I will be replacing the struts on my 2006 soon and have been pondering my options. I've seen multiple threads debating KYB vs OEM vs Monroe, which have been helpful. I noticed on Rock Auto that there are both Sachs and Boge (though I believe they are actually the same company) models listed for Euro-spec cars. However, the US part number is listed as a cross-reference for these. Has anyone tried them and can verify that they fit? I can't imagine the mounting points would be different between US and EU models, but I am concerned that the rod diameter could be a different size, or that the extension could be slightly less if EU models have shorter springs. I've used Boge struts on another car in the past and was very happy with the performance, so it would be great if this is a viable option for my Prius. Thanks in advance.
No experience here. I just went w/ KYB. Now lets look at what you want objectively. 1) Considerable price difference (esp w/ Sachs): Broge/Sachs vs KYB/Monroe/Gabriel According to RockAuto on 9/22/2014, the fronts for a 2006 Prius ran these prices: Monroe = $51 KYB = $55 Gabriel = $54 Borge = $76 Sachs = $1322a) Your concern about unknown fit (rod diameter and/or strut piston too short) will only be known upon installation attempt. 2b) If it doesn't fit, you'll have to return the incorrect strut to RockAuto, wait for a correct strut (Monroe/KYB/Gabriel) to arrive. Might also be responsible for return shipping fee. 3) Its a Prius. [Subjective: Ride handling is oh so underwhelming.] However, MPG is something to talk about. 4) Perhaps money might be better spent on chassis stiffening devices and lowering springs? LINK
The Europe suspension is probably the same as the US Touring suspension. You could check toyodiy.com to compare part numbers if you really want to research that point. If you decide to buy Borge or Sachs, please take photos of the parts before installation and let us know how they fit. Good luck with your decision.
In the UK we have two different suspension setups. T3 and T4 models have a softer setup than the Tspirit version that has a stiffer setup. I think these would be the equivalent of the US touring and none touring models. The thing that does remain constant in the UK is that all gen2 Prius come with 16 inch wheels. Very few aftermarket sellers differentiate between the models selling the same shocks to fit all models. John (Britprius)
Some UK available Prius struts,prices, and part numbers:- Sensen (no part numbers) £41-99 ($67) Monroe G7507 right G7508 left £70-58 ($113) KYB 333388 right 333389 left £51-65 ($82) Sachs 312869 right 312870 left £59-38 ($95) It is possible you may be able to cross reference these. John (Britprius)
Thanks to all for the responses. After some research, here is what I have learned. I didn't check every single year, so it is possible I have missed something. Front: The front springs, strut mounts, and steering knuckle appear to be the same across all models - Euro, US, and US touring. So I'm fairly confident that the Boge struts would fit with no problem. Curiously, the front struts all have multiple part numbers for both the US and Euro models, but none of them match. Going into the Boge/Sachs part catalog, the cross references were to the part numbers for the US cars, not the European ones, even though they clearly sell mostly in the European market. Rear: The rear springs are different in the US touring suspension, and they match the Euro part numbers (as do both sway bars). The US struts are also different for the touring models (and about 3x more expensive), but once again the Euro models all have different part numbers. Similarly, the Boge catalog has cross references for the US strut part numbers, but not the Euro ones. I'm not really worried that these wouldn't fit, even with a different spring, because it seems highly unlikely that the spring heights would change given the fronts are the same. Finally, KYB and Monroe don't appear to make any distinction between touring and non-touring suspension for their rear struts. So given all this, I'm leaning toward giving them a try. It would be about $60 more than KYBs for a set of four, which isn't that big of an investment. My hope is that the return would be good performance over a longer period of time, but given the subjectivity of that and the lack of another Prius with brand new KYBs to compare it to, it will be tough to make any real comparisons. Anything will feel 100% better than the tired out stock struts I have now.
