I've have a pair of KYB G2's on the front of my '83 with Racing Beat springs. At about 10K miles, I had the passenger side strut lose its oil seal. I've since replaced it, but now the driver side seems to be losing oil, too. The struts have not been abused or raced (other than off ramps )

Do lower springs cause accelerated strut/shock death? I've always has good luck with KYB's in the past - any other non-adjustable strut recommendation that would work well under the lowered conditions?

Thanks!

 

Shouldn't, unless you nicked the piston when you were installing it. That can ruin the seals in the shock/strut.

 

Everyone will tell you to get Tokico HPs (non-adjustable) or Illuminas (adjustable). Lucky for you, they're readily available in the US.

Koni Reds are also very worthy, and are used by everyone in Aus who can afford more than KYBs, though they are significantly stiffer (so I have been told) than the KYBs when used woth RB springs.

Personally, if importing the HPs was as cheap as KYBs in Aus, I would have got the Tokicos.

 

Tokico Blues for me


I'm very pleased with them... no problems. My only complaint isn't shock related... it's SPRING related. On the bumpy, pot-holed-to-hell roads of New Orleans, those springs with 15x8" wheels, and 205/50-15 Falken Azenis.... it's not exactly like driving a Cadillac.

 

I use Koni's and RB springs on my AutoX car. Been fine for 3 seasons of hard use. I know a couple people who have had trouble with KYB shocks also.

 

... I bought the shocks through a "Pick The Cheapest Price" store off the internet...

I'm wondering if they were 86'd stock. Who knows? I've already replaced one bad one, and when the driver's side goes (as I suspect it's doing) - I suppose I'll replace it with KYB for a matching set. If they go again, I'm shopping for something else - at a place it's easy to return defective parts to...