The '98 Taco needs front struts, and since it's going in for a front brake job on Thursday, figured this would be a good time to replace the stock Billy's. My local brake/alignment shop uses KYB shocks and struts, so I'll give the KYB MonoMax (PN 564001, $81.96 each) struts a shot.

From what I've read, they're pretty stiff. Maybe I'll disconnect the swaybar to help that some. I'll post up the results after the weekend!

 

haven't seen much on KYB's, am curious how you will like them. I had a set of regular KYB's on a 91 and it was a nice improvement over the old cheapo's I had...

 

Can't wait to hear your feedback.

 

...after 105 miles of dirt roads and FS trails yesterday, I can report the KYB's were a vast improvement over the worn out stock struts.

We went up to Seligman, AZ. from Chino Valley on Willaimson Valley Rd. (County Rd. 5). The first portion is well maintained dirt - easy to cruz at 70 MPH for 5 or 6 miles, then it gets into light to heavy washboard and twisty sections, along with limited sight that drops speed to 20 to 40 MPH. Saw a few antelope off the main road, and a Black Bear at Pine Springs - about 8 miles in off County Rd. 5 on a FS trail. Unfortunately, the bear was quicker than I was with the camera.

Later!

 

I had those things on my street queen and they were as stiff as hell. Had them for the front and rear. Had to replace the rears with Bilstein HDs because the KYBs were just too stiff for my @$$. Rides much better with the Bils in the rear and SAWs up front.

 

I don't find that teh KYB's ride bad on pavement. They are definately firmer than the worn struts, but are by no means harsh. I have a set of aftermarket Bilsteins on the rear axle - maybe thats the difference.