I've been using KBY AGX struts on my 2000 GTP Coupe for almost 10000 miles now and frankly don't like the ride. Even on the lowest setting way too harsh on sharp bumps like frost heaves or seams (common in the DC area). What is the concensus on the best struts when you want the best ride and handling compromise? Very important: How do Monroe Quick Struts (171661/171662L&R) compare to the OEM struts found on my car?

I know KYB GR2s have a nice firm compliant ride.

If AGX's are too harsh, then GR2's are going to be even worse.

Go back with stock.

I like the quick struts so far.

my car had 156k on it when I put them in. I believe the struts were OEM.

anyway you normally need the other related parts as well, like the bearing plates.

what is nice about the quick struts is that EVERYTHING is new, springs bearing plates, bumpers, strut itself, bellows.

and you can put them in yourself with no tools needed to compress the springs.

the only thing you should do after installing them is get an alignment done.

buy them off amazon if you decide to get them, free shipping, and the cheapest prices I have found online.

jaybur,
How do they compare to your stock struts in terms of feel?

well I do not think there was any comparison, since the stock ones were trashed.

but they ride very well, they are aimed at being an OEM replacement, not a performance strut.

and with new springs too, I think it would be comparable to a "like new" ride.

OH MAN, i LOVE my monroe struts!! I didnt get the quick strut package because of the price, but i bought the struts and they are AMAZING compared to the stock ones! Ive only had them for about 6,000 miles but they feel great so far!

I wound up spending as much on parts as it would have taken to buy the quik struts...I wish I had gone that route because I think I would have gotten a better ride overall than the KYBs/spring combo I have now.

I know exactly what your talking about with the potholes in DC, DC has to be the worse streets to drive on in america.

so the KYB AGXs are strictly performance? not comfort? I was debating about going that route because I thought the adjustable part meant that you could change from "stock like" feel to a more performance based feel. Is that not correct at all? Based on what I read above . . .

Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? I am just trying to understand why adjustable struts could not be set to the same comfort level as stock . . .

Unless the "softest" setting is stiffer then OEM.

The monroe struts are recommended as a stock replacement and give a oem ride so they would probably be your best bet ,and if you want to get rid of the AGX's I'd be interested in buying them from you.Chico(pops)

All,
The lowest setting on AGX (#1) is decidedly stiffer than stock GTP struts. The problem is in their compliance and not so much in compression damping. The initial jolt is a killer while the rest of the compression stroke is very well controlled.

I've pretty much decided that replacing the entire unit is the way to go. My current plan is either to replace all four complete units with Monroe Quick Struts, or with OEM. NTB quotes about $1800 for the complete job including 4-wheel alignment. My local GM dealer quotes twice that to replace all the OEM parts.

My current units are AGX struts, new OEM springs and KYB isolators, spring seats, mounts, bellows, etc. They have 10000 miles on them. I will be selling them as a complete set of assembled units and will not part them out. If anyone is interested, please let me know at cprher@verizon.net.

BTW, Monroe Quick Struts have a lifetime replacement warranty.

$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)

I'm willing to bet that the GR2's are you problem.

funny, my GR2s are firm but comfy. Yet again, my GT isnt dropped, either.

The saying around here is that GR2's are struts for ricer civics. Because once you lower the car the ride goes to hell. lol

I dont have the lowering spring on the car anymore and it still rides like its rolling on rocks.

The only thing that I can think is that your springs ruined the struts in the amount of time you had them on there. I have GR2s and Eibachs on my car right now, but they haven't moved, yet.

actually I think its just the other end of the spectrum. The car handles curves great and the ride is fine on smooth surfaces and it doesnt jounce or float like it would with a bad strut. I originally installed the lowering springs to replace the sagging rear stockers that was letting my back fender scrape my tires with anything in the trunk. Once I removed the lowering springs I put the stockers back on the front and set of Impala spring on the rear tolevel the car out. It doesnt sag now even with trunk full of luggage but they could be as much of a stiff ride culprit as the lowering springs were. Tis is why I'm almost wondering if I should install a set of quick struts before I pull the 18s off the car.

$1800? If you're gonna pay someone to do all the work, why bother with the quick struts. I'm getting the quick struts for my wife's GP, because I'm a cheap bastard and I'll be putting them in. I guess there is a chance that it's still cheaper when you consider all the extra parts?

Our gp needs new strut package very badly since it is still running the factory ones with 185-86k on them!

I just pulled them up on amazon and the total with free shipping was going to be $617.31, is there anywhere cheaper that you can get a set of four of these cheaper in the $500 range as jaybur mentioned?

I think the prices went up.

I was trying to find some used ones locally so I could sell the monroes for like $450 shipped. (2,000> miles on them). But the local yards want $45 PER strut for a used one with who knows how many miles. so for $180 Just for parts on my end, is not really worthwhile. If I could get some for $100 for all 4 I'd do it, it would be a great deal for the buyer.

This is one of those times I am really kicking myself for throwing out the stock parts.

well, if you were to sell the others for $450 or less shipped, i'd be interested, just let me know with a reply or pm me if you did decide to do that.

I didn't realize you put Impala springs on. I bet that is a stiffer spring then the stock GT springs and is your rough ride culprit.

I've been using the Monroe Quick Struts for a couple of weeks now. Not a lot of time I know but this what I've learned so far. They are very compliant, and soak up small sharp bumps like pot holes and frost heaves very well. They control the car very nicely over large bumps at high speed like you sometimes find on highway interchanges. They feel a bit softer than the OEM struts on my 2002 GT but not by much. I know that the struts have a lifetime replacement warranty from Monroe so leakage is not a problem. As to OEM or Delco it was a matter of cost, not just in parts but overall including labor. Getting the Quick Struts significantly reduced the cost of installation. My total bill installed was ~$1100. So far (fingers crossed) they are working out fine. Having said that it is no longer a "performance" suspension but rather one biased towards comfort. By the way my car has stock rims and Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread tires.
Keith