When it comes to shocks and struts, there are a lot of options out there.
As a result, it can be hard to know which one is best for your vehicle.
In this blog post, we will compare Monroe vs KYB shocks and struts so you can see the difference between two popular brands that offer quality products.
In addition, we’ll discuss the key features of each shock or strut that make them unique from their competitors.
You’ll also learn which one has more value for your money!
Quick Summary: Monroe vs KYB Shocks And Struts – Both brands offer excellent quality, performance, and price. KYB is stiffer, more durable, and better suited to regular off-road driving, whereas Monroe’s shocks and struts are softer and better for daily road driving. However, KYB is slightly more expensive.
Table of Contents
Main Differences between Monroe vs. KYB Shocks and Struts
Manufacturing
One of the main differences right off the bat is where these brands are manufactured.
We bring this up because some people only want to buy American-made products, while others like products manufactured from outside of the USA that have a reputation for quality, such as Germany or Japan.
Where are Monroe shocks and struts made?
The majority of Monroe shocks & struts are made at their Paragould, Arkansas, USA manufacturing plant.
Where are KYB shocks made?
Many believe that KYB shocks are struts are manufactured in Japan; it’s not entirely true.
KYB shocks and struts are designed and manufactured all around the globe, with facilities in 21 countries.
When they were asked if the same quality is evident in their USA manufacturing compared to Japan, they responded.
Performance
Both brands offer quality products for your vehicle, but some features set them apart.
Both brands offer shocks & struts designed to keep your vehicle in peak performance for years to come. However, some key features make each brand unique from the other.
As always, it’s essential to consider what you need in a product for your vehicle before making any final decisions.
What Type of Driving will you be doing?
Monroe and KYB both produce quality products that are designed with optimal performance in mind.
However, it’s important to think about what type of driving you’ll be doing most often with your vehicle.
KYB is better suited to off-roading or rougher terrains compared to Monroe.
Monroe’s shocks and struts are better suited to well-built smooth roads.
The same can be said for speed; the stiffer shocks and struts from KYB are designed for slower speeds than Monroe for main road driving.
What Are Customers Saying?
One thing to note about these two, and we’ve found this in some forums also that KYB shocks and struts are a lot harder and stiffer, while many feel Monroe’s products are too soft.
Remember, this might vary from product to product, but a few have mentioned such issues in this forum HERE.
However, this thread is from back in 2013, so these companies have innovated since then, likely improving design and performance.
Price
What’s the difference in price between KYB and Monroe?
There isn’t much of a difference in the price between these two brands; this is one reason why it’s so hard to decide which brand will be best for your vehicle.
However, when you look closer and compare similar offerings, KYB shocks are struts are a little more expensive, but not by a lot. You’re talking about $10-$30.
- REDUCES SAG UNDER LOAD -- Ideal for occasionally hauling or towing varying loads; heavy gauge, calibrated coil spring reduces sag when loaded up to 1,200 lbs. (capacity limited by suspension, tires and transmission; see owner's manual)
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING -- Tuned specifically for each application, full-displaced valving automatically adjusts to road extremes to provide ride consistency
- CONSISTENT RIDE -- OE all-weather fluid contains special modifiers to handle extreme temperatures and PTFE-banded piston helps reduce friction between the piston and pressure tube to enhance responsiveness to changing road surfaces
- LONGER SERVICE LIFE -- Self-lubricating fluid seal retains gas and reduces excessive friction against the piston rod to help reduce premature wear while heavy-duty nitrocarburized rod delivers long life
- IMPROVES PERFORMANCE -- Nitrogen gas-charge maintains tire-to-road contact for improved ride and handling by reducing aeration and shock fade
Last update on 2023-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Maximum performance upgrade with up to 40% more damping performance than standard shock absorbers
- Perfect solution when you need to upgrade suspension performance on your Ford truck
- Truck monotube design outperforms all other standard shock absorbers
- Zinc-coated, stainless steel piston ring provides a positive seal in the most extreme conditions
- Rubber boot to protect the shaft and keep dirt and debris away from the seals
Last update on 2023-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Warranty
Monroe offers a lifetime warranty on their shocks & struts, as long as the part is only used for your vehicle and you own it (proof of ownership required).
This warranty will not cover any damage due to abuse or misuse.
KYB provides limited lifetime warranties that cover defects in materials and workmanship.
KYB will cover the cost of parts and labor necessary to repair your shock or strut if it fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship under normal use.
However, the warranty does not cover any resulting damage from such failure, including but not limited to vehicle damage caused by pulling over curbs, running into objects, improper installation/handling, accidents, misuse (such as off-road driving), or natural wear and tear.
Installation
Which of these is easier to install?
Both Monroe and KYB make it easy to install their products, but they each have their unique way of the process.
It’s important to note also; that unless you have a lot of experience working on cars and trucks, you should not be installing this yourself.
Instead, we recommend going to a local mechanic or dealership to get these installed correctly. In many cases, the professional will give you a warranty on their install also.
Check out Monroe’s website; they can tell you where to install their products near you and the manufacturers and models for which you can get their products.
Monroe’s fully integrated design makes them quick and easy to install without the need for a spring or compressor.
KYB shocks and struts are more commonly seen and designed better for Japanese and Asian brands.
However, they also offer designs that are easier to install with standard American vehicles.
If you plan on doing the installation yourself, KYB has some installation videos and tips on their site you can check out.
The KYB website gives you a better idea of how installation works for their products.
You may need to remove the old parts before installing new KYB shocks struts, but it depends on what type of vehicle you have and which brand is best suited to match your needs.
Monroe vs KYB – Which Should You Pick?
If durability is the primary concern and you’re looking for shocks & struts designed to go off-road, take a bit of a beating and last longer, KYB is the better option for you.
Monroe is the better option if you are a daily driver and want to improve your overall ride quality.
- QUICKER, SAFER, EASIER AND COMPLETE REPAIR -- Includes everything you need for strut replacement in a single, fully assembled unit with no need for a spring compressor
- RESTORES RIDE HEIGHT -- Precisely calibrated to meet the OE design, each application-specific coil spring type is engineered to restore ride height and support the vehicle's weight
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC DESIGN -- Application-specific coil spring, mount and strut designs ensure optimized ride and handling experience unique to each vehicle profile
- OE QUALITY -- Preassembled upper strut mount, coil spring, and strut feature an OE-style design for seamless fit, form, and function
- MADE TO LAST -- Manufactured with high-quality steel, featuring a superior tube and weld design to deliver structural integrity and durability
Last update on 2023-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Includes 4 KYB GR2 / ExcelG Part Numbers: 334365 334364 344353 344353
- PLEASE INCLUDE EXACT YEAR AND MODEL WHEN ORDERING!!!!
Last update on 2023-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Disclaimer
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you click them to make a purchase, Auto Buyer Guru Blog will earn a commission. The decision to purchase these links is completely yours and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
