Cocal

I find the standard Lexus shocks quite comfortable, I don't think you'll find a better value (quality/price)
KYB is another brand of good shocks , Bilstein are too hard IMO, but everyone is different.

Clutchless

The Sachs front struts are difficult to find. Note that the TRW shocks & struts are about the same as Sachs as both are owned by the same parent company now (TRW). They have the same description on Rock Auto.
It is strange that Rock Auto says the rear shocks are for both non-sport and sport suspension. Same with the TRW shocks.

However:
I see Rock Auto has the TRW struts but only for the sport suspension, so you do not want those, they are equivalent to Bilstein B6 and will be too stiff. However, the price is great at $54.79 on closeout.

Just get Bilstein B4 struts and shocks and enjoy the improved ride. Many places online sell them from Tire Rack, to Rock Auto to Shock Warehouse and Summit Racing.

703

KYB are also OEM for Lexus struts.

Cocal

The things one learns on this forum! Thanks for clarifying.

Clutchless

Most RX struts and shocks are supplied by Tokico. That was the name I found on mine (Canada built 2010) when I replaced them. I know others have also identified Tokico struts & shocks on their RXs. I don't recall if anyone actually claimed to have removed KYB OEM struts & shocks although they may supply them for other Lexus/Toyota vehicles.

The OEM shock & strut supplier may vary by model, build year and build location. If anyone has actually identified KYB OEM struts & shocks on their RX Please post to back up this assertion.

RX in NC

Yep, everything I have read states that the OEM factory shocks on these third-generation RX vehicles were supplied by Tokico. When the time comes, I will be replacing them with the Bilstein B6 components on my wife's 2015 RX350 (now approaching 72,000 miles on the factory shocks).

MattRX

I'm loving the B6 so front & rear. Both front & rears were made by Tokico and they are very outclassed by these B6 in every way - handling, comfort, build quality & I assume durability as well! The B6 are nice and compliant yet soft when you're riding on rougher roads or on the highway, but firm up nicely when you brake or corner hard. They are a great addition to the car, but they don't transform it into something it isn't. It still feels heavy and has body roll, but my RX is still on stock springs & isn't exactly light at 4500 lbs!

jimmoy

Hi. Did you change the front struts with Bilsteins too? Thanks.

MattRX

Yes, definitely do the fronts too they're every bit as nice as the rears. These fronts have to come from a 2010-2013 Highlander

jimmoy

Hi. Did you have to install the rear B6 upside down like others have indicated here? Thanks.

MattRX

No, I mounted it the same way as OEM. You probably COULD get away with it though on the B6 only as this model is monotube instead of twin-tube.

What would be the reasoning for this? The boot would be upside down which would invite debris to attack the seals.

jimmoy

Thanks MattRX for the reply. I would not want to install it upside down. Someone here said that he did. And I thought it's the only way to do it since it's for a Highlander and not specific for Lexus.

MattRX

You’ll find that most chassis parts from a 2014-2019 Highlander will fit our cars as they are mechanical twins.

Clutchless

The rear suspensions of the Highlander and the RX are exactly the same. The spring rates may vary a little, but the size of the shock is exactly the same. That is why they fit.
When I installed mine one of them would not fit into the upper bracket and I had to remove the upper bracket, which is only 3 bolts, then squeeze and bolt the shock in before re-installing it.
It was probably just a manufacturing tolerance issue and you probably won't have this issue.

MattRX

I would also like to add that the 2016-2022 RX and 2020+ 4th gen Highlander STILL use this exact rear suspension architecture. You could use rear shocks from these cars too if Bilstein creates more sets in the future.

You can also swap in 2016+ RX350 rear springs for more load carrying capacity, I helped someone pick out some RX450h AWD Hybrid rear springs as they were doing some heavy towing and damaged an OEM spring. Has been working great for him ever since.