rockauto website now list
kyb sr4642 and sr4643 for 2008 lexus es350 front strut. anyone using these yet?

 

Had them installed on my ‘07. They went in fine and feel fine. A little stiffer than stock but ok. Ride height increased by about 1”.

 

I wouldn't want to live with an increased ride height. Did you consider buying/installing bare struts, keeping the OEM strut housing and spring? Either way, I would definitely replace the top mounts with OEM units.

Has anyone replaced their struts with KYB inserts? If so, how do you like them?

 

How is your suspension holding up? I'm considering using the 2010 KYB front strut assemblies for both my driver and passenger side. As well as the 2010 Beck/Arnley sway bar end links for my 2009 Lexus es350. I've read that some people have had issues with the Beck?Arnley links breaking prematurely, so I'm considering the 2010 TRW sway bar end links instead.

 

Definitely go KYB all around. I put Monroe quickstruts on mine and they were fine but didn't last long. I just got finished replacing them again after only 2 years. Luckily they were under warranty from Rockauto. (I think they are covered for 5 years?)

I took the cheap route because my ride has 220k miles. Not sure how much longer I will hold to it.

For the sway bars, go MOOG. I've been happy with them. No issues

 

Yeah, my car is at 238k and I'm trying to get it to 300k. I know moog is the best, but I'm looking for a non-greasable option. I was going to go with the Beck/Arnleys until I read all the negative experiences.

 

mevotech was another brand I used, but again, lasted like 2 years.

95% of the issues I've had with this car have been because of me- using cheap parts that only last 2/3 years so i end up revisiting the same problem over and over.

if you plan on keeping the car for a while, go OEM.

 

Struts holding up great. don't find the ride harsh, but I'm used to harder riding cars, that handle like they are on rails. Honestly, its Cadillac smooth in my opinion. Keep in mind I replaced EVERYTHING under there. So it all needed a little breaking in period. Smooth as butter now. Everything holding up fine, but I haven't given it an inspection lately.

 

Op, how are your strut mounts holding up?
I've heard many people complaining about kyb mounts making noise.

 

Strut mount holding up great. Everything still working great. Car is very smooth. When you hear these stories, it makes you wonder if people use torque wrenches to torque to spec. Or they didn't install correctly, skipped some step or something. If you read thru the threads, the rear KYB's mounts came with bolts that were too short, so I reused the factory. Are people doing this? No mention when they complain. When I work on a car, I take my time and very methodical about how things get done. Its just as much art as it is science. I also do not skimp on tools. I trust the work I do more than the dealership, where they have to hurry and don't really care about the car or my wife who's life is at stake.