shock help please!
 

hey guys, my shocks in my 86 are officially toast. ride is getting unbearable so i am in need of a new shock/spring set up. I already own a set of Eibach Ground Control springs. I planned originally on using tokico HPs but quickly learned they are just a tad above stock replacements and would also go very quickly. My current idea is KYB AGX (8 way adjustable) shocks. I am selling my wheels in a couple of days and with the money want to purchase something that will allow me to drop 1-1.25" off of the stock height of the car without being in a lot of trouble. The daily drive the car May-November. Don't put much miles, just broke 3k this year on the car. however i will NOT be tracking the car i am in search for a stiff drive that can handle the springs without wearing out the shocks within 2 - 3 years (I've heard is the case with the AGX). Any help would be appreciated. thank you.

KYB AGX, Tokico Illumina, and Koni Yellows will work well with the ground control recommended spring rates. I find their rates a bit stiff for street driving, but I prefer a softer spring than most. Street driving 3k a year, I think your shocks will outlast the car.

as for shocks i actually love the KYB-AGX for daily street that is stiff enough for my taste. and as for springs you really wanna pick one that supports each other compensate load. i like the ground controls. but for the same price you would typically spend on a shock and spring set up you can get some megan coilovers and the ride is great. just saying. its up too you brotha.

AGX's are a good street/trackday shock. they go from about stock, to way too stiff.

we have a set from 2005, thats done 3 years of trackdays and the rest on the street and they are totally fine.

the koni's are better parts and are capable of delivering better ride AND handling.

the tokico's i think have a larger outer diameter, which means the average coil over sleeve just barley doesn't fit, which sucks because otherwise they are fine

I currently use Tokico HP (blues) and Tein S-Tech springs on my daily driver. I love the set-up. It is simple, has a very nice drop to it, and performs well. My tires are a bit oversized... So on the fronts, each tire sits a half inch away from the spring. I've experienced absolutely NO rubbing whatsoever. I know that even slightly wider wheels would definitely rub, though.

I may go with Koni Yellows and Racing Beat springs next time, if not coilovers. But like I said... It is my daily. I may just keep running good sets of shocks and spring combos.

I fixed it so it's readable.

I don't know where you heard but that blue's (HP's) wear out quickly, but that is just plain baloney. And, I'll tell you a stiff ride will get old quickly in a daily driver situation not to mention hard on the car. I've been running the same set of blues in my DD for 10 years and not a fail.

I've tried all the shocks you mentioned for my daily driver, and the ONLY shock I like are the Blues. Even the Illumina's set on the softest setting is a harder ride than the Blues themselves. I run Racing Beat springs.

Now, if you're tracking you car, then adjustibles are the choice as they allow you to tune your suspension to the track and ride comfort really isn't a consideration. But that isn't what you're saying you use the car for.

They don't make konis for FCs anymore...

I'd get a set of Bilsteins. They're great, monotube dampers that will last forever. and when they do blow they can be rebuilt (and revalved if you want) for about $60 per strut.

bilsteins and konis are in a class above all the other struts mentioned in this thread...

Where can you buy new bilsteins?

I have looked everywhere for them!

Thanks,

Rob R.

Andy's Auto Sport Body Kits - Your Body Kit Superstore! sells the Bilsteins I believe

Pleased with my tokico blues with eibach progressive springs . Not sure the model of springs. Don't think their available now

Sorry for the threadjack...

I have tried to order springs and shocks from them before because they are the only place you can get them.

I always get a call back saying they are out of stock.

It would be great news if these shocks are still available!

End Threadjack.

thanks for all the help guys. I got my ground control springs for 200$, they were never installed. a buddy got them and then lost his car and gave them to me. i found a set of brand new (in box) Illumina's for 500. so i figured for 700 this wouldn't be a bad set up. The car will NOT be tracked, and like I said I only put 3k on the car since i put it on the road (it did come off the road because i was commuting 100mi daily and didn't want the mileage or gas to be a hassle so my Camry was deployed). Everyones info was helpful, but here is a few follow-up questions

AGX for 450 or Illumina for 500?

If Illumina, "the tokico's i think have a larger outer diameter, which means the average coil over sleeve just barley doesn't fit, which sucks because otherwise they are fine" will this be an issue with installing? i will be doing the work myself.

I drive around a really bumpy city. I don't want to break my back, but avoiding the bumps sometimes just isn't possible. when i mentioned a "stiff ride" i mean something that wont be wavy. I have been in a car with coils that was all but 2" off of the ground (yes it was a Honda) and I couldn't stand driving around and every bump feeling pain on my spine.

So in conclusion looking for something that is stiffer than stock, but not spine tingling. I figured adjustables are the way to go so I have options. Is the price difference between Illumina and AGX worth it? or should I go with the original plan and save 50$


p.s. Thread Jacker, no offense taken, I am sure we would all do the same!

Sorry, I didn't see this till now. Tirerack.com has the bilsteins... ($456+shipping)

I've heard nothing but bad things about andy's autosport.

Also, I've heard better things about illuminas than AGXs, but they're not that different...