No Air suspension.....just standard.
Looking at KYB Excel or Monroe OEM Spectrum. About the same price.

SUGGESTIONS PLEASE.

THANKS

HLIPPY4

 

Good morning Hlippy4
Just replaced my LS430 struts with Monroe (Made in Japan) over the weekend.
Very happy with the replacements so far.

 

How does the Monroe ride compared to the OEM ride?

 

It's very hard to compare since my OEM struts had 135K miles on them. But I would said it handles better on turns and just a bit stiffer than OEM.

 

I replaced mine with Monroe also, and as mentioned above, they were Made in Japan. I've had them now about a year and I would recommend them.

The only reason I didn't use KYB is because they have a widespread reputation for giving a firm ride on most cars. I didn't want that in an LS. But KYB has a great reputation as well and is a supplier to Toyota/Lexus (but that doesn't mean the KYB you buy aftermarket are the same as what you buy at a dealership)

The Monroes gave a firmer ride than what I had, but not harsh at all. Still a smooth riding, luxury car. It's hard to properly evaluate because I think my struts were simply wore out at 150k+ miles, and one was badly leaking oil. So if the ones on there were clapped out, anything is going to seem "firmer". But it was more like a Mercedes-type ride and less a Buick.

The car feels far more controlled and "glued" to the road.

 

OEM price for each, these are the sport version.
Front Sport Struts: 48510-80307 $133.11
Rear Sport Struts: 48530-80241 $66.40

www.mylparts.com

 

part numbers for the non sport versions ?

what happens if u use those on a non sport car ?

 

For some reason (perhaps obvious to a German), the Japanese made cars are left out of the better quality after market parts market. Why on earth does Bilstein not make shocks for Japanese cars? The fact is that Germans HATE Lexus, Acura, etc cars. Believe me, I have firsthand knowledge!
KYB, in my opinion, copies Bilstein, but they are not the same!
Monroe? Haven't used them since I put air shocks on 1966 Mustang in 1975! But "branding" is a funny thing and the consumer can find bargains in that realization . Monroe could have very well contracted with KYB or Bilstein and simply slapped their name on the strut.

 

Not exactly sure what you're talking about, Bilstein makes struts for most Japanese brands.

 

Tell the Tacoma, 4Runner, land cruiser, tundra, And fj cruiser guys that bilstein doesn't make shock for them

 

You can buy Bilstein shocks if you want your car to ride like crap. They are so stiff they should only be used on a race car on the racetrack.
The Germans do hate Lexus ( and Honda ) mainly because the first LS in 1980 was so good in a few short years BMW and Mercedes took a big drop in sales volume .... as the world discovered you didn't have to pay a fortune to drive a high quality luxury car, you could get a Japanese luxury car that needed a LOT less service !

 

Thanks all.....bought the KYB's with KYB mounts and boots.
Absolutely rides as new....couldn't be happier.

hlippy4

 

Update.....strut blew out after 1 day......kyb told me to go to hell and they specifically exclude labor reimbursement!!!!

Spoke to a supervisor who made up every excuse in the world as to why the strut went bad (someone must have damaged it...etc.) and was proud they get around paying labor under their warranty.

1 day...yes 1 day........never use kyb!!!!

 

Was the shock visibly brand new in a new factory sealed box?

 

yes it was....bought it from Rock Auto.....brand new