lexrally

I am new to this forum. I have a 2002 RX300 with 75K miles. I bought it used in 2008 at 46K miles. Since then, I have changed the oil every 6 months with mobil 1 5W/30, changed the tranny fluid 2 times with Toyota brand ATF, replaced the P/S fluid, replaced rear brake pads, and the A/F rear sensor #2 was replaced after the CE light came on.

Recently, the tires started cracking, and the ride was not the same, it was not as "tight" as it used to be, one of the things I really liked about this cars ride. So I put on a set of Michelin Lattitude Touring for about $800. I noticed a big improvement in the tires noise and comfort, the handling was a little bit softer than I would have liked, but overall a improvement from the Toyo H/T Open Country on previously.

I am looking now at replacing the struts to give that original handling. The KYB GR-2 seems to be the one that is most recommended. But at $600 for parts and mounts/bearing, plus $600 for labor, this is not cheap.

I am wondering if anyone who has replaced their struts with KYB GR-2 can tell me if it was "worth it". On a scale of 1-10, 10 being original ride and feel, what rating would you give KYB-GR2? If you used another manufacturer, what rating would you give them?

I am planning on keeping this car for another 3-4 years, but since it has only 75K miles on it, I think the existing struts would last me that long. I have replaced struts on my cars before, only to be disappointed with the handling.

I prefer a controlled, stiffer, quick responsiveness type of ride. How do the KYB GR-2 match up? Any dis-satisfied customers?

Thanks!

(Here are some pics of my RX300)

Lexmex

KYBs GR-2 was the one I went with three years ago a few months before I left Mexico. My evaluation over time has been they aren't the softest things in the world, but are stiffer than the original ones I had. I haven't lost a step, but a good deal of the lifetime of these shocks has been on American roads, not the 3 month or so that I had them in Mexico.

JAB

Search for a lengthy DIY on strut replacement by Lexmex. KYB struts are considered to be an acceptable replacement, but do NOT use KYB mounts. Use OE.

In my opinion you're doing this somewhat early; I didn't replace mine until about 175K and then it was more because of noisy clunky mounts than soft struts.

hypervish

x2, i think your doing this early. I myself am at 160k and have noisy strut mounts in the rear, but the struts are good all around. I'll be replacing them with KYB's. As others have said use OE mounts.

JohnLX300

iTrader: (2)

I changed mine at about 100k, all KYB all around including the mounts, I remember when I researched this having it done that the OEM toyota mounts weren't they way to go with premature failure with the mount and the bearing. I had the car for about 9k after changing the struts. Made the car feel like new, as good as a 2005 lexus rx330 I test drove in comparison with 46k. I only paid $300 in labor and I changed all the sway bar links while the struts were replaced.

JAB

I had to replace my rear sway bar links because the old ones were destroyed when removing the struts.

lexrally

Thanks for the feedback. I think part of the problem is the Michelin Latitudes (very soft sidewalls) and partly the struts becoming slightly worn. Im gonna put this project on the back burner for now. But when the time comes (hopefully soon) Im going with the KYB GR-2 and OEM mounts.

stevengtt

I've installed a KYB struts and H&R spring three months ago, and the result was bad.......It's very harsh and rough.

Yesterday i've installed a TRD struts with springs, the riding quality is pretty damn good. It is almost as comfort as factory setting and the handleing is sproty too. It is highly recommended for who wanna to change the whole set of structs!!!

However, if you're going to use back your orginal springs, then KYB is the best option. (save money and long lasting)

Cheers