Hey, guys. Jim up in Grand Forks again. I noticed when I got my new tires installed (Hankook Kinergy ST, 5 of them) that except for the spare, I have rust developing where the valve stems are. I would like to replace them with painted steel rims (we have LOTS of potholes here), and was wondering what Scotty thinks about Dorman painted steel rims.
Checked on their website, they want roughly $110 each. Doesn't sound too bad to me.
On a related subject, nearly time for shocks/struts all around. Looking at FCS, thoughts? We get winter here, so I need good quality.
Looking at FCS, thoughts?
They are cheaply made. People put them on cars to sell the car. If you want quality structs, go with KYB or Bilstein shocks.
For the rim, look in junkyards or Craigslits to see if someone has a rim to sell you.
best recommendation for shock/struts?
Scotty has said multiple times, for everyday econobox vehicles such as your RAV4, he recommends you go with KYB.
The entry level Excel-G gas strut model line (OEM replacement) from KYB should be perfectly adequate for your vehicle.
All the best.
Same for the rear shocks?
Affirmative.
And which supplier offers a full front/rear kit with sway bar links, if any? Dunno if I need them, but as long as I'm getting it done anyway...
Before just replacing parts, it’s a good idea to get your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic, to check what all actually ‘needs’ replacing. It’s a waste of resources to just throw on new parts if the old ones are still functioning, within acceptable limits.
Oh, they're functioning, but both front and one of the rear are leaking.
If they’re leaking, it’s time for new ones.
Yup. Leaning towards your Excel G recommendation after the holidays.
Go with KYB Excel-G shocks, as @itwt recommended. I replaced the 43-year-old GM shocks in my Catalina with Excel-Gs over the summer, it's amazing how much of an improvement they made. Probably the best $100 I've spent on a car. Get them on RockAuto if they make them for your car.
KYB does make them for my car, and RockAuto does carry them, just not in a convenient kit.
Well from my experience dorman makes pretty good parts
Thanks, Scotty! Appreciate the feedback, and everything you do. What is your best recommendation for shock/struts? Same vehicle, and I plan on keeping it til the wheels fall off (then getting more wheels from Dorman) 🙂
which supplier offers a full front/rear kit with sway bar links
your local auto parts store.
Or if you want it to come to your door and don't mind shipping fees, rockauto.com
But who is going to install them?
Rossten Colission and Repair, local independant auto shop. Good honest, God-fearing people. Never had to take a vehicle back for the same problem twice.
so don't they have their own part suppliers?
Certainly. But they also allow their customers to bring in their own. In my case, Castrol Edge high mileage 0w-20 full synthetic and a Wix XP filter. I just pay for the labor, comes out to $70 every 5K/6 months.
what's the benefit of bringing your own?
Are they still going to guarantee their work?