philwhiz

Es300 A/c Cold Center Vent, Outside Air Side Vent

I did a search on struts/shocks and found some great stuff (One member actually posted a very well documented step by step how-to with photographs: excellent!!)  but I still have a few questions.

First of all, the most basic question:  Are struts and shocks the same thing?  Do I have both?  If I order KYB struts (and strut mounts)  and replace them is that all I need to replace? 

One of the searched threads identified a website that seems to have the lowest prices on KYBs, which includes shipping.  A bit cheper than tirerack.  But for all 4 struts and all 4 corresponding strut mounts it still comes out to $475 for the parts alone!  Does that sound right? 

I am going to try to install them myself.  I don't have the adjustable suspension which should make the install a little easier. The instructions I found via this forum look awesome.  I already bought a Lexus repair manual and a Haynes (Camry) manual.  I may also buy a new tool set.  I have been using SAE tools for the past 5 yrs doing most of my wrenching on an old American car.  Need a metric set! 

Any other suggestions or ideas?    My ES has 130k miles and the ride quality has really deteriorated....  very gradually.  My  daily commute takes me into New York City with lots of potholes, and I feel every one of them!

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