price for these.)
Shipping Ground: $11.60
Shipping FedEx International Priority: $86.49 (This was for the shocks as they had to come
from the UK. I don't regret paying the high shipping cost.)
Total Parts: $567.29 (Minus the bellows credit.)
Total Labor: $557.90 (This was labor at my local independent shop that included a four
wheel alignment + adjustment.)
Grand Total: $1,125.19 versus $2,500 at my local Toyota dealer.
In sum, if you like the Sachs handling and ride characteristics, and the price, I honestly and heartily recommend going this route. My observations are not scientific. That said, I stand by them. It isn't the setup for everybody. But for those who really like to drive and want to increase the RAV's fun factor, this is a way to go.
Cheers,
mlrav
