TRDRAV4

My parents' 2000 RX300 2WD needs replacement shocks, and the dealer (Longo) was nice enough to tell my dad to get them elsewhere since the dealer would overcharge (obviously)...I had KYB's on my older Toyotas, and just wanted opinions on the shocks available for the RX. I think I would do the same, and get KYBs for my parents' RX. Any feedback is appreciated!

thomas1

they work great, Have them on front and rear on my RX

artbuc

Thomas, did you put them on yourself? Did you install new KYB strut mounts? Thanks.

Lexmex

I like my KYBs.

They appear to ride a bit tougher than my stock shocks, but they were a definite improvement when I had them in Mexico over my OEMs (compared to when I first moved down there).

lexus114

Monroe`s :d

thomas1

Yes I did install the KYB myself, I used KYB mounts also...on the rear. THe fronts I used Napa brand mounts (not happy with them even though they have lifetime warranty) had to replace one because of the normal bump rattle sound. Stick with KYB on everything.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Bear in mind this is your parents car and their most likely priority is ride comfort. Don't be tempted to get sport shocks or sporting manufacturer shocks (eg Bilstein). If you can find the OEM shocks, get those.

thomas1

I found the KYB ride same as the OE shocks. I put the KYB GR2 shocks in....

Lexmex

One thing I should add that given the rougher roads in Mexico City, I found there wasn't as much up and down movement with these GR-2s as with OEM (when my RX300 was newer when I moved down there), but in Florida, I agree with thomas1, I don't see much difference from what I remember when the OEMs were newer and my ride now.

Do take my advice and put rubber tubing on the lower part of the springs to avoid the problems with OEM rubber insulation that inevitably goes bad.

lexus114

Lex,you replaced all four struts on yours right? I just got a quote for $1600.00. Needles to say I`m only going to replace the two front ones for now.

Lexmex

Yes, all four.

It's one of those things that if I had the tools, I know I could do myself. That was the nice thing about having my uncle's shop back in Mexico, we had everything right there and eventually even got a true lift that we were able to do the shocks with.

$1600 USD is a lot of cash. If you were able to get the air gun or something to clamp those springs, you could DIY. That spring clamping was the main deal.

lexus114

Well I should add that I got two quotes,one was 1600.00,the other was 1200.00. And these are the only two shops that I trust in my area. As far as the dealer......... I think we all know that isnt much of an option. Speaking of the dealer,I`m surprised they dont have a much more competitive price for repairs,dont they realize that their business as far as service would probably double?? Food for thought for all of you dealerships out their!

Lexmex

Well, dealers have a finer line to run financially as they have to report to corporate, where as independent shops report to themselves.

lexus114

Lex my man,if their is any positive way of seeing it,you find it......

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Was that from the Lexus dealer? Have you checked a Toyota dealer? I got my Geo Prizm timing belt replaced a few weeks ago at the Toyota dealer for $199 (web coupon special for Corollas only but they gladly took my money for the Geo).

The Chevy (Geo) dealer wanted over $500!!!