Monroe or KYB struts for daily driver?

[Lex]

I need new OEM replacement struts for my daily driver. Stock height suspension. I've had KYBs briefly before ... but aside from that not much experience with either brand. Price is about the same. Which do you recommend and why?

[therieldeal]

i believe the s/r's will work with stock springs as well and they are cheaper...

[Lex]

Cheaper than 175 for all 4?

The front top bearings have to be slightly enlarged for the S/Rs

[MD323]

Monroe are crap, I used to have to use them in the shop I worked at when a strut was trashed in an exident and they would leak and squeak 3 months latter and the old stockers would still be going strong!

I'd go KYB if your keeping a budget and ZX2 if not

[Lex]

Monroe are crap, I used to have to use them in the shop I worked at when a strut was trashed in an exident and they would leak and squeak 3 months latter and the old stockers would still be going strong!

I'd go KYB if your keeping a budget and ZX2 if not

Thanks for the info - I am just looking for OEM replacement - nothing fancy. The fronts are leaking and once the weather cools they will start clunking.

I can also get some used OEM ZX2 assemblies (strut spring top mount) from a late model Escort for even cheaper. Is that a worthwhile consideration given they are currently not leaking? I do like OEM equipment but these would be pushing 8-10 years.

[323driver]

Go with KYBs, they have a lifetime warranty as well.

[MD323]

Thanks for the info - I am just looking for OEM replacement - nothing fancy. The fronts are leaking and once the weather cools they will start clunking.

I can also get some used OEM ZX2 assemblies (strut spring top mount) from a late model Escort for even cheaper. Is that a worthwhile consideration given they are currently not leaking? I do like OEM equipment but these would be pushing 8-10 years.

I'm running used assemblies out of a 01 ZX2 on the MX3 and their still holding strong. I believe they are also tockico's but without the aggressive valving of the S/R's

Obviously standard used part concerns apply

[MazdaNoob]

kyb's

[FE3-323]

honestly lex, having 2 brand new struts S/R & KYB right next to each other. id say the KYB's are honestly probably better. the compression valving on the S/R's sucks balls rebound is great tho. KYB's are a little flipside but rebound is still good.

[Lex]

Thanks for the input everyone - seems that it will either be new KYBs or a used set of ZX2 struts in good condition if I find them.

[Turpro]

Idk if this will be the same in canada but I'm running zx2 front kyb gr2s and rear protege kyb gr2s. The reason for this is because the zx2 was cheaper in the front(and I was running zx2 srs before so the bearing/perch was already there) and the protege rear was cheaper than zx2 rear. I actually like the kybs better than the srs. And as stated the kybs are lifetime warrentied

[Mazda_Powered]

KYB all the way!

[Kris]

KYB and never had a problem. im swapping over my old KYB with my old stocks on my grey one?

[Beerizfood]

I have put kyb on numerous cars and it2 hit or miss if they blow after a short
time.True the warranty is good though.
Ive never used monroe so cant say.
I put some front struts on a 2000 prot a while back and the dealer was cheaper than kyb.I was shocked but maybe the price came down due to the age of the vehicle IDK.
It may be worth calling the dealers just to see.
Personally i would prefer good used OEM to KYB or Monroe .

[redprotegelx]

Imma miser so I've only used Monroe... one day I'll go for the KYB or Tokico... I would assume they're better???