KYB or Monroe OE Spectrum?

[hoosieraccent]

Looking for new shocks/struts and it looks like the KYB Excel/GR2 and Monroe OE Spectrum are the two main choices. Any experience with either? Price is similar for shocks, but kyb struts are cheaper. Its a commuter/grocery getter so I just need something that will give a decent ride, performance isn't on my radar.

[NotNoV8]

Have KYB's on the family Odyssey and they work great...very smooth ride. Surely they will ride just as well on the Accent. And as you stated, lower price then the comp. Got mine at Amazon...free ship, no tax.

[Duro5341]

Both KYB and Monroe are excellent quality shocks, and would install either with no problem

KYB you want to buy either GR2, or Excel-G
Monroe you want Sensa-Traks

Monroe does offer cheaper shocks, but stay away from those.

Just my 2 cents, 10 years on the bench, and 5 behind the parts/service desk behind me

Duro

[santa06]

Have a set of GR2 , seems like a slightly firmer ride than factory but holding up well for several years now. No complaints , the KYB's were made in Japan.

[hoosieraccent]

Thanks, all! I'm leaning toward the KYB's, seems like they'll deliver what I'm looking for. Unfortunately there aren't any KYB installers in the area, they all do the Monroes. The plan for the moment is to order them online and take care of the rear shocks myself to save some money, they don't look too bad to change out. Struts on the other hand, I'm going to leave to the experts. I'll bring the KYB's to my tire shop and if they want to make some money, they'll install them.

[omg grip]

so it sounds like there is starting to be some aftermarket options now.....even if they are only really oem replacement type.

i have some kybs on one of my other cars, they are the gas-a-just model, firm (firmer than the GR2) and ride well.

I want some KYB AGX or adjustable Koni's available for the Accent!

yes installing the rear shocks is easy, front struts are not too bad but you would need to use spring compressors, and also make sure the bearings on top of the strut are in good shape while you have everything taken apart. Should probably have the alignment checked after the struts are installed.

[The Critic]

I do not have any experience with the Accent, but I did install a set of OESpectrums to replace the original rear shocks on a 2007 Elantra. The shocks seem to deliver a comfortable and controlled ride, with none of the "excessive softness" that some people associated the Sensa-Tracs with. The shocks that I received were Made in Korea, too.

Considering their low price, the results and the generous lifetime replacement warranty, I would not hesitate to use the Monroe OESpectrum again.

My only experience with KYB GR-2 was on my old Saturn, and the ride that they delivered was significantly stiffer than stock. Strangely, the handling was not improved. However, it is possible that things have changed since their rebranding from the GR-2 to the Excel-G name.

[wjjcfuwh]

very smooth ride. Surely they will ride just as well on the Accent.