I replaced my Mazda5's OEM front struts with a pair of KYB GR-2s approximately 20k miles ago.

The GR-2s were described as OEM replacements and about $15 cheaper than OEM per side.

I would say the GR-2s are a bit softer than the OEM shocks. Not really noticeable most of the time, but the car feels cushier over big bumps and dips.

My C30 has Bilstein-based suspension, but not OEM replacements. I can only guess that the Bilstein struts you are looking at are likely stiffer, but higher quality, than OEM and KYB shocks.


Edit: Oh don't forget to replace the front top mounts and strut bearings too while you are at it. That's another $90 or so to the total.

 

My experience with KYB GR-2 on other cars is that they tend to be firmer than OEM. They are billed as "Calibrated to compensate for worn suspensions". This is accomplished by increasing the nitrogen charge pressure. All that said, I do like the KYB's for their firm, controlled ride.

I put Koni Yellow on my '02 S40 and they were a big improvement in handling and ride comfort. You can adjust the damping to your liking via a knob on the top of the strut. The down side is cost.
Stan

 

X, Here are my 2 cents... did a four corner strut/shock replacement on my 05 V-70, oem struts, spring seats,strut plate, end links and rear shocks. I bought from FCP Groton. they will need vin, a # from timing belt cover and a # from ds fender, they have an 800# and will make sure you get the parts you need. My V-70 parts cost 640 bucks shipped (free shipping) and my indie volvo tech installed for 270 bucks, add 4 new tires and she rides like new!!! My indie told me to stay oem if I liked the ride when she was new, ( he was 20 yrs with volvo and knows his stuff) I am completely satisfied, I was amazed how much the ride had s changed, the struts shocks deterirate slowly over time! Hope this helps! JHW

 

@X: What year and how many miles on the V50?

 

It's a 2006 with just over 80k miles.

 

BTW, I do plan on ordering OEM strut mounts, spring seats, and strut bearings no matter which strut I choose. Do the end links generally need to be replaced when replacing struts?

 

I did, why not, the car is on the lift and you have 80 k on these components. JHW

 

Well, no one has made any compelling arguements in favor of spending the extra money on Bilsteins. If it comes down to KYB vs. OEM, I'll probably end up going with OEM just because I'll be able to put everything on one order.

I plan on crawling around under the car tonight to inspect everything to see if there is anything else I need before I place an order. So far I'm planning on:
Strut
Strut mount
Strut bumper
Strut bearing
Front Link
Shock absorber
Rear Link

Looks like $600 from www.tascaparts.com for everything.

 

i was wondering if anyone can report on quality of KYB's as when i read the reviews they fail after couple thousand of miles on lowered cars. Does anyone here use these? And also, at what setting should koni yellow be adjusted for comfortable ride( similar or little sportier than stock)?

 

KYB GR-2s are OEM replacements... they aren't meant for lowering springs just as the OEM Volvo shocks aren't meant for lowering springs.

Koni Yellows would be a better choice since they are designed for lowering.

 

x-ingover,

Do you have part numbers for everything?

Strut
Strut mount
Strut bumper
Strut bearing
Front Link
Shock absorber
Rear Link

 

go to fcpeuro.com, they have a sick ass kit for front at a pretty reasonable price.

 

I installed a KYB set on my 06 S40 and the ride is firm but compliant. By comparison to the blown struts that offered a 1980s Cadillac experience, the KYBs were a little jarring at first. But, the ride has relaxed a bit over time. IMO the ride stiffened up the most after LCA change. Since I only have 10k miles on the struts, it's hard to say if they mirror OEM, but I suspect they are OEM quality (since OEM struts completely let go at 110k).

 

I have replaced my front struts with a pair of KYB and they are definitely firm. I'm not sure how that compares to OEM since mine were blown when I bought the car.