ck90211

Had enough miles on old struts ('95 with 160K miles) so looking to replace struts (all 4), mounts and maybe the bellow/stops.

4 sets of KYB's with mount/bellow came out to be $620, which is more expensive the 4 strut assemblies (with new springs) from Strutmasters ($ 609). And since I am doing it myself I would prefer not having to compress the springs (thus I prefer pre-assembled Strutmasters).

I plan to call Strutmasters but like to get some unbiased/2nd opinions.

Question 1: Can I just swap the old strut assemblies (no air suspension) with new Strutmasters without any mods?

Question 2: Any experience or comments on ride or reliability of KYB vs. Strutmasters? I need good damping over rough roads (more than plush/soft ride) because the roads are bad where I drive.

Question 3: Any other suggestions on cheaper or better alternatives for about the same money?

Just bought tires and over $1000 of rubber parts (mounts, flexible couplings, ball joints, etc.) so just don't have the will to go OEM on struts. Thanks for any comments/help.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The task isn't that difficult swapping springs and mounts. Rent a spring compressor, this will save you some $ over replacing the springs and mounts which are probably fine in the first place. That has you in the $350 for the struts.

The instances I see for replacing the mounts and springs is if your car has seen the harsh winters where roads are salted or in other seaside type environments where corrosion is a factor.

oldskewel

iTrader: (1)

I agree completely. I replaced all 4 on my '91 with KYB's recently.

You can "rent" the spring compressor for free at Pep Boys or O'Reilly's (Kragen's). You buy it and then return it for a full refund within 2 (O'Reilly's) or 5 days (pep boys). It helped me when I did mine to have an air gun to drive the spring compressor, otherwise it would have been a little tedious.

I bought KYB mounts before taking things apart and then found the original ones (170k miles) to look just fine. I installed the new ones anyway since I did not want to deal with return hassle. I saved the old ones, along with some other stuff (boots, etc.) that were in fine shape. But I agree, chances are you will not need them unless you have some specific reason to think otherwise.

Regarding "Just bought tires and over $1000 of rubber parts (mounts, flexible couplings, ball joints, etc.) so just don't have the will to go OEM on struts.", are you sure you need struts? I replaced all 4 at ~170k miles on my '91, and sure it tightened it up a little, but if I were wavering on "the will", it could have easily been something to not do at all. Those OEM struts are pretty good. I'd say maybe one of the 4 I threw out was really finished.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

if you're REALLY scared of compressing the springs yourself, most local shops will do that with their wall-mounted tools for relatively little money if you ask and take them the spring/shock assy. off the car.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

If you don't want to do the job yourself the average rate is $50 a corner. These guys can be pretty fast so consider how much time it may take you do do the install yourself. A good shop can have you in-out in about an hour some odd.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

i think my coilovers for sale might be less expensive than that total after labor.

ck90211

Thanks guys. I am doing all these at once because the car is going to Cambodia soon (for 2 year job assignment), and any parts (OEM or aftermarket) will be pricey, and roads much harsher than SoCal's.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

lol no, plus they wouldn't ride close to stock.

do they even go up to stock height? i know my megans won't lol.

ck90211

Ended up buying KYB struts from Amazon, with prime it was $361 for 4 with 2 day shipping.