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KYB Strut-Plus + KYB Gas Shocks Review & Impressions

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14K views 18 replies 6 participants last post by  ridethecliche  
#1 ·
Just had these installed and wanted to share some thoughts. Will update as I put the miles on.

Purchased at Jegs.com:

Strut Plus Assembly 2006-2008 Toyota RAV4 - Front Passenger Side
Part Number : 575-SR4459

Strut Plus Assembly 2006-2008 Toyota RAV4 - Front Driver Side
Part Number : 575-SR4460

SHOCK TRUCK TOYOTA
Part Number : 575-349024

$348.50 Parts (net of price-match credit) - $50 rebate submitted but not received yet
$662.98 Strut & Shock Install
$120.26 Four-Wheel Alignment
$1,131.74 Total ($1,081.74 after rebate)

RockAuto has a lower price but Jegs matched it for me and credited my card. Sweet!

FWIW, a tech at my trusted local shop (great mechanics, fair prices) took all day to get this done, had a ton of trouble getting the rear shocks installed. The four-wheel alignment was done at another shop that specializes in alignments. Car has 164,000 miles, I am the second owner, parts replaced were OEM.'

Went with the KYBs in rear because the price was right and I liked what I read about them. Also,

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

I have about 150 miles on the setup so far, and I am hoping they 'settle' a bit more because my first reaction is/was no real improvement and maybe I replaced parts that I shouldn't have. Perhaps my expectations were unrealistic (what, it doesn't ride like a brand-new Lexus?) That said...
  • Big hits at speed are a bit better
  • Smaller hits at lower speed feel basically the same
  • Road imperfections at speed feel a bit better
  • Cornering is significantly better, much less body roll/lean in on/off ramps at speed
Tire pressure is around 30-32 on all four (need to take them to 32 all around) and I have Scorpion™ Verde All Season Plus tires in the OEM size. H-rated.

As of now I'm still glad I did them but time will tell how glad I remain.

TO BE CONTINUED...
 
D
#2 ·
Unless your struts and shocks are completely toast then you will not see a huge difference. Aftermarket struts and shocks are a little firmer then the OEM so the ride will not feel like a new car. Some people prefer the OEM ride while others prefer a firmer ride. Just for fyi the rear shocks from Toyota (for Japan models) are actually cheaper then KYB.

The only way to get the new ride feel is to replace with only OEM parts from Toyota.

The labour you got charged seems a bit high. The front ones is the strut assembly that comes with the springs so it should take less time.
 
I
#3 ·
Try 40 psi in the tires. It does make a difference. Also, third row springs will stiffen it up a bit and reduce the roll even more. I just walked another member on here through a spring install and they are very pleased with the results. We have kyb front and rear and third row springs. Rides better than any new car I've ever been in. Corners like crazy too.
 
#6 ·
Hey folks, an update...

Suspension must have settled because my ass-o-meter detects a noticeable improvement in ride quality. It's definitely better than when everything was just installed.

Running 32 psi in my tires, which are rotated religiously with oil changes (5,000 miles) and are wearing evenly at about the rate expected (50% at the halfway point of the 65,000 mile wearout warranty).

Cornering continues to be a highlight (on/off ramps are definitely more fun).

Overall, very happy with the setup. Working for me.

Thanks, all!
 
#9 ·
An addition to this thread- I just had KYB excel struts and shocks installed on my '11 RAV V6 AWD Sport SAP. I did so because the ride at 122K miles was just too jarring even without the OEM run flat tires. It had been like that for quite a while.
The KYBs met expectations- a much smoother ride over smaller bumps and rough roads. At highway speeds the ride is firm yet smooth and comfortable. Handling is still very good.
I believe this was the right move to not replace the struts and shocks with the original factory sport parts.
Hope this helps...
 
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