KYB SR4039 Strut Plus Complete Corner Unit Assembly

Puchased set of Strut Plus for my 2007 Town & Country Limited. First reaction when I removed the assembly from the box was the weight, it is a rigid unit. Removed the old stut and tried to install the new one. After multiple attempts, the top three mounting bolts would not line up with bottom part of the strut orientated properly to the wheel assembly. Finally I did a complete comparison between the factory OEM sturt and the Strut Plus. Everything looked correct, except for the bolt orientation on the top plate. The new strut was orientated 90 degrees different. I found out that I could turn the old strut top mounting plate, so I tried it on the new unit. I could not move it. After placing it in a vise I attached a chain strap wrench and was able to rotate it slowly to the proper operation. It would have been great if that small detail would have been included in the instructions. I know a minor technicality. Finally got it installed and went to install the other side and the same issue was present. I recently installed new front strut assemblies on my 2003 Altima by Gabriel. The installed correctly right out of the box with no adjustments and took about 1.5 hours for the whole job. The Strut Plus took 4 hours with all the attempts, comparisons, and rotating top mounting plate. I hope the struts perfrom better than the enclosed instuctions. Note, I chose KYB based on their reviews and performance. If I knew the issues that I encountered with this installation, I would have two vechiles with Gabriels.

The strut itself seems to be just fine; however, the SR4039 strut assembly quality appears to be a bit of a concern. I installed this on the driver's side and didn't have any of the top mount to knuckle alignment/orientation issues others experienced; however, I did have issues with the strut not being in line with the knuckle. Basically had to force the bottom of the strut forward to get it in line with the knuckle... and then fight it onto the knuckle. Guess this was an early indication that things weren't quite right as it "blew out" the bottom rubber spring pad in short order and began making all sorts of noise... rattling, clicking, clacking, popping, etc. Lived with it for about six months before finally ordering another one to replace it. Yes, I ordered another KYB SR4039... I didn't want to mismatch brands with the KYB SR4038 installed on the passenger side which had none of the above problems and was working fine. Interestingly, this replacement KYB SR4039 went on the driver's side without any of the above issues this time. Here's hoping it's good this time! Giving 3 stars for now... will be back to adjust if it blows out again!

Thankfully I read the other reviews talking about the top portion not being aligned properly out of the box. What I did was pull the old strut assembly off and used it as a guide for how I needed to turn the top on the KYB's. After doing that, the installation was a breeze! I was about 45 minutes a side when I was done. When I walked in the house to tell my wife I was going for a test drive, her comment was, "Already? Wow, that was fast!"Since I just installed these and the installation was really easy and straightforward using my alignment trick, I'll go with four stars for now. After I get a few miles on them, I'll update as necessary. Oh, and as one reviewer mentioned, my ride height is back where it should be finally after getting rid of the Monroe's which I would not recommend for a Town and Country.

These KYB's don't sound like the shock tower is going to push through the hood. Restored front ride height to original height. So far I'm satisfied I got what I paid for. Quality strut with the name Monroe no where in sight.

Put a few hundred miles on so far Great smooth ride, easy install (with impact wrench, pb blaster, and some elbow grease) drop out the old, insert the new, and my 06 Chrysler T&C rides like a caddy. You will need a front end alignment after this, and it's a good time to inspect/replace sway bar links, bushings, and other front end stuff while you're in there. But very happy with these for now.

The unit itself was fine. The issue arises that all the specs for this strut assembly (including the KYB site) identify it as the left or drivers side, but on receipt of the unit it was orientated for the passenger side. One would not think it necessary to have to modify a part prior to use but unfortunately in this case it was required. The top plate of the strut has to be rotated 180 degrees so the bolts will line up at the top and the bottom aligns correctly, this requires a decent amount of force but can be done by anyone with a decent amount of strength.

Wow. Took me about an hour to completely install each side. Just like some of the previous reviews the top bolts don't align correctly. Hint, install the top part of the strut first and loosely tighten the top bolts. Then place a screw driver in the bottom mounting holes and re align the strut unit. Simple as that. These were extremely easy to install. As for the ride, I will update next week on account that I reconstructed the whole front end of my Caravan steering rack, control arms and ball joint and so now I'm on my way to Sears for a wheel alignment.

KYB is one of a leading product in struts industry. Some of the best on the markets for ordinary, everyday cars. I drive 2002 Dodge grand Caravan and I am very happy with KYB struts.