KYB Shock / Strut reviews?

[drallan]

Time for new struts / shocks all the way around. I've got a 2004 v8 w/ 340k on it. Not looking for a lift, but wouldn't mind leveling the front.

Does anyone have experience w/ KYB shocks? Understand Bilsteins are the gold standard on this forum, but for a daily pavement princess who only occasionally sees snow or dirt roads I was thinking they would be good enough. Looking at the threads it appears a full strut assembly for a 2008 FJ will give a bit of lift in the front.

Thoughts on using these from amazon for the front? I know Monroe quick-strut are not recommended, but feel like KYB has a better reputation.

KYB SR4130 Strut Plus Complete Corner Unit Assembly
https://www.amazon.com/KYB-SR4130-C...mzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

 

[MikeinNH67]

Time for new struts / shocks all the way around. I've got a 2004 v8 w/ 340k on it. Not looking for a lift, but wouldn't mind leveling the front.

Does anyone have experience w/ KYB shocks? Understand Bilsteins are the gold standard on this forum, but for a daily pavement princess who only occasionally sees snow or dirt roads I was thinking they would be good enough. Looking at the threads it appears a full strut assembly for a 2008 FJ will give a bit of lift in the front.

Thoughts on using these from amazon for the front? I know Monroe quick-strut are not recommended, but feel like KYB has a better reputation.

KYB SR4130 Strut Plus Complete Corner Unit Assembly
Amazon.com

The back is easy, something quality like KYB will do as they are quick to replace. For the front I went with OEM takeoffs from a new Gen5, I bought from Ebay for around $120 shipped to my door. The things look and feel brand new which they should as the date stamp on them was within a year of when I got them. All that is needed to make them fit is to grind maybe an 1/8" off the lower eyelet. Used but newish Gen5 assemblies are pretty easy to find as folks like to lift them.

Here's an example of a newish set but this one is way to pricey when including the shipping they are charging. Could offer less I guess. Sometimes you can find them local on marketplace or CL.
2010-2022 OEM Toyota Loaded Struts 48510-35440 | eBay

 

[shiftmx]

I had KYB gas-adjusts shocks on my 3rd gen and I liked them. I don't know if I'd go with what's in the link though because the coils are an unknown.

Check your local facebook market place and look for 3rd gen Tacoma 4x4 take off suspensions. They can be commonly had for $150-200 with really low miles. It will give you a nice level depending on how saggy your stock coils are. Here is a pic of mine with 3rd gen tacoma suspension on the front and stock rear coils.

 

[Hunter61]

I put these on my '04 V8 last fall and I'm happy with them.
My 4runner's a daily driver that rarely leaves the pavement.
Total cost from Rockauto was about $365 after a $50 rebate.

KYB 344410 Shock Absorber (2) rear shocks.
KYB SR4130 Strut / Coil Spring / Mount Assembly passenger side.
KYB SR4131 Strut / Coil Spring / Mount Assembly driver side

 

[delz05]

I second the thought of using Toyota take-offs.

Last two suspension rebuilds I have done (4th gen) have been with 2021 4Runner take-offs, to include full struts and shocks with front and rear springs. I purchased new strut bearing assemblies for piece of mind.

Less than 300.00 each time in parts cost, giving about 1.5” lift all around.

One job was done to replace leaking sport suspension, the other to replace rear air bag suspension.

 

[Buckaroo]

I have been installing KYB stocks and struts for the last 8-10 years. The are a quality suspension component. I would not replace my OEM springs with a loaded strut unless I knew something was wrong with them. I would just buy the strut and reuse the existing spring. Certainly would never buy a Monroe loaded strut.

 

[triethylborane]

Recently installed KYB on all four corners using the same parts list as posted by [MENTION=180360]Hunter61[/MENTION]

Longevity TBD, I do not off-road, lots of highway miles, some snow etc. KYB should be fine, not worried about it.

I might do a 5th gen take off next time, but this was fast and pretty cheap at less than $350.

 

[T4R2014]

KYB is the gold standard replacement for Toyotas outside of forums. Monroe and Gabriel is straight trash.

 

[Bluesky 07]

[MENTION=96147]drallan[/MENTION] - I had the 3rd Gen Tacoma setup for years, first off a 2015 then a 2020. Both were TRD Offroad editions and the gear was golden for both performance and price. I recently decided to go Eibach all around b/c I heard great things and there was a deal from a fellow T4R member on some unused parts that I couldn't pass up.

Point being that my front shocks and coils are available (I changed out the rear a few months ago and sold those parts). They came off the 2020 Tacoma as I mentioned above and all told have about 37K miles on them. I was just getting around to posting them for sale when I saw this thread. If you're interested in discussing, lmk and we'll go from there. Many people here can tell you I like to pay forward the many kindnesses I've received here and on other owner boards so I promise whatever price we might agree on will be more than fair. One caveat, you'll need to use your stock top hats (upper shock mounts) and maybe a couple of the bushings. Otherwise this is plug-n-play. Full details are in the suspension post linked in my sig.

 

[SparkyWalnuts]

I put kyb's on front. I intentionally chose ones that added 1.5" of lift to compliment a 2" lift kit from Rough Country. No complaints at all after 2 years.