Asking for brand opinions on struts.

[Shade Tree Welder]

I need to replace the front struts on my 2011 Ford Explorer again.

My question is what brand would you guys/gals use on your personal vehicle.

Attached is a picture of the ones that fit my car, which is AWD.

I don't mind spending money on a better product. But I can tell you that the
Motorcraft brand is not anything special. But are the KYB, Gabriel or Monroe's
worth the extra cash, or are they all basically the same.

[mccutter]

https://bilstein.com/en-us/products/

I think PartsGeeks had decent pricing on these...

PS: I wouldn't buy "loaded" struts (ie: with springs) as their one-size-fits-all spring rates may be different than stock. Maybe if I had sagging springs... But DO get new dust covers, bearings and bumpers

[astronut]

Personally I would go with Monroes or Gabrils. I have had both brands on compact cars, full sized cars and half ton trucks and was satisfied with both brands service and price wise. I have no experience with bilstein but have heard rumours that they are more hype than help unless in a race or performance application. YMMV.

[Shade Tree Welder]

Originally Posted by mccutter

https://bilstein.com/en-us/products/

I think PartsGeeks had decent pricing on these...

PS: I wouldn't buy "loaded" struts (ie: with springs) as their one-size-fits-all spring rates may be different than stock. Maybe if I had sagging springs... But DO get new dust covers, bearings and bumpers

Thanks for the input. I generally buy loaded struts, that is a lot of extra
work swapping springs. and I am going to assume if they say the part fits
the spring constant is correct. But damn they are proud of their products.
I have the tools to do it, and have, but I can afford a few extra bucks.
The Exploder is easy, jack it up, take off the wheel. 3 bolts in the wheel well
and 4 up top and swap the old for the new. Torque everything up and have
my tire guy do the alignment.

I have Bilsteins on the front of my F-350, they seem fine and they were
priced close to other brands at the time.

Originally Posted by astronut

Personally I would go with Monroes or Gabrils. I have had both brands on compact cars, full sized cars and half ton trucks and was satisfied with both brands service and price wise. I have no experience with bilstein but have heard rumours that they are more hype than help unless in a race or performance application. YMMV.

Thank you that was the way I was leaning. But thought I would ask before I
bought, nothing urgent but I can tell I will need to replace them before the
summer is out. I like heading into winter with the cars and trucks at 100%.

[JohnBoy]

know nothing of gabriel but I'd rank bilstein a clear first, then monroe, then kyb.

[GWIZ]

Decades ago I purchased Monroe from PEP-Boys, rear shocks not struts.
Monroe's started leaking about 5 years later, life-time warranty gave me Gabriel replacements and still good.

Just a note, you should check the rod diameter I heard in general Gabriel may be larger than others or stock which I assume are better.

[Ironman]

Originally Posted by Shade Tree Welder

I don't mind spending money on a better product. But I can tell you that the
Motorcraft brand is not anything special. But are the KYB, Gabriel or Monroe's
worth the extra cash, or are they all basically the same.

Short answer is Yes. They are worth the extra money, unless your time is worthless. I am a fan of Gabriel or Monroe, either one is good.

[JH35]

I put the loaded struts from Detroit Axle on my 2011 Silverado a couple years ago. I bought them from Amazon. I have used Detroit Axle pads and rotors on 4 different vehicles with no issues.

I don't know where they rank on quality but from what I have used I am satisfied.

[greywynd]

Not sure with struts, but my old man taught me to always bleed shocks before installing them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dubby]

I can't find the stuff I used on the Honda Element years ago, but it was a package deal off either Amazon or Ebay--similar to the Detroit Axle deal mentioned. It came with the loaded struts, as well as all new hardware and body bushings and was 'rated' for the vehicle. Looked sorta boring and generic but the price was great and it has performed well.

I've never had much luck when it comes to trying to upgrade shocks and struts through the years. I've spent way more money on things that were supposed to be better that just weren't. I feel like the fancy paint jobs and marketing are just that. The OEMs install mass produced crap designed to just last the length of the warranty anyway.