97 Legacy Outback: Are Monroe gasmatic struts OK?

[Franklin Bowen]

Please don't shoot me, but I have no interest in better performance
and I don't off-road. What I want is struts that are reliable, cheap,
and will NOT lower the car.

I shopped around (a LITTLE) and the best deal I could find was at
Sears, 60K Monroe gasmatic struts. I am a little apprehensive since I
have seen some posts about wrong struts lowering the car! Is there
anything I should know and/or make them aware of to ensure the work is
done correctly?

Thank you!

 

[2 Stroke]

I'm assuming Monroe has no website or you would have had your question
answered there.

The KYB GR-2 is what most folks use when replacing struts as a
maintenance operation (as opposed to doing it as a suspension
upgrade). I know for a fact that these are designed to replace OEM
struts and won't change the ride height. The description page can be
found here:

http://www.kyb.com/products/detail.php?ID=1

KYB is the OEM supplier of the struts on my WRX, and I think they were
the supplier for your vehicle as well. GR-2 WRX struts cost just
under 100 bucks each, IIRC, don't know the price for the Legacy OB,
but they are listed on KYB's site.

==================================================================

 

[TG]

I think Monroes are pretty crappy and don't last...try KYB or Koni. TG

 

[Franklin Bowen]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I had Sears do the work (not enough
time or motivation to do better) and either the Monroe's are better
than you think or more likely I can't tell the difference between good
and crappy struts! I'll report back if/when they get replaced.

PS We've already put 1000 miles and some high speed cornering on them
and no complaints. However, I *THINK* I can hear them hiss when we go
over a small drop (as opposed to bump). Just odd or a problem?

 

[David]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I had Sears do the work (not enough
time or motivation to do better) and either the Monroe's are better
than you think or more likely I can't tell the difference between good
and crappy struts!

I had a Buick where the Monroe's were much better than the original struts
(I contrasted my car with the new struts with a nearly new rental that
wallowed like a whale).

 

[WillM]

Just curious... about how much did the struts cost? (including installation)
I got a quote for $1200 from a shop, $600 from the dealer. Can Sears do it
for less? I too am not worried about high performance, however I would like
something that will last a few years.

Will M

 

[2 Stroke]

It's not your imagination. The hiss you hear over small bumps at low
speeds is normal. Most struts and shock absorbers do this, my OEM
struts included. Also indicates that your hearing is still good. <g>