toytrain13

I was checking on front shock absorbers for my 2002 ES300. On EBay, Concord (CA) Lexus is offering original ones for "$149.95 each (free shipping) while KYB Outlet is offering the KYB (reportedly these are oem) Excel-G version at $75.69 (free shipping for two). I'd like to know members' experiences with the KYB's, since they are MUCH cheaper. Do they provide a similar ride?

LeX2K

If you go KYB, you will lose the plush, soft ride the originals offer. The car will definitely ride more harshly (sporty to some) with the KYB's. KYB is the OE supplier, but that does not mean the replacements are made to the same specs.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

150 for stock shocks is a steal. Definitely get OE.

MikeLex

Exactly. Most of the times they are not. A few years ago I put KYB's on my 94 Camry V6 only to find them too stiff. I saved a few hundred bucks and got a headache. If you want to preserve the traditional Lexus ride, bite the bullet and buy the originals, but if a harsh ride is not a problem for you, then maybe you should consider trading your ES for a sportier car.

hypervish

KYB is the OEM, which means Original Equipment Manufacture.

You can buy directly from KYB the OE strut, but it will be a strut that meets only OEM specifications.

You can however buy a OE strut from Toyota/Lexus.

The reason the KYB's you buy elsewhere seem more stiff is because they are made to accommodate for other worn suspension parts such as weak springs.