You have to support the lower control arm before removing the shock hardware to prevent the coil spring from flying out.
You see him do this in the video with the screw jack.
Tester
The first letter of you VIN indicates where it’s made. If it’s made in Japan the first letter would be a J.
I’m pretty sure the OEM shock for your vehicle is KYB. KYB makes a very good shocks/strut. I’d either replace them with KYB or Bilstein. If you can get the OEM (KYB) cheaper then buying KYB from a local parts store…then go with that. I personally think the Bilstein is a little better. But that’s just my opinion.
As others have said, don’t buy the parts and have a mechanic install them. Most mechanics around here will put the brand shock/strut you want. Just tell them. Get a quote first.
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Like I said, KYB struts/shocks have been junk since the covid pandemic.
If you can get six months out them before they start to leak, you’re lucky.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=kyb+has+turned+to+junk
Tester
Of the OE replacement brands at Rock Auto, I’d go with the Bilsteins. I had good results with them on my '83 GTI and '95 Suburban.
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I looked and the rav is from japan. Also, I saw OEM’s at toyota are made by KYB (believe that is the case). thanks.
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