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I put the Gabriel ones from Rock Auto on front and back about 18 months ago. Didn't replace the springs though. Everything was well other than the hell of the lower rear bolts fusing to the bushing sleeve. No hot wrench was available, had to cut through the shock loop, bushing, and sleeve with a cutting wheel to save the bolt. Had I been able to get 2 replacements, I would have unthreaded them and then cut them with a sawzall to get the shock out.
Last edited by 98Silverado; Jan 16, 2020 at 01:06 PM.
Unfortunate. Thanks for the reply. Anything noticeable about the ride with the new struts? I see they have an "Ultra" model - did you install that or the basic one? What made you choose Gabriel?
I want new struts in my 2008 and want to maintain the OEM springs/ride height.
1) Has anyone found an alternative to KYB?
2) Has anyone tried KYB and if so, what do you think?
Sorry if this is redundant.
KYB makes the OEM ones so they are the best IMO. I recently put KYB on my Pilot and they are like OEM and I expect them to last just as long (100k miles plus).
I chose the Gabriel purely based on price. I knew they were the original 11 year old shocks and struts, and I had a strut bearing that was getting noisy.
They certainly ride better than the originals! Also, make sure you get new rear bump stops, they are installed on the shaft of the shock, and mine were trashed! (Unless they are included with the shock? Mine didn't include them, had to buy separate.)
So here's another question - do any of the adjustable struts on the market (usually used to lower a vehicle) include an OEM ride hight in their adjustment ranges?
I'm running Tokico HTS (aka Reds) which feature adjustable dampening and they're effectively a direct replacement for the OE struts and shocks. These WEREN't cheap when I got them in 2013 (around 900 bucks for the set) and AREN'T cheap now (1.2k the last I checked) for a boxed set. Though during install, I did have to enlarge the washer that gets squashed between the bumper bushing and lock nut from inside of the cargo area.
Tokico may also still offer their Blues but they're identically valved to that of OE from what I hear.
As for aftermarket dampers, it really depends on the manufacture. Some do indeed meet or exceed the factory ride height... Others are a pinch shorter than stock.
I'm running Tokico HTS (aka Reds) which feature adjustable dampening and they're effectively a direct replacement for the OE struts and shocks. These WEREN't cheap when I got them in 2013 (around 900 bucks for the set) and AREN'T cheap now (1.2k the last I checked) for a boxed set. Though during install, I did have to enlarge the washer that gets squashed between the bumper bushing and lock nut from inside of the cargo area.
Tokico may also still offer their Blues but they're identically valved to that of OE from what I hear.
As for aftermarket dampers, it really depends on the manufacture. Some do indeed meet or exceed the factory ride height... Others are a pinch shorter than stock.
I'm in need of a fresh set and just got my W2. LOL
The extra pair of rears are always available but I dont know if I want to ditch the full set. I still have aspirations of installing them. I also like money though so I guess anything is possible lol
The extra pair of rears are always available but I dont know if I want to ditch the full set. I still have aspirations of installing them. I also like money though so I guess anything is possible lol
Pm me a number, I'm kinda hesitant because these don't seem to be sold any more so I'm not sure how they'll warranty it but let me know
Pm me a number, I'm kinda hesitant because these don't seem to be sold any more so I'm not sure how they'll warranty it but let me know
Ive had the rears since 2017 so that warranty probably has only a few more months left. The fronts I picked up mid-2018 so about 18 months on those. Why not pick up a full coilover set instead? You'd probably get at least a year of warranty.
BC Racing, Ksport, Megan and Function and Form are still available online.
Last edited by domoMKIV; Jan 30, 2020 at 02:56 PM.
Ive had the rears since 2017 so that warranty probably has only a few more months left. The fronts I picked up mid-2018 so about 18 months on those. Why not pick up a full coilover set instead? You'd probably get at least a year of warranty.
BC Racing, Ksport, Megan and Function and Form are still available online.
I'm trying to keep it stock while dealing with the body roll.
Hootie, I can't thank you enough. I found a set of HTS shocks on Amazon and despite the $1K price, they are exactly what I was looking for. I've loved having Koni yellows on the rear, and can't wait to see how it feels with the HTS on the front. Lotus found great success with the combination of soft springs, firmly dampened. Great combination of ride and handling. I like the OEM ground clearance for the Alaska Highway..,.
Thanks again. I'm going to get new control arms, sway bar end links, tie rod ends and and motor mounts also, I like to pre-empt trouble.
Strut Replacement Options?
Also, make sure you get new rear bump stops, they are installed on the shaft of the shock, and mine were trashed! (Unless they are included with the shock? Mine didn't include them, had to buy separate.)
