Yamahafan

I have 140,000 miles on my 2000 ES300. It still starts and runs like a dream. The tires are wearing out much faster than they should be and I am hearing the famous popping noise in the front. I really want to get new Monroe QuickStruts all the way around but I ran into the following dilemma: Advance Auto Parts says their Monroe QuickStrut #271678 (front right), #271679 (front left), #271680 (rear right) and #271681 (rear left) will fit my model for ($223.69 + 223.69 + $212.09 + 212.09) = $871.56. Amazon says their Monroe QuickStrut #171678 (front right), #171679 (front left), #171680 (rear right) and #171681 (rear left) will fit my model for ($135.65 + 135.65 + $134.84 + 134.84) = $540.98. I called the Monroe technical help line. The technicial said that Monroe makes the struts #71678, #71679, #71680 and #71681 for the 2000 Lexus ES300, but they do not make the quick strut. He told me that Amazon and Advanced Auto Parts were wrong and that their models likely has the wrong spring rates for my vehicles which would possibly cause problems with ride heights, handling issues, tire wear, or some combination. The cost to mix and match all the parts as the technician suggested would be over $300 each. Please chime in you have installed Monroe Quickstruts and where you bought them.

How hard is it to get the steering wheel off?

I just noticed that the cabin temp control on my 2000 ES300 with 72K miles doesn't work anymore. If I turn the knob to COLD it lets in cold air from the outside. If I turn the knob one click to 65F degrees , the air comes out 85F+ degrees. If I turn the temp on 65 degrees with auto temp control, the air conditioner comes on to try to reach 65 degrees. (Thank god its 20 degrees outside and not 80!) Is a valve stuck that is letting the engine heat into the cabin air system? Do I need to clean the cabin temp sensor (the first thing I try tomorrow)?

My 2000 ES300 with 70,000 miles has a slight ping on acceleration, especially between 30 and 40 mph where the engine/transmission really kicks in. I have noticed a small improvement when buying Amoco 93 octane, but the ping is still there. I bought it used with 66,000 miles. Is this a developing valve/lifter problem ?