[SheaLaking1]

WOO-HOO!!!!

Just installed last night The KYB GR-2's and mounts and bellows which I ordered from rockauto.com....

No more "CLUNK-CLUNK-CLUNK" from the front over every little bump (GEEZ, I thought the swaybar bushings were gone, too!).

A quick "around the block" after I finished up tells me that the "floaty" feel is all gone, too. They seem, perhaps, a little "firm" to my sensibilities, but I'll get used to that over time. Also, it brings back the "sporty" feel I fell in love with when I bought the van.

Rock Auto was a pleasure to deal with-I WILL order from them again in the future.

The only down side is, I lost track of time when doing the repair last night. Didn't finish up 'til 1 AM, guess I owe the neighbours an apology for running the compressor and impact gun that late...:redface:

Have a good day, all!D

Regards,
Shea

 

[mjody]

Thanks for the update Shea. I was perusing their site last night and thinking of the KYB order too. I am tired of the constant clunk-clunk on less than perfect roads. I will do front and rears as well. How long did it take for your order? Any duty when it arrived?

 

[Z32]

Is there a need to change springs ? Or just the struts will be 'ok'? My van has about 120k miles and I notice that it's getting bouncier and bouncier than before. That's why I'm thinking it probably requires new struts but not sure if springs are needed too?

 

[mjody]

Is there a need to change springs ? Or just the struts will be 'ok'? My van has about 120k miles and I notice that it's getting bouncier and bouncier than before. That's why I'm thinking it probably requires new struts but not sure if springs are needed too?

No. Springs control the ride height mostly. I am going with new Struts front and shocks rear. Not changing springs.

 

[SheaLaking1]

To answer everyone's questions...

The duty is, I believe, calculated and taken care of by the shipping company. My parts came through FedEx. EVERYTHING was calculated on rockauto's website when ordering.

You "may" not need springs. I replaced my broken originals about two years ago when I bought the van. I noticed then that the struts were "weak" for lack of a better word. Wish I had replaced them then, but of course, "FUNDS." I would CAREFULLY check the springs for rust or signs of breaks. My originals were broken inside the rubber sleeve covering the top two coils.

We now have some miles under it since this was done-I'm actually posting this sitting at my Mother-In-Law's dining room table. So, add the trip from Oshawa to New Dundee (Kitchener/Waterloo) on top of a full week of driving it on Oshawa's "battle ground" of asphalt... WOW!!!! What a difference! I don't think it actually rides "firm or harsh" I now believe this is probably how it rode when new. Even, as I said riding on horrible, potholed and cratered pavement that my daily commute entails, it doesn't beat me to death.

Money well spent.

Now, to fix some door dings....and get those roof rack brackets in....and of course, that GREEN hatch on a silver van....:rollingeyes:

Have a good day, folks!

Regards,
Shea

 

[SheaLaking1]

Okay, I guess I didn't answer "all" the questions.

My order took, as I recall, four days to ship upon confirmation of payment.

I would STRONGLY recommend replacing the strut mounts, as well. The bearings and races in my originals were rotten garbage! Too much trouble to do this job over twice!

Regards,
Shea

 

[mjody]

Thanks for the post Shea. I lucked out and got a set of new GR2's front and rear off a local guy whose van was totaled while he was waiting to get them installed. Can't wait till Saturday, hopefully the end of the front clunk and "Buick Bounce" all over the road.

 

[dlux]

Looks like I'll be doing this to my '04 this weekend. A couple of questions

1) Approx how long did it take?
2) I was looking at going with the Monroe quick struts until I saw this thread. Any particular reason why you went with KYB and not Monroe?

Thanks!!

 

[DrMark]

I was looking at going with the Monroe quick struts until I saw this thread. Any particular reason why you went with KYB and not Monroe?

Good question!

(I just saw the Monroe thread too.)

 

[mjody]

I put in the rear shocks tonight, 30-35 minutes and done. I have a small air compressor and 1/2" air gun to make it easier. With the wheel off, it is a 17mm bolt on the top and 17mm nut on the bottom. Wiggle old leaky shock out, install shiny, new, silver KYB and tighten.
I soaked the threads for 24 hours first and no problems. Front struts on deck for Saturday.

 

[mjody]

Got the front struts done. As Shea mentioned, highly recommend KYB's. Nice firm ride, no clunking anymore, no nose dive when braking.