Tom

I've done a search and plowed through a lot of threads but cannot find anything on Tokico spring rates. Every other aftermarket spring (RB/Eibach etc) are covered, but no info on Tokico. Anybody have a clue?

The reason I ask is because the 85GSL I bought last March has a suspension kit on it sold by rotary performance in Garland Texas. The kit has Tokico springs and blues, as well as front and rear sway bars (Suspension Specialties- not Techniques). I called this oufit and asked them directly- but they had no clue on the spring rates OR diameters of their sway bars and don't carry them anymore. (Tokico stopped making them according to them..Lotta product knowledge there- Hurrumphh!).
The GSL handles relatively well or nuetral but rides VERY harsh (a veritable nut cruncher ride). Steering on highway speeds becomes more of a chore than anything else. The slightest bump in the road and she changes track, requiring constant adjustment. Curves or corners- no problem but the highway ride just plain sucks butt. Anyone have the same type of set up and experience this sort of thing? I'm going to give her a once over as far as bushings and things. I know the rear sway bar toplink bushings need to be replaced but that should not affect highway driving.

I'm tempted to find a more forgiving spring to replace these tokicos if necessary (or fork out the $$ for adjustables shocks- but the springs would be cheaper). I figure I need to start by finding out what exactly these spring rates are on my car, then work a little softer. Any input would greatly appreciated. Maybe someone knows how I could measure the spring rate? Honestly- I'm looking for good handling with a little less comfort than stock (if necessary). I'm just tired of wearing a jock strap every time I drive my car.

Ludicrous

Try their website. If it's not on there, email them.

http://www.tokicogasshocks.com/

Tom

I looked on their website earlier- no info on spring rates. I will, however try an e-mail to them..

What surprises me is that if they are matched, why do they suck soo bad on the highway?

LongDuck

Here are some comparison numbers for when you find out (taken from Mazdatrix website - IMO, one of the best on-line retailers out there for parts...):

Front - Manufacturer and Rate
Stock 100
Racing Beat 145
Suspension Techniques 85/120
Eibach 171

Rear - Manufacturer and Rate
Stock 85
Racing Beat 110
Suspension Techniques 80
Eibach 100

Let us know what the Tokicos come out to be when you find out. HTH,

Tom

Very interesting info on the Tokico's. I called the manufacturer. The springs sold for 1st gens were package #HPS 5050 (sold in front and rear sets) and usually sold as a handling kit with their blues or Illumina's

Front springs are progressive at 194
Rear springs are linear at 111.

I asked for clarification on the fronts (there should be two rates for linear and compressed). They said thats what the old book lists- one number at 194.

I now know why they suck so bad on the highway. They're harder than rocks.

Ludicrous

Damn, that's kidney bruising, teeth breaking kind of rock hard!

Tom

I wasn't kidding when I said I needed a jock strap when driving this car!
If the front's are progressive, I wonder what the rate is un-compressed...I dunno..I wonder if I could get away with replacing only the front springs with RB's?

Any suggestions would be appreciated..