Stock Struts Replacement (Monroe? KYB?)

[jlee910]

Hi all.

My 2000 Solara just passed 135K and is still running great except that my struts are blown.
Now is the time to replace all four struts and I am planning to get some low priced struts.
Since I am one broke college student, my car is 100% stock and I really don't need extra performance parts. I found some Monroe Gas-Matic struts, Monroe Sensa-Trac struts and KYB gas struts from advanced auto parts. Price is about the same between KYB and Monroe Sensa-Trac. Monroe Gas-Matic is the cheapest.
I know that I get what I paid for, but I am in the same boat with the guy who post front strut question below (so broke!).
Which one should I get? Will I need any additional parts? Do I need to change the springs as well?

Since I've never done strut change, how hard will it be if I change it by myself? I think I have tools needed (impact wrench and mechanics tool).
Any inputs will be greatly appreciated.


One more thing, you can order any parts from advanced auto parts . com and get $40 off $100 with coupon code BIG40
Only reason that I am ordering my struts from there

[amabsolute]

I believe the monroe gas-matic struts are oe replacement, the sensa-trac's are an oe upgrade and the kyb's are meant for lowering springs. But i could be wrong....... Maybe someone else will be able to give you a proper description.

Changing the front struts is pretty easy but take your time, the rears are a bit more difficult as you have to remove the rear seats the back panel and the rear side panels. it all can be done just take your time.

Be ready to replace some of the connecting pieces (ie. sway bar links) as they could be worn and you'll need some type of spring compressor.

do a search as people have changed them before and have usefull information

hope this helps

[Mr_Krispy1183]

KYB GR2/Excel Gs are an excellent OEM replacement strut.

[jlee910]

Thank you so much for your inputs. Should I get the springs as well?

[mac-phisto]

i actually just did the struts a few weeks ago. mine were pretty well shot, so i opted to buy the complete assembly - i was worried that i'd get in there & need more than just the cartridges. they're also much easier to install - you don't have to take the strut assembly apart - you just yank the old ones & install the new ones. saves a ton of time.

anyway, i ordered the sensa-trac assemblies thru amazon (171680, 171681, 171679, 171678 fit my 99 lara) - total cost was ~$550.

if you're doing it yourself, you need a compression tool for the springs - i think you can rent them at autozone/advanced/etc. you'll also want to get your hands on a repair manual - either buy one or search around for downloads. a search here might bring up a link to the full factory service manual, or maybe another member can pony up the link - i can't seem to find it. have fun taking apart (& putting back together) the back seat. it took me about 60 minutes to take it apart & more than 2 hours to get all those damn plastic snaps back in. there's an excellent step-by-step in the tutorial section - definitely print that out & have it w/ you for that process.

g/l

EDIT: don't forget to take the car into a shop for an alignment when your done.

[dug320]

Monroe Quick-Struts are my favorite. A complete swap. Amazon has good prices.

[vman5911]

I have the Monroe Sensa-Trac struts on my car. They worked great for lowering with Eibach springs. Not too expensive either.

[S.Z.-Alpha]

Mine's rear struts are probably blown too. When buying online, what parts to you need to buy? There's the struts themselves...how about the springs and such? Dont you need extra stuff to go along with it? You cant have a worn out part along with the new one you just put in cant you?