I am looking to replace the rear struts on my 2005 Toyota Camry with almost 65K miles. The front struts were replaced at 49K miles with OEM units as part of the Toyota certification process. I have read opinions on various web sites that these are fairly good struts for the price and that they do compensate for wear and aging of the suspension components and have a firmer ride. Does anyone have a real world experience they would like to share?
Experience with KYB GR-2 Struts
- Thread starter RedDart
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I had them on my old car, a 1995 Nissan Maxima, while it still had the (well worn) stock springs. My experience was exactly as you described: good performance for the price, and a slightly firmer-than-stock ride. I liked them.
Wish I could comment on longevity but I didn't have them long enough.
Wish I could comment on longevity but I didn't have them long enough.
They are OEM equivalent. I haven't heard anything negative.
Put KYB front and rears on 2006 Honda Pilot with 140K on OEMS. The ride was much improved although still early I think they are good to go.
I had 4 KYB GR-2s installed on my 2002 Buick Century at approximately 80K (NYC can be tough on struts/suspension parts).
They were firmer than OE and I liked them a lot. I'm at 125K and they're still good.
KYB makes better, more expensive struts but the GR-2s are priced like Monroe's and Gabriel's and are a better strut, IMO.
They were firmer than OE and I liked them a lot. I'm at 125K and they're still good.
KYB makes better, more expensive struts but the GR-2s are priced like Monroe's and Gabriel's and are a better strut, IMO.
I used KYB's on one of my cars. very happy with them. altho do you really need new struts already? you might - but you may not. if they are not leaking many struts can go 100k and beyond. of course, your driving, road conditions - all affect longevity.
They are on the stiff side of OE, so they might ride harsher than you like.
GR-2s are generally considered a factory equivalent as far as ride and performance. I have used GR-2s twice before on small SUVs and really liked them. In my application they were very similar to OEM feel, maybe just a VERY slight firmer feel. I currently have the KYB gas-a-justs on my Yukon, and really like them. The GR-2 will be an upgrade in quality from your OEM struts. Overall, I am a big KYB fan (They do motorcycle shocks too, and I have had good experience there as well). I don't think you can go wrong for the price of the KYBs. When my Toyota Sienna needs struts in a couple years, it will be getting KYB GR-2s.
agree with JDD and d00df00d. had a full set on my 97 legacy. stiffer than oem, but soaked up the big stuff better than oem ever did. oddly enuf, they were the oem manufacturer for the legacy as well, but the GR2's were def better than stock valving
agree with JDD and d00df00d. had a full set on my 97 legacy. stiffer than oem, but soaked up the big stuff better than oem ever did. oddly enuf, they were the oem manufacturer for the legacy as well, but the GR2's were def better than stock valving
I put them on my '95 Bronco. I liked them but can't really comment on the ride you'll get in a car. For a lower cost shock they are great on a truck because unlike some of the competition they don't have the bypass zone in the middle of the stroke.
I put a set of 4 GR2's on a beatup 96 Ranger pickup that was a farm vehicle from Ohio. after JUST the 4 kyb's on, the truck literally floated down the street. It was a night and day ride.
I put them also my 92 Taurus.. I can't say the ride is super smooth.. but the handling is slightly improved.. a little bit wider tire next time around will help immensely!
KYB's are out of the box stiffer. They do this on purpose so they wear in better as well as last longer.
the Monroe comes out of the box soft & squishy. I wouldn't use a Monroe ever again... they're to soft and just aren't made like they used to be.
I put them also my 92 Taurus.. I can't say the ride is super smooth.. but the handling is slightly improved.. a little bit wider tire next time around will help immensely!
KYB's are out of the box stiffer. They do this on purpose so they wear in better as well as last longer.
the Monroe comes out of the box soft & squishy. I wouldn't use a Monroe ever again... they're to soft and just aren't made like they used to be.
Have used GR2's on Saturns and a Neon.
No problem, as most say, slightly stiffer.
Have not had any failures, either. (No longer have the Neon though)
They are working well on my 96 Saturn.
No problem, as most say, slightly stiffer.
Have not had any failures, either. (No longer have the Neon though)
They are working well on my 96 Saturn.
Just put four GR2's on my Nissan earlier this week. Very nice ride, drives like totally different car. Very firm, but not harsh. Put new dust boots on all four and replaced the front strut bearings too. The passenger side bearing was extremely stiff, and would only turn about 1/4-inch in each direction unless I really cranked on it.
Its only been a few days, but so far I am very happy with them. Lifetime warranty too.
Its only been a few days, but so far I am very happy with them. Lifetime warranty too.
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