Betty is just over 160,000 miles and needs struts all around and front LCAs. Local dealership doesn't have OEM, so I'm looking at either OEM through HondaPartsNow, or Monroe, KYB, Bilstein. I think Bilstein B4 are the OEM ones, and they're a decent price on RockAuto. But what about Monroe's Quick-Strut and KYB's Strut-Plus all-in-one setups?

Mainly, I'm looking for either OEM ride and build quality, or softer. Would be great to get another set that'll get 150,000 miles, as we don't plan to get rid of Betty anytime soon.

 

I would go KYB 338002/338001. Only because I'm happy with the rear KYB shocks I put on. Haven't changed the front struts yet.

 

KYB is OEM as far as I've heard. I have read elsewhere on non brand-specific forums that for many reported applications KYB Strut-Plus are inferior parts to OE, particularly in the upper mounts and other hardware which makes noise, has play and fails early. Of course KYB may have addressed this, but one can't be positive.

If B4s are available, I'd be inclined to go that direction if I was doing the job. Or KYB struts/shocks a la carte. Purchase all new OE mounts, hats etc... IMO.

 

B4's are back in stock at TireRack. Mine shipped yesterday.

 

Let us know how the installation goes.

 

The oem struts and shocks on the GE8 are made by Showa. The only way to get them is the dealer.

KYB or Bilstein will not let you down. Both are great. Replace the strut mounts and bearings while you’re at it. They will be worn.

 

No good options for OE quality or softer when I've looked, specifically for the GE. Old notes on struts:

KYB, Honda OE equivalent stiffness with quality problems
Koni STR.T, non-adjustable sport / stiffer then Honda OE
Bilstein B4, OE replacement but 10%? stiffer than Honda OE
08W60-T5A-100, optional HFP sport suspension (2017~2020), 0.75in lower, should also work on GE8--recheck

 

https://www.rhdjapan.com/showa-tunin...t-ge6-ge8.html

 

Care to elaborate? Thanks.

 

No problems yet with kyb excel G shocks and struts, oe springs, kyb mounts. Did require a spring compressor, but it's served me well for multiple jobs and the ride quality is for all intents and purposes, OE. Hardware does rust, but so did the OE hat hardware. As for squeaks and clunks, you need a clean, dry surface for your mounts. Degrease the mounting surface prior to install.

I'd love to run bilsteins, but unless someone buys them for me it isn't going to happen.
I may do the crz suspension swap one day. Sure have talked about it enough. I'd like having an OE style ride quality with affordable replacement parts. But I'm sure I'd lose the front "lip", and my bumper if someone borrowed it.

If you're suspect of full assembly replacements, about $200 will get you a safe spring compressor on amazon. May be able to stretch your dollar even further via ebay or facebook market.

 

Nice!

For what it's worth, the Bilstein B4 front struts are $80 each on RockAuto, $55 each for rears. KYB GR-2 are $100 each.

 

You can rent spring compressors from both Advance Auto and O'Reilly (maybe others as well), and in both cases they refund your money when you return the tool. A few months ago when I did my wife's car the O'Reilly rental was $55 for 48 hrs and Advance Auto was $70 for 45 days. I went with Advance Auto and it was good that I did because I ran into difficulty with rusty hardware - nothing I could do would remove the top hat from the front struts but I was able to have a friend who works at a machine shop cut the strut shaft so that I could reuse the springs.

 

Some neat info here! Thanks for turning me onto rockauto carrying some new suspension for our cars! psh, I may swap my struts again 😂
but not before I get a foot to help me with my brake and clutch fluid.

As for stuck fasteners, I hear that!! I keep wanting to grease them. Maybe some noalox, or silicone, but if it gets on the mounts you'll be amazed by where you *think* the sound is coming from. thumps resonating through the unibody from the mount skipping..

I always have an angle grinder handy for looping off suspension studs. In some instances I didn't even try to brake them free. Not unalike exhaust work

 

Before ordering on Rock Auto, seach on google for a 5% discount code. I've always been able to find a working one. So you'll have a nice 5% discount.

 

Oh. this is a silly thing to tack on, but pretty useful. rockauto also has high quality v belts for mowers and compressors, etc. getting a grip of new deck belts for our ride-on mower for $10 a piece. Dayco or Gates. amazon knockoffs sitting at 20+ that snap like crazy. or like, 40-60 bucks for a brand name at hd, lowes, tractor supply. it's a pretty wild deal.

 

@Pyts

a foot to help me with my brake and clutch fluid

 

I installed them a week ago and have been driving my usual route to work every day since. At first I was very underwhelmed. They felt just like the old dampers I had just taken off. But after a few miles I completely changed my mind. I'm noticing: a much quieter ride, way better contact with the road through rough corners at speed, much better braking and throttle response, and generally it just feels like the front of the car is direct and balanced. Almost like I had been driving with under inflated tires this whole time.

I'm hooked. I probably won't bother looking at KYBs or Konis (etc.) in the future, knowing these exist for the same price.

 

You got the bilsteins?! They're affordable?!?!?!
ugh... fuckin... budget. Alex says I can't add a spot welder to the wedding registry, so I assume coilovers, or even performance struts are out of the question.

"No one would know what that is besides my dad."

 

I got Bilstein B4s, OEM replacements ("10% stiffer" they say) and used my stock springs. They are around $360 on Tire Rack for all 4. I trust they will hold that 'fresh feel' a bit longer than other brands, but we'll see. I didn't want to compromise on comfort, and my wife hasn't mentioned anything (which is the real test.)

Maybe a welder next!

 

Is this what you bought?

https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...onFitsVehicle=