Notified my struts are shot on my 07 RL - 1. is this normal? 2. $$$ ??

 

Could be, though my experience with strut failures on my '07 RL is that they go out singly. Had a front right fail at 102,000 miles, and dealer "recommended" replacing both sides. Replaced only the right and the left is still good at 170,000. Left rear replaced at 151,000, again told I should change both and did only the one. Right rear still good at 170,000. So get specific failure info and only replace what is broken.

PS my struts were about $400 each Acura part.

 

I've had a good experience with my KYB shocks, which are much cheaper. About as firm as factory. I've heard they may eventually have a shorterl life tthan OEM, but they're so much more affordable I'm willing to take the risk.

 

My a-spec’s were going out around 100k. One was completely dead but the fronts had a clunk.

Swapped all of them out for KYB’s, still on aspec springs, and couldn’t be happier.

 

After my Rt front strut failed I replaced all four corners with KYB myself. I invested in a quality cordless impact wrench which made the job easier but it was a heavy job for these old bones. There are some great YouTube videos available. Go for it.

 

Hey, that's exactly what I have. KYB's and A-Spec springs. Only difference here is that my A-Spec shocks weren't worn out, I just couldn't stand the kidney-jarring ride anymore. (A former moderator here had full A-Spec and insisted he felt no meaningful ride quality sacrifice, so this for sure is opinion territory.)

If I were just now getting an RL and wanted a spring/shock combo that gave a better ride/handling compromise than stock, since you can't get A-Spec parts anymore, I'd probably go for OEM 2009-12 springs and KYB shocks. From what I've heard, the newer springs are Goldilocks firmness compared to the too-mushy 2005-08.

 

interesting. I prefer firmer ride and lower height.

I have a set of H&R springs in my workshop but the front lip and jpipe already have a few battle scars from speed bumps so figured that’d be too low as this car is going to my son in the next few months (when he gets his license).

 

Here's mine after I installed H&R Sport Springs. Very nice aggressive stance when seen from the front!! I gave it to my daughter when I purchased the '18 RLX-SH, and she has a standing offer to give it back any time. GREAT car!!

 

Age got them more than the mileage... I had mine replaced on the former 06 RL at 130-140k if I remember correctly - I went with the KYB. Car now has 220k and is still running just as good after installing them...
Do not do OEM unless you feel like spending more money