So I've got a bit of leakage coming from my 100k+ mileage OEM struts ('05 - acquired back in October) and it's time to replace them.

I'm after the "Lexus quality" ride, not anything even remotely "Sporty" or "Agile". Just soft and smooth. I'll go with OEM struts if I have to (Stealership wants $2,400, but Toyota will do for only $1,500) However, if there is another strut out there with indistinguishably similar ride characteristics and longevity that can be had for less money, then I'll go that route.

(I'd opt to save $$ and just buy the OEMs and install myself, but just doing the spring compression for a strut replacement on my SC a few years back gave me heebie-jeebies. Not looking to play Russian Roulette with my 10 digits again. I kinda need them)

Can anyone make any informed recommendations (from first-hand experience)?

 

I just bought both Lexus rear shocks for a total of $220 shipped from Sewell with our forum discount. Can't beat that price. I only needed one side but apparently they're supposed to be replaced in pairs. From all of the research that I did, the KYB's may be pretty close, though some suggest they're a bit more 'sporty', and there's not much cost savings at all, so I just went OEM.

I don't have a frame of reference for comparison, but when they get here next week and we install them, I'll share my experiences.

 

Thanks Ahheck. I'll look for that write-up.

 

With the amount of work that goes into changing them, I think it's money well spent to buy the OEM, especially considering it's only something like $30 more when you go through places like Sewell vs an aftermarket one. I would also make sure and replace the strut bearings while you're in there.

The consensus is KYB are stiffer but are long lasting and Monroe's line is softer but I've heard mixed reviews on their longevity.

I agree that you need to be careful changing out struts and those spring tools also scare the hell out of me. I've heard some shops will let you take the strut assembly in and they'll do it on their spring press machine for a reasonable price, so that's another option.

It's too bad nobody makes a "quick-strut" assembly for these cars where the spring and strut are completely assembled and you can easily swap them out whole without decompressing the spring.

 

Good call on the strut bearings. I had forgotten about them.

 

Thanks , i need all 4 struts as well and the dealer quoted me $170 each corner , ill go to sewell and ask for the forum discount.

 

Bought my full set of 4 from Sewell last month for my '05 with sport suspension. $589 to my door.