apneablue

I am thinking about buying some used 5 way Tokicos. they have 15k on them. Just didn't know in the grand scheem of things if I should just buy new ones.

Thanks,
David

DamonB

How do you KNOW there's only 15K on them?

If you can save enough money over new to be worth the risk, go ahead. Otherwise pass.

apneablue

I guess you are right...I dont know for sure they are 15k...the sell just said 15k..comes with stock springs for $350...May as well just spend the extra 200 and have peace of mind.

SleepR1

I had a set of Tokicos once. The front rubber bushings wore out within the manufacturer's warranty.

Tokico forever to serve the warranty so I ended up buying Mark Valski's 20,000-mile used Showa stock R1 shocks. Those shocks now have 118,000 miles on them with no leaks--Mark must have been telling the truth LOL

Adjustability of the Illumina shocks were useless (only 3 and 4 were usable with the Racing Beat springs that I had at the time)...

Get a good set of Bilstein HDs or new "hard" Showa R1/R2 shocks. Much better quality IMHO.

apneablue

So you are running R1 shocks at the track? I have R2 shocks with 86k on them...Maybe I just need to change my springs. What do you think...I was just going to swap everything out because I thought "it was the thing to do."

SleepR1

My stock R1 shocks are a nice combo with H&R springs. Yeah. As long as your R2 shocks are NOT leaking, just swap your springs. Note there is a very slight difference in damping rate between R1 and R2 (R2s are "softer" than R1). I recommend H&R springs (available @ Tire Rack). They seem to have the best spring rate for both street and track. While you have the shocks and springs apart, inspect the rubber pieces. If they're dry-rotted REPLACE THEM! Try Mazdaformance.Com They're an Rx7 Club advertiser (check their banner on the forum). Good luck!

apneablue

Ok, will do...I have never pull the shocks out before...in any car. so this will be done right after I get it back from gotham...How do I know if they are leaking?

HeatTreated

Yo Dave,

I can get a quote for some new Tokico Illumn's for ya locally. Id be hesistant on 15k struts, I know on my last car, 2 of my Tockico's were toast from major potholes and curb hits by 5k miles.
But that was back when I was a shitty driver

uH seriously though, if you need any help on fronts or backs let me know 'I done tuuk em apart several tymes'.

-E money$

apneablue

I'm going to take you up on that offer for sure....so I am saving this quote to remind you

SleepR1

Inspect the shock body, and look for grit that has stuck to the oil. You can also test them, when you pull the shocks off of the car. Compress the shock piston all the way down. Watch the piston come back up slowly. If the piston stays compressed, the shocks are toast. You're supposed to drill a hole in the shock body before disposing. The hole releases the pressure from the shock body (although presumably worn shocks have a leak, and lost pressure inside the shock body).

adam c

iTrader: (2)

I have seen the tokicos for sale on ebay for around $340 (brand new).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2469439920

apneablue

ebay rocks!

I just raised a grand on there by selling miscelaneous **** I had laying around the house. Going towards my rebuild...thanks for the link...Very valuable info,

apneablue

never mind...im an idiot