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Replacing front struts

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Old Oct 12, 2023 | 08:39 AM
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Default Replacing front struts

Hello, the right front strut has gone out on my 2004gs300 and im trying to figure out how to go about getting them replaced. I will most def be paying somebody to do it im just trying to figure out what parts I need to buy.
KYB Excel-G seem to be the move, do I need to buy anything else like a strut mount or new springs as well?
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Old Oct 12, 2023 | 09:30 AM
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Those KYBs are fine. I used them on my 300 with stock suspension. You should also replace the top strut mount and the boot if it's torn up.
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Old Oct 12, 2023 | 09:34 AM
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Thanks, and the strut have the shock in them or I need to buy a new spring?
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Old Oct 12, 2023 | 09:36 AM
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Struts and shocks are two different things. The "strut" is the damper which is installed within the housing. You can reuse your existing spring. It slides onto the strut housing and is held in place by the strut top. That assembly then bolts to the car.
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Old Oct 12, 2023 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by JonGS3
Struts and shocks are two different things. The "strut" is the damper which is installed within the housing. You can reuse your existing spring. It slides onto the strut housing and is held in place by the strut top. That assembly then bolts to the car.
got it, thanks

So I ordered the strut mounts, strut boots, and struts. Anybody know if the KYB SM52205 strut mounts are any good?
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Old Oct 12, 2023 | 11:04 AM
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If you’re paying someone, it might be cheaper to order loaded shocks with springs and hats all put together for the installer to avoid spring compressors and such.
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Old Oct 12, 2023 | 04:49 PM
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I've never seen a good quality loaded strut. They are cheaper and easier, but usually trash. Something good like Bilstein or KYB will need to go to the spring compressor. Check out RockAuto for a list of available parts and good prices.
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Old Oct 12, 2023 | 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by TrueGS300
I've never seen a good quality loaded strut. They are cheaper and easier, but usually trash. Something good like Bilstein or KYB will need to go to the spring compressor. Check out RockAuto for a list of available parts and good prices.
the struts, strut mounts, and strut boot that I ordered are all KYB. This is best choice besides OEM right?
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Old Oct 13, 2023 | 05:18 AM
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Yes, for the available replacement brands, KYB is good. Bilstein is best imo, but expensive. Most would go to coilovers anyway if performance was in mind.
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Old Oct 27, 2023 | 02:01 PM
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I have been hearing a lot of bad things about the KYB strut mounts, mine were made in india... i think there already done installing it now im pretty concerned

anybody have experience with them?
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