Need to replace struts all the way around, running gear has 268,000 miles got the car at 50,000 miles. So any recommendations on brands, Minnesota weather is a factor, and the wife wants a good ride

For a good ride... call 1-800-newhuby.    Sorry, couldn't resist.

So, you must have a Ford F 150, 4wd, probably 1992 ?

KYB. 'Nuff said.

1+ KYB, the will be a little stiffer, but thats the way to go.

year & model would be very helpful, but yeah - KYBs are about the best replacement you can get for a Subaru.

when replacing the struts, you will have to cut the tab that secures the brake line in order to remove it. You will also have to notch the new strut to accept the clip (or zip tie) to attach the brake line. Unless you feel like disconnecting all the lines and have Soooooo much fun bleeding the system.

 

O.

I did the job a few years back myself and I used OEM springs and Monroe struts.  If I ever do it again I will buy the strut and spring in one package already assembled.  Using that spring compressor is a little nerve racking.

To my knowledge nobody makes a "quick strut" for a subaru. I'd be happy to be shown otherwise though. I'm not a big fan of the compressor I have.

my fav, find a nice set of KYB in the yard and get the complete strut

Agree with the others, KYB is my recommendation. I have used there struts for years, and always been pleased. Great quality, last a long time. Yea, a little stiffer then OEM, but maybe some of that is just because of the difference in comparing a warn out strut to a new one.

 

The last couple of installations, I had done at a shop, that let me bring in my new KBBs. I never liked working with a spring compressor. Always felt wary that the compressor was some how going to slip and release the tension on the spring in a nasty way. I just think it is a dumb way to get hurt, and then needing to go to a hospital.

Use a strut compressor which has the lock pins. You can do a rental from Advance Auto/ similar shop and they will refund the cost when returned.

These are completely safe. I dropped a compressed unit and noting unusual happened. Knowing I was going to use them again, I purchased a pair ($60 from Advance) and have been completely satisfied with the decision.

 

O.

So I guess you wold not like my forklift or vertical lift strut compressor.  Just do it safe and smart.  Not that much compression is needed just to start the nut.

What's the best price for a shop to do struts?  Quotes I have heard are quite high.

Figure about an hour and a half per strut for labor.

Add another half hour to bleed the brakes.

Plus a charge for "shop supplies".

 

Strut prices vary pretty widely. If you have the shop order them, figure anywhere from $75-125 per strut.

Shop price will be highly variable. If they use a pre-assembled strut with the spring and such that would be the minimum labor.

 

No need for a spring compressor, just use this handy trick (just kidding of course the spring ties method is highly dangerous, I just remember seeing this pic somewhere years back)

Shop price will be highly variable. If they use a pre-assembled strut with the spring and such that would be the minimum labor.

 

No need for a spring compressor, just use this handy trick (just kidding of course the spring ties method is highly dangerous, I just remember seeing this pic somewhere years back)

Wow......that picture needs to be with other photos on how to do red neck repairs..........LOL

I did the job a few years back myself and I used OEM springs and Monroe struts.  If I ever do it again I will buy the strut and spring in one package already assembled.  Using that spring compressor is a little nerve racking.

 

have used both Monroe and KYB replacements - I like the KYB much more.

 

did KYB struts & tops with OE springs (everything brand new) on my current daily driver & like the ride - firmer than Monroe struts, but not harsh

I used Monroe many years ago on a Ford Escort. The handling afterward would best be described as a 'wet noodle'. I like the firmness of the KYB GR-2's. One nice thing about using all new components is you don't have to disassemble the old struts assemblies, which when doing all four is a bit of a time saver.

I used Monroe many years ago on a Ford Escort. The handling afterward would best be described as a 'wet noodle'. I like the firmness of the KYB GR-2's. One nice thing about using all new components is you don't have to disassemble the old struts assemblies, which when doing all four is a bit of a time saver.

 

Exactly! and that is part of the reason I did it that way.

 

the other part was that the old ones came off of a donor that had over 350K on it and were in pretty bad shape - as in "bucking bronco" bad...but - they were still better than the busted springs that were on the car when I got it...

 

have to agree with the Monroe being "wet noodle-ish". Have also used Gabriel struts in the past on the old GL - better than Monroe, but not as good as the KYBs. with a bit of shopping around one can find KYBs at a better price, too... I think I ordered mine, along with the tops, from partsgeek.com

 

My advise is: go to the KYB website, look up the correct part numbers, then shop around for the best overall price - and dont forget about shipping costs when comparing prices! one site had the actual struts a little cheaper, but soaked on the shipping... total cost ended up being more with them.

Edited October 25, 201411 yr by heartless

I flat out refuse to use Monroe. I've used them in the past and was very dissatisfied with the ride quality. I replaced a set of shocks on a volvo and the leaking shocks with 250k miles on them had a better ride than brand the new Monroe's I put on it. I drove the car about a mile, took the Monroes off and returned them to the parts store.

A few years later I saw a "How It's Made" video that showed how they build their shocks and struts and what I saw scared me away from the Monroe brand entirely.