$1800 is way overpriced. I paid <$1000 installed, I'll check actual cost when I get off work...

zXLankyXz,
While I don't know exactly why the lowest setting in not OEM equivalent I can offer one possible reason. AGX, like most domestic struts are low-pressure hydraulic dampers. Most high performance low-pressure units are characterized by harsh compliance over sharp bumps. In contrast, high-pressure hydraulic units like Bilsteins are much better at balancing compliance and damping. My Ford Ranger FX4 had factory installed Ranchero high perfomance "off-road" shocks and the ride was terrible. I installed Bilsteins and the difference was immediately noticeable. Better compliance and better control. Don't know if that's the reason but there you go.

$450 in labor for all 4 struts installed + alignment. Even that seems excessive, its not THAT much work, but w/e. Struts were $650 (tho monroe gave me $150 back w/ mail in rebate).

Total = $1100. Look for some place that will install the parts you provide and you will save big time. Shops always mark up their parts to be twice what you can get them for.

If you buy the quick struts, it is seriously a few hours work tops to get them in.

then just get an alignment to finish it off right.

It can't get any easier than swapping the entire strut assembly.

I have replaced struts alone on other vehicles, and the cheapo spring compressors are not a great idea (fill out your will, just in case.) I had one BREAK while compressing the spring, LUCKILY I had just installed the nut that holds the strut to the top mount, or it would have been a nightmare. I took the remaining ones to a shop, and $17 a piece to get them swapped seemed much better than possible death......

now before anyone jumps in with comments on that, know that I have done probably 7 strut swaps with the cheapo compressors, and although its a PITA, I never had one break before the time mentioned above. SCARY.. That is one more reason I opted for the monroes. I wanted to do the job myself, and for as cheap as possible.

As you can all imagine I was not happy with the prices I received. Rock Auto sells all four Monroe Quick Struts for just over $600 plus shipping. NTB is charging me almost $1500 just for the struts, and almost $400 for install and align...$1880 for everything. Needless to say my price shopping is not over. What I'm really trying to find out right now is whether there is really any difference between an OEM SE strut, GT strut and GTP strut. Similarly, are the springs all the same or stiffer for the GT/GTP. I'll check that out tonight at my local GM dealer.

Last time I checked, all 4 shipped to your door for under $500.....

you can get free shipping on amazon, just type in the part numbers:

FRONT: 171661 (both sides the same)

Rear left:171662L

REAR right:171662R

not all companies on amazon ship for free, so look for the "free super saver shipping" method

Just got off the phone with Monroe technical and warranty. The lifetime replacement warranty only applies to the strut, not any of the ancellary components (mount, spring, seats, etc.) If a spring breaks for example they'd replace the entire unit, not just the one part, but the warranty would not cover it. I don't think the warranty issue will prevent me from buying them.

I spoke with Lisa in their tech branch whose husband also works for Monroe. He used to own a '97 GTP and raced it. At 90K he replace the OEM units with Monroe Quick Struts. According to his wife he thought the Monroe Quick Struts were a bit firmer than the OEM ride. They drove the car for several years in Michigan with no troubles. For those interested Lisa's line at Monroe is 800-843-4169 X8102. A very nice and helpful person to talk to.

I wish I could sell you mine. But I did something with the OEM struts that I almost never do, I took them to the metal recycling dump and got rid of them the day I swapped in the monroes. I normally keep the used parts around in case I decide to demod, but I have limited space these days.

I would guess I have about 500 miles on these.

If I could find a set of used ones CHEAP at a salvage yard I would definitely sell these to recoup that money as well.

I out the Monroe reflex on when they were still available. Very nice strut. Too bad they discontinued them. Will be going with the quick struts when I need to replace these. Of course I get a discount on them through work.

Well, yesterday I ordered a full set of Monroe Quick Struts from Rock Auto. Not the lowest price but a very good warranty/replacement policy. Shipped immediately and will be here Saturday. Will install them next week and put my existing KYB AGX struts up for sale on this forum by next weekend. Those interested in them keep your eyes peeled.
Keith

I think Chico was first in line, IIRC. I know someone expressed interest.

You shouldn't be dissapointed, I have yet to talk to someone who actually has used the quick struts that were unhappy. Those who haven't tend to be naysayers (read: clubgp).

I just got my new Monroe Quick Struts installed and the car aligned. I couldn't be happier. Over the very rough roads I commute on in DC the car just soaks up the bumps. Firm ride but no longer stiff. Very good compliance. My KYB AGX struts, fully assembled with all new parts, are now for sale. I couldn't find a classifieds on this forum. Do we have one? In the mean time you can contact me at cprher@verizon.net.

Classifieds posts go in the "Everything Else" section.

looks like its about 600+ no matter where you buy monroes... are there other brands that make quick struts?

reading this thread has really gotten me to thinking and scratching my head. Maybe its good thing that I still havent spent my money on wheels yet. Here I have been thinking that a taller sidewall tire would make my car ride better (and I'm sure it wouldnt hurt) but now I'm wondering if my KYB GR2s are the real culprit for such a harsh ride. Who knows, maybe my lowering spring werent really all that bad but the struts have been the culprit all along.
Almost makes me wonder if I should install a set of quick struts myself before I pull my 18s off in favor of different tires (although that still will most likely happen)