Recommend Me a Set of Struts

[njaremka]

so, long story short, our rear dampers are shot again.

i'd like to hear some recommendation for a full set of dampers, front and rear. since i have to perform this "maintenance" on my own dime this time, i'd like to get it done once and have it last. i'd like to get Koni yellows or Bilstein HDs, but the budget might not support the cost. how are the cheaper brands holding out?

thanks.

 

[Silentnoise713]

How much money do you want to spend and how long (mileage, not years) do you plan on keeping the car?

 

[njaremka]

would be nice if i could stay under $500, but i also realize that might not be possible. my question is more for those that have replaced their struts with one of the "cheap" (inexpensive) brands, and how the durability is playing out. my ideal choice would be for koni yellows, with the bilstein HD's a close second. our plan is to keep the car for at least 5 more years, and the rest of the vehicle is wearing quite nicely to support that plan.

 

[Silentnoise713]

IIRC, Koni FSD were going for in the 500s shipped, Yellows a hair more. IMO, how long you plan to keep the car should dictate what shocks you put on. Koni's have a lifetime warranty. My current GT has KYB GR2 in the rear for ~17k and they are holding up fine too.

 

[thaxman]

I have KYBs all around. They have held up adequately. My posted problems all seem to have to do with 17X7.5 wheels with 38mm offset. Once I took care of the fenderwells, all rubbing/striking/bottoming out seems to be gone. I just wish there were more monotube options than just the Koni and Bilstein routes.

 

[Wishmaster]

I've had KYB on the rear and Monroe on the front for about 30,000 kms now, they are holding up just fine and also have lifetime warranties.

 

[njaremka]

thanks guys. please keep the comments coming!

 

[speed3 britz]

The SenSen's I've been using on my car almost 2 years now have been really good. I would recommend them, and friendly on the wallet as well!

 

[makachung]

DO not buy SENSEN struts!

 

[phunky.buddha]

Huh? Zombie thread resurrection? Must be some crappy struts.

 

[makachung]

Yup. lesson learned the hard and expensive way. Just making sure and reminder not to BUY THOSE STRUTS!

 

[Robotazky]

My Koni FSDs are still running solid. Very happy with the ride.

 

[03protolx]

I have had sensen struts on both my proteges and have done just fine. My 97 protege has about 67k miles on the four sensen struts and they still ride good.

 

[thaxman]

I have had sensen struts on both my proteges and have done just fine. My 97 protege has about 67k miles on the four sensen struts and they still ride good.

Yes, maybe, BUT your Protg weighs like 2800 lbs....LOADED with 4 people and a cooler full of beverages.

 

[aha]

I heard good things about KONI if you are willing to pay that much. I'm pleased with KYBs in my MPV - 15K and going strong (with lowering springs as well) so if my 5 ever needs struts/shocks, I'd most likely go with KYB.

 

[cburrell]

Koni FSD, I just installed them on mine, you won't be disappointed! They are worth the the extra cost.

 

[flcruising]

Monroe OESpectrum Sensa-Tracs from Amazon for $136.60.

3 weeks installed

HAPPY WIFE

enough said

 

[03protolx]

Yes, maybe, BUT your Protg weighs like 2800 lbs....LOADED with 4 people and a cooler full of beverages.

2800 pounds is dry weight. more like 3300-3600 depending on if i have a full tank or not and how many people in the car. rides great. Also have put sensen on quite a few vehicles. like a trailblazer, ford explorer, a few cavaliers, and a bunch of foreign cars.

Had my car loaded down with 4 people and lawn chairs and such last fall on the way to a concert. took every bump and corner like a champ.

 

[JLove336]

In addition to the two front struts, and the two back shocks (I'm looking at buying KYB from Amazon), what other parts would I need to replace? Shock mount, strut boot?