thelew67

Thinking about replacing the shocks on my 2012 RX. They are the original ones I've got 50,000 miles on the car. Should I go OEM, or try something else.

Clutchless

Your only choices are OEM or KYB (who makes OEM and which cost more) See www.tirerack.com and for OEM see www.lexuspartsnow.com

No one else makes a complete set. Monroe makes front struts, because they are the same as the Highlander. But we have a different rear suspension with shock and they do not make those.

niklow

Go OEM, lately KYB's I have put on or seen for Toyo/Lex - Lower strut spring holder is lower than stock by some calculations. Its odd but not 1 to 1.

MellonC00

Please post an update when you are done. I'd like to know what parts you'll be replacing. Usually the shops typically recommend you replace the actual shocks along with the "stopper?" or the "insulator?" Not sure.

80es300

Why are you thinking of replacing the shocks already? 4yr old car and only 50K... any issues with the shocks?

Clutchless

Unless you have the leaking rear shock syndrome.

MellonC00

Many times replacing shocks early prevents other suspension related issues due to more than "estimated" or "calculated" jolts or bounce in the whole system due to aging shocks. The whole system is supposed to have one dip and smooth bounce from the dip due to the damping action of the shocks but as time goes by the "bounce" gets more pronounced without the driver realizing it. Then, all the small little rubber bushings in the control arms and tie rods and other little things starts going and starts taking away from that Lexus magic carpet ride. Later on, when your shocks do start leaking or gives away completely, the little damage is already done to the rest of the suspension without you knowing.......

F250

I concur completely, MellonC00. Keeping all of your front suspension components in similar condition with proactive replacements before they die will certainly help sustain the "magic carpet ride".

I went through the wrong way to do it on my '02 F250 diesel. I replaced shocks, but not the other 150K+ mile front components (i.e. drop links, tie-rods, and sway bar bushings). Once the new shocks were in place, my truck began eating ball joints until I finally bit the bullet and replaced ALL of the front suspension. The ride has been fabulous since getting everything back 100%, and my ball joint problem has gone away. That truck is now sitting at almost 290K miles and still rides like it was new.