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strut-plus package vs plain stut?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by theclarinetguy32, Jul 4, 2018.

  1. theclarinetguy32

    theclarinetguy32 Member

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    Perhaps I glazed over a post already mentioning this, but for a 2007 with ~140k, is there any specific need to consider a KYB strut-plus package on the front vs getting just the strut and re-using the coil spring?
    I'm guessing one main factor is convenience? Pop the old one off, put the new one in, done deal.
    Price I'm seeing from rockauto is a bit over $140 for the plus package, $50 each for just the strut.

    On a few occasions I've had to load maybe 800-900 lbs in the rear, which would be the only reason I'd think of considering rear coils. Maybe the few times I've done that aren't anything to worry about, but I did want to ask about the front parts.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 theclarinetguy32, Jul 4, 2018
  2. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    #2 Paul Schenck, Jul 4, 2018
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2018
  3. theclarinetguy32

    theclarinetguy32 Member

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    sorry, not quite following. What do you mean?
     
    #3 theclarinetguy32, Jul 4, 2018
  4. hchu1

    hchu1 Active Member

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    When I did mine, I had sourced all the different parts associated with the package kits. For whatever reason the search did not come up with the package kits that's why I sourced the separate parts. If I had found package kits I would have got those. The only thing I reused was the springs.

    If you are thinking you are just going to change the struts, think again. There is the bearing on top, the dust boot, and the bump stop, they are just as worn as the strut or worse. Price those parts, that will narrow the price difference. With the package you won't have to worry about whether you got the right parts when it is time to mate everything up and you'll get new springs too.
     
    #4 hchu1, Jul 4, 2018
  5. theclarinetguy32

    theclarinetguy32 Member

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    For some reason the page wasn't showing your comments, just the "I'm all" comment. Now I can see what you wrote.

    so given the ease, would you say it's worth the $150 price tag per side?
     
    #5 theclarinetguy32, Jul 4, 2018
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  6. theclarinetguy32

    theclarinetguy32 Member

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    Ah... I was wondering about the extras per se and what else would be needed.
    When going with the package kit, is there any other part that is recommended to change out while things are disassembled?
     
    #6 theclarinetguy32, Jul 4, 2018
  7. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Not sure if strut upper bearing is included but it must be changed, the entire weight of the car sits on those front bearings. You will notice how much better the steering feels with new bearings.

    I bought just the strut from KYB and the strut alone us $50. So you can imagine how cheap the struts are if the whole strut package is $70,

    But the fact you do not have to swap springs is very enticing. Spring swap is really scary diy. Most auto stores swap springs now they have the machine. The original front springs are very high quality. The package springs are not.
     
    #7 edthefox5, Jul 5, 2018
  8. theclarinetguy32

    theclarinetguy32 Member

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    I can't quite tell but the complete package does appear to simply bolt right in with the 3 bolt pattern, so I'm leaning towards yes. Unless anyone else can comment otherwise.
    Suppose for the time being I can keep the old front coils and if it does feel like things are going south then I have a backup.
    If I can get another 60k out of the car with this project then I'll call it a win.
     
    #8 theclarinetguy32, Jul 10, 2018
  9. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Yes if it has the 3 bolt that's what your bolting the 3 bolts is that bearing. The oem bearing is like $40 alone so quite a deal there with shock & spring & bearing and dampner.
     
    #9 edthefox5, Jul 10, 2018
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