Recently purchased used Tokiko Shocks from a wrecked 3rd gen for my FD. The P/S shock looks like it may have suffered some damage to the barrell of the shock housing.... I'm posting pictures that show the area of concern.

Based on what you see, should this shock tower be replaced? or no? There's no evidence of leaking or other apparent damage.... just the minor crease. However will the crease... (looks a scratch) affect the shocks function???

Looking for opinions....

Thanks,

Rich Sr.
93R-1

 

I believe Tokicos are twin tube shocks so you are probably safe. On a monotube shock the piston actually seals to the inside of the tube and so any crease there will adversely effect performance. A twin tube shock has a tube inside a tube. The inner tube holds the piston and the outer tube is pressurized with gas. As long as the outer tube was still airtight and not dented so far as to distort the inner tube performance should be fine.

All that said I wouldn't bother to install a shock with obvious physical damage even if it does seem to work correctly.

Monotube


Twin tube