Front End Replacement Parts

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TheBigCheezeBall

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I am looking to replace both of the front struts on my 2017 RWD 5.3 Tahoe LT, 80K miles (due to one of them leaking all of the oil out).

Looks like there are tons of choices available here:

I am not sure which of these is the most "OEM" like. I don't think I have electronic suspension or anything like that. I saw an ACDELCO on there, but it specifies 4WD, which I don't have.

I prefer to go as close to OEM as possible, but also don't want to waste my time on junk parts.

I am leaning toward the KYB, but no real good reason.

Anyone have anything from that list they have used / recommend?
 

SaintMiles

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If you want something that fits exactly like the factory parts that have lasted you 165,000 miles or more(mine lasted about 200,000), I would suggest taking a picture of your "Service Parts Identification" tag located in your glove compartment. Then match up the codes against the parts you need. I find it on Rock Auto, but obviously, buy from wherever you like. Personally I avoid other brands for parts like control arms, just stick with the factory parts. The reviews of those aftermarket suspension parts leave a lot to be desired.

CheezeBall: If you want your new struts to fit right, do what I did above, match the codes with the the replacement struts you order. If you get a "prebuilt strut/coil assembly", you will be disappointed with 1. the height after the install, mine was 2 inches taller, and 2. the performance was awful...super soft like a boat.
To fix this, I went to rock auto, matched up the part numbers and the codes, ordered the struts, and the related bushings and a coil spring compressor tool which all came out to less cost than I spent on the prebuilt strut package.
Luckily I saved all the packaging and the mylar stickers that cover the top of the prebuilt struts and was able to return them, whew.
 

TheBigCheezeBall

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If you want something that fits exactly like the factory parts that have lasted you 165,000 miles or more(mine lasted about 200,000), I would suggest taking a picture of your "Service Parts Identification" tag located in your glove compartment. Then match up the codes against the parts you need. I find it on Rock Auto, but obviously, buy from wherever you like. Personally I avoid other brands for parts like control arms, just stick with the factory parts. The reviews of those aftermarket suspension parts leave a lot to be desired.

CheezeBall: If you want your new struts to fit right, do what I did above, match the codes with the the replacement struts you order. If you get a "prebuilt strut/coil assembly", you will be disappointed with 1. the height after the install, mine was 2 inches taller, and 2. the performance was awful...super soft like a boat.
To fix this, I went to rock auto, matched up the part numbers and the codes, ordered the struts, and the related bushings and a coil spring compressor tool which all came out to less cost than I spent on the prebuilt strut package.
Luckily I saved all the packaging and the mylar stickers that cover the top of the prebuilt struts and was able to return them, whew.
Thank you for this information. I have taken the picture of the sticker and I am in the process of deciphering the codes.

So far I have ZW7 as being "Smooth Ride". I will keep looking to see if any others seem suspension related.

I am also going to look into what it takes to replace the shock inside the strut assembly so I don't maim myself. If I think I can do it, I would prefer this route anyways for cost. The Tahoe only has 80k miles on it, and I was happy with the ride until the existing strut leaked all of its oil out.
 

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