KYB Excel-G or Bilstein?

[keithyota]

I ordered a set of KYB's off rockauto, have not installed them and wondering if I'm going to be disappointed and should get the Bilstein 5100 or other.

Just got 07 4runner limited 4wd and had a "new suspension". However, it is monroe quickstrut and it floats all over the road and seems too soft like an old Buick. It doesn't hold a line so well on the road and seems to float around.

Talking with toyota parts contact they suggested KYB would best return it to factory handling, barring replacing the expensive Toyota system...which was $4000. So I got some KYB Excel-G and Strut Plus (quick strut).

I'm reading this site more and sounds like will still ride soft.

Any experiences with Excel-G struts and given I don't want the truck to float so much, would I be better off with the Bilstein 5100 or something else?

 

[payeentbawlur]

I have the KYBs installed on my ride. The suspension performance improved dramatically over the stock one at 200,000 miles. I've never used Bilsteins, I am looking for some though.

The KYBs on rock auto are for the FJ Cruiser and the 4Runner. I think they are a bit stiff for me to be honest. I have a 2003 V6 SR5, so if yours is a v8, It may feel smoother due to yours being heavier (from my knowledge). Mine rode the best when I had a couple hundred pounds of lumber on the roof rack. That felt like its sweet point, in my opinion. If I air the tires down it feels better of course.

That being said, for the price it is a decent deal. If you want something that is an improvement, the KYBs will offer that. If you want the best bang for your buck and have the dough to spend, I would recommend the Bilsteins since you can customize lift options and everyone loves them.

 

[gimlithepirate]

I ordered a set of KYB's off rockauto, have not installed them and wondering if I'm going to be disappointed and should get the Bilstein 5100 or other.

Just got 07 4runner limited 4wd and had a "new suspension". However, it is monroe quickstrut and it floats all over the road and seems too soft like an old Buick. It doesn't hold a line so well on the road and seems to float around.

Talking with toyota parts contact they suggested KYB would best return it to factory handling, barring replacing the expensive Toyota system...which was $4000. So I got some KYB Excel-G and Strut Plus (quick strut).

I'm reading this site more and sounds like will still ride soft.

Any experiences with Excel-G struts and given I don't want the truck to float so much, would I be better off with the Bilstein 5100 or something else?

So the first thing to understand, the stock Toyota suspension is very floaty. I would actually argue that especially in the 5th gens, the shocks are under damped for the weight of the vehicle. Its 75% of the reason my wife and I did not buy a 5th gen. That and it kind of handled like a pig (worse than a 4th gen). Point is, restoring "factory handling" depending on what you are used to may not be the best option.

Bilsteins, at least the higher end ones, have a reputation as an offroad shock. They work amazingly well offroad, but some people feel like they are too stiff on road. If you want the super stiff ride on road though, they are probably a great option.

I can't speak to the KYB Excel-G, though generally speaking KYB makes good suspension parts. Do you know if the Excel-G is a monotube? It is not surprising that Monroe quickstrut is not a nice feel. KYB should be better than Monroe, as a very general statement.

However, if you feel like it's wandering all over the road, that is probably not shocks. I would get your alignment checked, as that is usually a sign of a bad alignment.

If you are thinking you want to go Bilstein, I would also look at Dobinsons and Eibach. Dobinsons has a ton of options, and Crikey Mike here on the forum will get you setup with exactly the feel you want. The Eibach is a US made Bilstein copy with progressive valving, which generally speaking gives a better ride on road without ruining the ride off road.

 

[keithyota]

I'll check into these options. The Excel-G is "The KYB Excel-G is a nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube design that includes every quality component that our global OEM products include and it is the preferred choice by professional technicians."

By wandering I mean I hit some bumps and feels like it moves a foot to the other side of the road rather than holding a line. Feel s like suspension is bouncing me around. I think it originally had XREAS not sure about RAS. But that was all rusted out and replaced before I got it.
I'm learning a lot I didn't know I didn't know.

I called Eibach, possibility. Haven't seen many reviews on them. Sounds like a good middle ground.

 

[keithyota]

im running the v6 as well. I'm surprised to hear they are stiff, I assumed theyd be towards too soft.

 

[firebirdguy]

i have the KYB front & rear shocks in an 08 v6 sport & compared to the original not leaking xreas at 145k they ride much better. they are not "floaty" at all but are not super stiff either. KYB says the shocks & front springs are 10% stiffer than stock so the ride is a little firmer than a stock set up. the monroes are known to be softer & i have not heard any good reviews of monroes on these 4runners or most cars for that matter. have also read a few reviews that the bilsteins aree too stiff for street use but are great for off road or if you do a lift since they are adjustable height.

but keep in mind every person has different opinions as to what is firm vs soft. if you dont plan to do any heavy off roading i think the KYB are a great option, great price & have a lifetime warranty. also check for rebates, i got an $80 rebate last year from KYB purchased from rock auto.

another thing to consider after changing to the KYB is to get poly sway bar bushings, that will firm up the handling/corners some & may help with the floaty feeling you have... but also check other suspensions components for wear & tires/alignment.

 

[payeentbawlur]

I'll check into these options. The Excel-G is "The KYB Excel-G is a nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube design that includes every quality component that our global OEM products include and it is the preferred choice by professional technicians."

By wandering I mean I hit some bumps and feels like it moves a foot to the other side of the road rather than holding a line. Feel s like suspension is bouncing me around. I think it originally had XREAS not sure about RAS. But that was all rusted out and replaced before I got it.
I'm learning a lot I didn't know I didn't know.

I called Eibach, possibility. Haven't seen many reviews on them. Sounds like a good middle ground.

im running the v6 as well. I'm surprised to hear they are stiff, I assumed theyd be towards too soft.

Well to be honest, mine sort of has that same feeling of when you hit a bump. Feels like it jumps around. I assumed it was from being stiff and unable to adjust properly to the change in terrain. They work fine off-road, albeit a bit rough. But again, my experience is very limited compared to most people on this forum. So keep that in mind!

KYB > 200,000 mile blown strut stock suspension
Most others > KYB

That's my official determination haha

Really it comes down to how much you wanna spend! I only got the KYBs because I was on an extreme budget and can do the work myself and RockAuto had a $50 rebate. So to me, $250 for a new suspension all the way around was worth it.

Hopefully that is at least slightly helpful!

 

[Silver Stallion]

The Eibach kit is awesome, a good mix between on road and off-road capability at a reasonable price. Here's some links with members discussions for the 4th Gen that have used Eibach. I have the full kit and love it. If you never go off the pavement and don't need new springs the KYB shocks would be just fine.

Eibach Pro-Truck Sport Shock Review (4th Gen)


Experience with Eibach Pro Truck lift kit?

4th Gen Eibach Pro-Truck Lift Review

 

[nissanh]

KYB is NOT so good but better than Monroe for sure.

Tokico is the factory OEM and ride is smooth, the Bilstein is bit stiff and regarded as a very good offroad shock absorber. I own nothing but Toyota trucks. I used KYB on a Hilux and it failed in few years (probably less than 30K miles).

 

[firebirdguy]

another thing to mention about the KYB vs stock is they provide a bit of a lift in the front due to the new/stiffer springs. mine gained about 1-1.5" over the 145k but not sagging stock fronts, gave the 4runner an almost leveled stance.

i would not consider kyb "NOT" good, they arent the "best" but for the price they are hard to beat & are very good quality & ride. gotta compare allples to apples for things like this. if you do some research they get excellent reviews for any vehicle.

& any brand shock can fail depending on the use or manufacturer defects... kyb's lifetime warranty will replace a failed shock free of charge.

 

[ktom3001]

I hated the ride with 5100's. It was really chattery over small bump but would blow through the travel on driveways and speed bumps.
I always assumed this was because of digressive valving so I went with Fox this time around and I'm very happy with it.

 

[gimlithepirate]

The Eibach kit is awesome, a good mix between on road and off-road capability at a reasonable price. Here's some links with members discussions for the 4th Gen that have used Eibach. I have the full kit and love it. If you never go off the pavement and don't need new springs the KYB shocks would be just fine.

Eibach Pro-Truck Sport Shock Review (4th Gen)


Experience with Eibach Pro Truck lift kit?

4th Gen Eibach Pro-Truck Lift Review

Hey, one of those is my review! xD One addendum to these though, if your talking shocks+springs, the Eibach springs will not take much weight. You will sag if you load the truck with 4 people plus weekend camp gear. I ended up changing out the rear coil for a Sway-Away coil I bought on here that is taller.

 

[Tironeous]

In my opinion, quickstruts are to be avoided. KYB will be an upgrade and Bilstein will be an even bigger upgrade.

Why Not to Buy a Cheap Quick Strut Assembly for Your Car - YouTube

 

[LA4RUNNERGUY]

I just read through this post and the comment from firebirdguy caught my attention. That when installing the KYB's in the front will raise the front end, possibly leveling it out.

I have a leaking front shock and will need to replace it soon and planning to get the KYB's. I did not know this when I installed the Daystar 1" level kit about a month ago. The guy at the shop either didn't notice it or didn't see the need to tell me, or it happened after the fact. Not sure.

Should i remove the Daystar level kit when installing the KYB's since these may provide the front leveling I want? Or do the KYB's eventually settle and the front rake returns?

Thanks,

 

[gaber6]

I used KYB quick struts with daystar lift. Been 35k miles or so and I really can't stand the lift other than it looks a little cooler. It is more difficult to get stuff on the roof, the hitch is higher up, and jack points are a little higher off the ground. You need UCA adjustable to make it drive more solid really, and I didn't do that.

I do like the soft suspension, as it is a taller vehicle and I'm not taking corners quick. I never even liked how firm my Bilsteins were in my TT after a few days.

 

[payeentbawlur]

another thing to mention about the KYB vs stock is they provide a bit of a lift in the front due to the new/stiffer springs. mine gained about 1-1.5" over the 145k but not sagging stock fronts, gave the 4runner an almost leveled stance.

i would not consider kyb "NOT" good, they arent the "best" but for the price they are hard to beat & are very good quality & ride. gotta compare allples to apples for things like this. if you do some research they get excellent reviews for any vehicle.

& any brand shock can fail depending on the use or manufacturer defects... kyb's lifetime warranty will replace a failed shock free of charge.

I just read through this post and the comment from firebirdguy caught my attention. That when installing the KYB's in the front will raise the front end, possibly leveling it out.

I have a leaking front shock and will need to replace it soon and planning to get the KYB's. I did not know this when I installed the Daystar 1" level kit about a month ago. The guy at the shop either didn't notice it or didn't see the need to tell me, or it happened after the fact. Not sure.

Should i remove the Daystar level kit when installing the KYB's since these may provide the front leveling I want? Or do the KYB's eventually settle and the front rake returns?

Thanks,

BEFORE KYB:

AFTER KYB:

So the before image is with a blown strut on the stock suspension with 200k miles.

The after is with the KYB shocks installed in the front and back. With the same rubber, different rims. No spacers, all suspension lift.

It resulted in a significant lift and level for the front. I didn't bother measuring unfortunately. But that can give you a bit of an example of what you may get on your rig.

 

[firebirdguy]

I just read through this post and the comment from firebirdguy caught my attention. That when installing the KYB's in the front will raise the front end, possibly leveling it out.

I have a leaking front shock and will need to replace it soon and planning to get the KYB's. I did not know this when I installed the Daystar 1" level kit about a month ago. The guy at the shop either didn't notice it or didn't see the need to tell me, or it happened after the fact. Not sure.

Should i remove the Daystar level kit when installing the KYB's since these may provide the front leveling I want? Or do the KYB's eventually settle and the front rake returns?

Thanks,

yes the kyb did add some lift to the front, mostly due to the 10% stiffer than stock new springs vs the 145k originals.

the lift from the KYB doesnt totally level the front but does raise it back to new height plus a little more. the pics above are a good estimate of the lift & here are a couple pics of mine (after & before) last year about 1000+ miles after the lift & it still looks & measures the same today so any settling is minimal & will happen in the first 500-1000 miles. same 265/70/17 tires & no other changes to suspension. stock rear springs.

if you want a true level i would suggest installing the kyb's without the front spacers to see how you like it after a couple months, then since its so easy to reinstall the spacers, do that if you want more lift.

 

[LA4RUNNERGUY]

Thanks to both for the responses. I will install the new KYB front struts and remove the 1" DS. do mind confirming if the KYB's you installed on the front are these? I want to be sure it's the same one I found on line?

Is it the KYB Strut Plus

SR4130 & SR4131

 

[keithyota]

UCA adjustable?

 

[payeentbawlur]

Thanks to both for the responses. I will install the new KYB front struts and remove the 1" DS. do mind confirming if the KYB's you installed on the front are these? I want to be sure it's the same one I found on line?

Is it the KYB Strut Plus

SR4130 & SR4131

That's the pair I'm running good sir. You've got it!