PATDOW1

Hello CL

I recently purchased a 99 GS300 for my youngest daughter and am currently in the process of getting it in tip top shape for her and also taking the opportunity to teach her how to work on/service her vehicle. We've gone through the car and have replaced numerous items to include full tune, timing belt, tires, wiper blades, belt tentioner, water pump, Daizen sway bar bushings and a battery.
While under the hood I noticed that one of the hood dampers was leaking and needs to be replaced. Ours are made by KYB and I cannot find them on the KYB website so I payed a visit to my local stealership and they wanted $110ea which hopefully is my last option.
I also need to replace both sets of keys as many of you know they fall apart due to age. The Stealership wanted $110 for a infinty key which comes with a lifetime replacement warranty if it ever breaks.
My question is does anybody have any alternatives to eBay for the hood dampers and any experience with the infinty key from the stealership? I've already got my eye on the flip style/switch blade key if I don't get any feedback on the infinity key.

Thanks in advance for any help that is provided.

Pat

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

The ones on ebay work good and are cheap

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

I've had the flip key of ebay for several years with no problems. It's big but it lasts

PATDOW1

sam12345 Thanks for the quick reply. Forgot to mention that we already have a set of dampers on the way but when we removed the originals I discovered that the pivot ball is part of the damper assembly. The ones that we bought don't look like they come with the pivot ball so I may have to send them back for a refund. I guess I'll know in a few days when they arrive.

Have you had any problems with the flip key hitting the steering wheel? My daughter drives with it pretty close to the instrument cluster and I noticed that it is longer than the original due to the fob. If possible pics would really help us out to get the relation of the key to the steering wheel if possible.

Thanks in Advance

PATDOW1

I ended up purchasing a set of Strong Arm hood struts from LiftSupportsDepot.com they were easy to install and came with mounting hardware. I paid $36.65 shipped to my door.

100bajan

iTrader: (12)

I just changed mine out with the strong arm from my local Advance auto store, $44....10mins.....done deal. Very easy to do

mate01

100bajan

did those come with the mounting screws?

100bajan

iTrader: (12)

Yes they did

PATDOW1

The Strong Arm ones are nice quality compared to the ones that I originally ordered from eBay that were made in China. I immediately sent those back for a refund.

bunmango

Thanks for the info - just placed an order for my 2k3. Was a bit more for shipping to SF, total was about $46. They have free shipping for orders over $40 but my total before shipping was $36

PATDOW1

You wont be disappointed

bunmango

two 12mm bolts on each side to take out the old struts, screw in the replacement bolts, and pop on the new Strongarm struts

Took less than 10 minutes

AfroMan623

I just replaced my sad factory struts with the StrongArms off amazon. Easy replacement and the struts have the clip on the back so you can take them off the ball joint withough having to remove the ball. I doubt I'll ever have to change them again, but its nice to have an easy install even easier in the fiture.

burny

I just ordered strong arm as well off Amazon.

Mcon

iTrader: (1)

I call TLS Auto in California because have a lot of GS and one year warranty in all parts. But want $25.00 of each one + shipping. I found this on eBay. Item # 331028395677. No bad for the price and warranty??