Hey, im new to this site, but i was a member of celispeed.com for years... Anyway... i got a 1996 ST Liftback, and it needs struts... i found a set of four struts, the front two are cartridge struts though, is that a bad thing? The whole package of 4 is $195 shipped USD, what do you guys think?

You will have to remove the strut inserts in the front, but the rears should come with the whole assembly....no not a bad thing, just a little extra work. I can't remember how much I paid for them. Your price doesn't sound too bad though.

I have KYB GR2 struts and they have a great ride especially for everyday driving along with a spirited run around a corner every now and then.

Is it difficult to have the inserts removed, and why does that need to happen? Just curious, not saying you are wrong... i like to learn...

Personally I'd try and find a set of Bilsteins, especially if you are lowering the car. The KYB GR2s are OEM replacement. Nothing less, nothing more.

use www.importrp.com
That's where I got my KYB gr-2 struts from, but don't get the front strut cartridges because they're a real pain to get out, and spend the extra 15-30 dollars and get the front sealed version where its the entire shock assembly so its a direct replacement job.
And I have kyb's on my car and they work great for me, yes they are an OEM replacement however they work great for lowering springs that don't go any more than 1.5" so for example the Eibach springs or the Tein s-tech.

Im not looking to lower the car at all, so that works well, since all i need are the rears, maybe ill put the fronts on ebay and just use the rears... we will see, thanks guys!

hi, i actually bought kyb gr2 struts for the front and rear well is not a hard job for the front leave the strut where it is dont loosen any bolts and try to open it so when you remove the bolts the cartrige comes out fast it actually took me a few hour but is not a hard job.one more thing thest the cartrige and the rear struts t see if they are good some factory struts come with defects.

I have kyb gr-2's with ground control coilovers, there pretty good for daily driving/agressinve driving, ride is good but sometimes more stiff then I'ed like (due to the coilovers) I autocrossed on em as well and found that there strong but leaves something to be desired, basicly for the price there great, better then stock and great for general driving but yes technicly stock replacement, next up would be the KYB AGX but theres quite a price gap between the two.

i'm running on kyb gr-2 as well. it's just the oem replacement struts. i'm also lowered with tein s-techs and the ride quality is about the same as stock just slightly lower. i'm well pleased.

Well, damn! I hope they're okay - I just got a set of full struts delivered!