KYB GR2 struts on 1999 ES300 121k
09-04-10, 06:05 PM
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KYB GR2 struts on 1999 ES300 121k
I don't get everyone on this forum saying these are close to the original ride and I replaced all four in June 2009 with KYB's and they ride horrible.
Very stiff and feel every bump in the road now I hit a pot hole and sounds like they bottom out...... nearly knock the fillings out of your teeth.
Wish I had my old ones back on.
Anyone else experenced this? I am considering Monroe Synsa-Trac any feedback on either. ( I have no squeaks and no I did not replace the top mounts)
Very stiff and feel every bump in the road now I hit a pot hole and sounds like they bottom out...... nearly knock the fillings out of your teeth.
Wish I had my old ones back on.
Anyone else experenced this? I am considering Monroe Synsa-Trac any feedback on either. ( I have no squeaks and no I did not replace the top mounts)
09-05-10, 09:45 AM
#3
Those KYBs are valved for stiffer springs than what comes with the ES. Mind you many people who have swapped out to KYBs may have higher tolerance for harshness and/or do not know what the original suspension is suppose to feel like.
A lot of cars I ride in with KYB GR-2 do NOT come close to the cushy ride of OEM shocks. If anyone ever wants that soft ride, just get OEM and don't look back.
A lot of cars I ride in with KYB GR-2 do NOT come close to the cushy ride of OEM shocks. If anyone ever wants that soft ride, just get OEM and don't look back.
09-05-10, 03:54 PM
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Thanks for the reply guys.
Glad to hear I am not imagining this. Yes these are coming off.
Where did you get the parts from and did you replace the top mounts?
Glad to hear I am not imagining this. Yes these are coming off.
Where did you get the parts from and did you replace the top mounts?
09-05-10, 04:50 PM
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Most here probably use KYB-GR2 matched with some lowering springs, only other suitable strut for lowering is the Tokico struts which are even stiffer. OEM struts should not be used with lowering springs, so for OEM ride yes OEM struts are best.
09-05-10, 05:32 PM
#6
Granted it's their own site and language, but "The best choice to restore OE performance and normal driving conditions": http://www.kyb.com/products/shocks/gr2.php
There are SO many other factors and components that can figured into the equation of the softness or firmness of your ride, especially on an 11 year old car. I'll edit the post with the other manufacturer when I can recall it but Gabriel, KYB and _______ were the sources of the original equipment dampers for our cars.
I've tried a few different suspension setups on my car. I now have the GR-2s plus the OEM Lexus springs and new bushings on my ES and the ride is plush, sharpened only with the Whiteline rear sway bar and Whiteline strut tower brace. It's interesting to think that mere damper replacement might affect the ride that differently (all other things being equal) between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 ES.
There are SO many other factors and components that can figured into the equation of the softness or firmness of your ride, especially on an 11 year old car. I'll edit the post with the other manufacturer when I can recall it but Gabriel, KYB and _______ were the sources of the original equipment dampers for our cars.
I've tried a few different suspension setups on my car. I now have the GR-2s plus the OEM Lexus springs and new bushings on my ES and the ride is plush, sharpened only with the Whiteline rear sway bar and Whiteline strut tower brace. It's interesting to think that mere damper replacement might affect the ride that differently (all other things being equal) between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 ES.
Last edited by Slooooooow; 09-05-10 at 05:40 PM.
09-05-10, 05:34 PM
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09-05-10, 06:19 PM
#9
In all honesty, I've replaced my OEM with the gr2 and stock springs and they ride fine. A tad bit more firm than stock, but nothing that should jar or rattle you out of your seat. To me, it rides more firm than stock - you don't get that boat feeling as much when you hit dips and bumps.
09-05-10, 08:51 PM
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In all honesty, I've replaced my OEM with the gr2 and stock springs and they ride fine. A tad bit more firm than stock, but nothing that should jar or rattle you out of your seat. To me, it rides more firm than stock - you don't get that boat feeling as much when you hit dips and bumps.
09-05-10, 09:00 PM
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Granted it's their own site and language, but "The best choice to restore OE performance and normal driving conditions": http://www.kyb.com/products/shocks/gr2.php
There are SO many other factors and components that can figured into the equation of the softness or firmness of your ride, especially on an 11 year old car. I'll edit the post with the other manufacturer when I can recall it but Gabriel, KYB and _______ were the sources of the original equipment dampers for our cars.
I've tried a few different suspension setups on my car. I now have the GR-2s plus the OEM Lexus springs and new bushings on my ES and the ride is plush, sharpened only with the Whiteline rear sway bar and Whiteline strut tower brace. It's interesting to think that mere damper replacement might affect the ride that differently (all other things being equal) between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 ES.
There are SO many other factors and components that can figured into the equation of the softness or firmness of your ride, especially on an 11 year old car. I'll edit the post with the other manufacturer when I can recall it but Gabriel, KYB and _______ were the sources of the original equipment dampers for our cars.
I've tried a few different suspension setups on my car. I now have the GR-2s plus the OEM Lexus springs and new bushings on my ES and the ride is plush, sharpened only with the Whiteline rear sway bar and Whiteline strut tower brace. It's interesting to think that mere damper replacement might affect the ride that differently (all other things being equal) between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 ES.
09-05-10, 09:13 PM
#12
Toyota uses many aftermarket companies. Tokico is on the list and so is Bilstein.
But like any engineering, Toyota specifies what they need and the suppliers build their shocks to satisfy Toyota. Of course the shocks they sell to the general public are usually valved differently.
But like any engineering, Toyota specifies what they need and the suppliers build their shocks to satisfy Toyota. Of course the shocks they sell to the general public are usually valved differently.
09-05-10, 10:44 PM
#14
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I can relate, I put some KYB's on my Camry (car has since been sold) a while back. I was surprised how harsh and stiff they were, and they didn't seem to mellow after a few thousand miles either. The biggest complaint I had about them was they were harsh over small bumps and ripples. They handled big dips and bumps really well, and the car handled very nicely.
But overall I was not that impressed with them, not horrible not as good as the Toyota struts. Next time I'll either get Toyota originals or maybe try out the Bilstein touring units. (they are not available for all Toyota's or Lexus vehicles).
But overall I was not that impressed with them, not horrible not as good as the Toyota struts. Next time I'll either get Toyota originals or maybe try out the Bilstein touring units. (they are not available for all Toyota's or Lexus vehicles).
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