Has anyone tried KYB struts?

[scubacat]

I'm due for another change and am thinking of trying KYB. The last set of monroes are getting bouncy after only about 35K miles...

All thoughts, experience, opinions, etc are greatly appreciated!

[ajb0009]

I am not sure if this is still true or not. I talked to a full time tech that works at a local Tires Plus store (about one year ago) and he hated them because they were very difficult to install. The problem is that the piston would not stay extended out, it would retract back into the strut bore or housing, making it almost impossible to get the top nut started on. When I put new struts on my Escort a few years back, I checked prices and ended up getting OEM Motorcraft struts for about the same price as aftermarket ones would be. I did get Moog springs for half the price of Motorcraft, but they only lasted me two or three years and then they broke. They did get me new ones for free under warranty though.

[scubacat]

If the piston did not remain extended, that would mean a defective strut. I've never heard of that happening before.

I can't imagine installation would be any different. I'm probably going to get the KYB "ready struts" anyway as the strut mounts I have are destroyed as well.

The Monroes seem to wear out quickly; I'm wondering if the KYBs would hold up any better and also how the ride is with them vs. Monroe.

[wiswind]

I also like the "quick" / "ready" strut that gives you the spring, upper mount....etc all in 1 unit.
Saves time (and chance for messing something up) and you don't end up finding out later that you need to take it all apart to replace the upper mount because the bearing went.

KYB had a good reputation.....but then so does Monroe. Much depends upon the particular application.
As mentioned.....check on the price for the Motorcraft version.....check one of the online dealership parts sources........but USE YOU VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) so that you are sure to get the correct part.

[scubacat]

Thanks for the reply wiswind. It's nice to still have you around even though you've defected to Toyota (which I did for my car, but the van still keeps chugging!)

KYB are OEM for my Camry and they're a little bit firmer of a ride I believe. There are a million "Monroe vs KYB" threads on the internet but all for cars. I think I'll try KYB this next time and report back the results. Although, monroe has their "shocktober buy 3 get 1 free" promotion, so that's tempting as well..... sigh... decisions, decisions...

[parkerb]

i've put in KYB from tirerack. i did not have the retraction problem spoken of. i have a set in the '02, and another set laying around after getting tokicos in the '00. i prefer the firmness tokicos give.