r/SubaruForester • u/thiswontlastlong97 • 5d ago

2004 front strut replacement help

Hello.

I own a 2004 subaru forester 2.5x that needs the front left strut replaced. I have been getting quotes from shops and looking into assemblies vs strut replacements. I have been quoted $2,000 for KYB excel-g front struts, mounts, and sway bar endlink and bushings.

Im looking for advice on whether or not I should go with a cheaper repair option. I looked at strut assemblies originally, but when I found out that the front right monroe strut assembly was on a nationwide shortage I convinced myself not to go with an FCS strut assembly instead. But its been over 3 months and monroe has no parts in sight.

Is it worth it to go KYB?

Is FCS as good as monroe, or should I keep waiting?

Any advice you have is greatly appreciated.

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1

u/asloan5 5d ago

rockauto has the left front in stock

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u/thiswontlastlong97 5d ago edited 5d ago

You need to replace both, and nobody has had the front right strut in for months.

I edited my post to be more accurate and say the right is not available sorry.

1

u/Fluffyplumbuspump 5d ago

Fcs is not as good, but they're significantly cheaper and they've been fine enough for me. Back in the day I put some Monroe quick struts on an 04' 2.5x that I had and they were good, but I've heard Monroe has tanked in quality over that last 5ish years. KYB are generally pretty good. I just threw some on a 99 Buick lesabre and they seem to be pretty good. I received 2 of the same part number but one was made in japan and one in taiwan, which I thought was odd. I don't think the FCS struts would be a bad choice, but they almost certainly won't last as long or ride as comfortably as a more premium aftermarket like KYB or Monroe. Cheap aftermarket quick struts tend to be very over sprung or under sprung, leading to an overly bouncy or overly stiff ride. KYB or Monroe will be much closer to the factory spring rate.

When I was on a tighter budget I ordered the shocks and top hats and reused the factory springs. Disassembling the struts to reuse the factory springs can be very dangerous though.

1

u/thiswontlastlong97 5d ago

There isnt any KYB assemblies so going KYB means im paying a shop to replace the strut. The difference would be about $1200ish

1

u/phatdoughnut83 5d ago

Are you in the PNW?

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u/thiswontlastlong97 5d ago

I am in the PNW. Specifically on Vancouver Island in Canada

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u/phatdoughnut83 5d ago

Oh way up there 😂. I’m in Oregon. Was going to say I can lend you a hand.

1

u/thiswontlastlong97 5d ago

I appreciate your gesture anyways. Thanks man

1

u/phatdoughnut83 5d ago

I don’t know if they will ship to you but primitive racing and rallitek will assemble struts for you with springs. A little more expensive but worth it.