- Main Differences Between Kyb vs Monroe Shocks and Struts
- Our Top Recommendations
- #1 KYB Excel-G Shocks & Struts
- #2 KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks & Struts
- #3 KYB MonoMax Shocks & Struts
- #4 KYB AGX Shocks & Struts
- Core Feature Comparisons: Kyb vs Monroe Shocks & Struts
- Make A Decision: Which Shocks & Struts are better?
- FAQ's About Kyb vs Monroe Shocks and Struts
- Conclusion
Shocks and struts facilitate the overall stability and smoothness of your suspension system. Many people believe these components to be interchangeable however, shocks and struts are two totally different parts of the suspension system. Struts serve the main purpose of supporting the entire weight of your vehicle so it can be properly balanced while on the road.
On the other hand, a shock absorber plays a vital role in absorbing shocks or “road input” that your vehicle experiences when encountering bumps or any rough feature on the road. While struts and shock systems go hand in hand to create the suspension system, they are entirely separate components that are installed and maintained apart from one another.
Struts impact the overall handling, braking, control, and wheel alignment of your vehicle whereas shocks serve the sole purpose of taking on the impact that the road transfers to your vehicle in the event that you hit a pothole or something similar. There are a lot of different strut and shock brands available on the market however not all of them are designed for longevity.
Two of the most popular strut and shock brands available on the market are Monroe and Kyb. Both of these brands produce premium quality shock and strut systems that are designed to enhance the overall performance and capabilities of your vehicle.
There are some key differences in the type of materials, features, and components that each brand integrates into their strut and shock systems which should be taken into consideration before making a final purchase decision between the two.
Below, we’re going to give you a detailed comparison between Kyb and Monroe struts and shocks so that you can make a decision about which one is optimal for your specific needs.
Kyb Shocks & Struts are hands down the better option of the two because they provide a more stable ride and a better overall performance of your vehicle compared to Monroe, even though they are more expensive, we suggest you go with Kyb.
Kyb Shocks & Struts are hands down the better option of the two because they provide a more stable ride and a better overall performance of your vehicle compared to Monroe, even though they are more expensive, we suggest you go with Kyb.
Table of Contents
Main Differences Between Kyb vs Monroe Shocks and Struts
The Main Differences Between Kyb vs Monroe Struts and Shocks are:
- Kyb strut and shocks are produced in Japan, whereas Monroe shocks and struts are produced in the USA.
- Kyb strut and shocks are for rougher terrains, whereas Monroe shocks and struts are for well-build roads.
- Kyb strut and shocks are designed for slower speeds, whereas Monroe shocks and struts are designed for high speeds.
Remember to always consider your vehicle’s current performance specs and configurations before making a purchase. This will give you more info on what brand will be best for your specific vehicle.
Our Top Recommendations
You will find a list of our top recommendations below. Keep in mind, all of these recommendations will provide specific benefits and performance enhancements that differ between one another so you need to consider what your exact needs for your suspension system are before installing any of these recommendations on your vehicle.
#1 KYB Excel-G Shocks & Struts
The KYB Excel-G Shocks & Struts are an OEM part that provides standard control and handling performance under normal driving circumstances. By installing these shocks and struts on your vehicle, you will be able to restore your vehicle’s original performance capabilities while also remaining confident in the solidity of the parts that are installed due to the fact that these struts and shocks are made from premium materials.
These shocks and struts are calibrated to be compatible with worn suspension components which means that you can easily improve the handling capabilities of your vehicle by simply installing these.
The internal components and valving on these shocks and struts are designed with specific vehicle configurations in mind. These struts and shocks are built using OEM strut specifications which means that they will fit your vehicle without requiring any extra fabrication or adjustments being made. These struts and shocks are categorized as KYB Excel-G products and come backed by a lifetime warranty.
Kyb Shocks & Struts are hands down the better option of the two because they provide a more stable ride and a better overall performance of your vehicle compared to Monroe, even though they are more expensive, we suggest you go with Kyb.
#2 KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks & Struts
The KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks & Struts are designed to improve your steering capabilities by up to 30% when compared to OEM parts.
These shocks and struts also come with a monotube design which prevents shock fade from occurring over time with consistent use, you will also experience improved vehicle stability, control, and handling due to the twin-tube design that exists on these struts and shocks.
These struts and shocks provide a very firm ride quality in addition to enhanced control in virtually all types of driving conditions, you’ll also notice that these shocks have a responsive monotube design which automatically adjusts to the driving conditions that you encounter regardless of where you are.
 These specific struts and shocks utilize high-pressurized gas shocks that enhances the overall performance aggressiveness that you experience when driving with heavy loads.
The KYB Gas-a-Just monotube shock absorber has additional performance advantages over the traditional twin-tube design: It can instantly, automatically adjust to your performance needs and never experiences fade due to aeration. 
#3 KYB MonoMax Shocks & Struts
The KYB MonoMax Shocks & Struts were designed to provide maximum control for all sorts of vehicles including SUVs, trucks, and vans. These struts and shocks are compatible with lowered and lifted vehicles. They also come with an off-road shaft boot which deflects dirt while also giving them a more aggressive look when compared to other options on this list.
These shocks and struts can take on the most grueling road conditions without experiencing any malfunctions or breakdowns.
They are very durable and long-lasting, and they are rated for heavier vehicle types such as diesel trucks in addition to being compatible with gas-powered vehicles, you’ll also find a wild-bore monotube design that is made from stainless steel and comes with a piston ring that can withstand high temperatures. This system is a great upgrade if you’re looking for increased towing, plowing, and hauling power for your vehicle.
Tough conditions demand tough truck shocks. The large bore KYB MonoMax provides the additional stability that heavier, more powerful or high center of gravity vehicles demand. 
#4 KYB AGX Shocks & Struts
The KYB AGX Shocks & Struts are rated for high-performance and sport compact drivers which makes them the ideal fit for those vehicles used to race or perform well on any road.
These shocks and struts can be adjusted using an external knob or slot all depending on the specific type of vehicle that you own. This system comes with a wide range of damping rates which allows you to adjust them to your specific needs regardless of the road conditions you may be facing.
This pair is rated for damping range up to 125% which makes them one of the most versatile options available on the market.
These are some of our top recommendations for struts and shocks from both companies, before making a final purchase decision consider exactly what your vehicle needs. Any of these systems will provide a performance upgrade, handling improvements, and more.
As long as you consider all of the variables, and what your particular vehicle needs, you will be able to find the right struts and shocks for your car or truck in no time.
KYB AGX manually-adjustable shocks and struts allow you to design your own ride control performance without special tools, quickly and as often as you want. Enthusiasts can increase individual corner damping rates up to 125% more than the vehicle’s OEM design.
Core Feature Comparisons: Kyb vs Monroe Shocks & Struts
As you may already know, both of these brands offer distinct benefits when compared to the other. In the following section, we’re going to provide you with a detailed breakdown of all of the core features you can expect to encounter when installing either Kyb or Monroe shock and strut systems on your vehicle.
Installation Process
One of the most important things to consider when choosing which strut and shock system is right for you is the installation steps required to get the job completed. Kyb makes it easy for you to install and replace your strut and shock system by removing the need to compress the spring in order to install the unit.
Monroe shock and absorber systems require a little more work to be done to accomplish successful installation however the ultimate deciding factor which will determine how hard it is to install new struts and shocks on your vehicle will depend on the vehicle itself.
You’ll need to consider the specific configurations of your vehicle before purchasing a set of new shocks and struts to ensure that you will be able to install them without any issues.
Pricing
Another important factor to consider when purchasing struts and shocks for your vehicle is the amount of money that they cost. In general, Kyb struts and shocks cost about $20 more than Monroe products however this price difference goes hand in hand with the increased quality overall.
Aside from the upfront price, the installation cost for both brands of struts and shocks will be about the same depending on which automotive shop you take your vehicle to.
Overall Performance
Kyb struts and shocks have been proven to be a lot stiffer and more reliable in terms of overall performance capabilities when compared to Monroe. Monroe struts and shocks tend to be a lot softer than their competitor which makes them perfect for standard vehicles as opposed to high-performance vehicles.
Kyb struts and shocks have been designed with performance and handling in mind which is why a lot of sports cars and premium vehicle owners choose these struts and shocks when compared to other options available.
Some of the most common issues that people talk about when it comes to Monroe strut and shocks is that they are very soft and provide little to no road surface contact on-road surfaces such as highways.
This is completely fine if you are primarily cruising on paved roads, but if you are going offroad or driving a performance vehicle, you need to choose the Kyb brand as they will give you the most performance enhancements and practical performance when compared to Monroe.
Best Value
When you factor in all of the above variables, the brand which provides the best value for your specific vehicle needs will depend on the type of vehicle that you have and the type of driving you will be doing.
You need to take into consideration the level of performance enhancement and overall drivability that you want when making the decision between these two brands.
Make A Decision: Which Shocks & Struts are better?
Between Monroe and Kyb, the winner is hands down Kyb branded shocks and struts. This is due to a variety of different reasons, one of the main ones being how solid their absorber and shock systems are when compared to Monroe systems.
You will find that Kyb struts and shocks provide much more of a stable and reliable ride quality than Monroe and they last a lot longer when compared to their competitor. You will also get better performance out of your vehicle when using Kyb suspension systems.
Although they tend to be higher in price, the amount of value and lasting performance benefits that you get by purchasing a set of Kyb struts and shocks far outweighs those that you receive when purchasing a set of Monroe strut or shocks. If a price isn’t a huge factor for you, then you need to pick up a set of Kyb shocks and struts over Monroe if you are choosing between these two brands.
FAQ’s About Kyb vs Monroe Shocks and Struts
While the allotted amount of time that front strut and shocks last will depend on your driving style, they typically last about four to five years.
Shocks tend to improve the handling and steering performance of your vehicle overall, however; in some instances, your vehicle may need a tire rotation and balancing after new shocks have been installed to achieve optimal handling.
Kyb struts have been known to last for about 30k-50k miles on average although this will depend on how often and in what way you drive your vehicle.
Conclusion
We’ve gone over all of the most important factors and features that you need to consider when purchasing a new set of struts and shocks for your vehicle from either Monroe or Kyb.
Take all of these factors into consideration before choosing which struts or shocks are right for your vehicle and your preferred driving style to ensure that you can achieve maximum stability and performance for years to come. As long as you follow all of these tips, you will have no problem finding the right pair of struts and shocks for your vehicle in no time.
Kyb Shocks & Struts are hands down the better option of the two because they provide a more stable ride and a better overall performance of your vehicle compared to Monroe, even though they are more expensive, we suggest you go with Kyb.
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