Strut/shock suggestions wanted

PinkieT · Dec 26, 2016

98 GT ragtop with 70k miles. Scored a 3.73 Cobra rear with brakes. Have aftermarket control arms and Vogtland progressive Sport springs in boxes ready to go in. I was thinking since I'll have new springs and brakes, might as well change shocks and struts while iI have the suspension apart anyway...

First, I hear that if I install new rear upper and lower control arms, since they are stiffer than stock no need to keep the quad shocks. True?

Second, what shocks/struts to get? This is a weekend cruiser, not a track car or drag car.

Thanks in advance!

chris91 · Dec 26, 2016

You are correct about the quads. No need for them after installing the tubular parts. Personally I wouldn't install the uppers. Just pick up some new Bushings for your oem uppers. You need a little bit of flex somewhere. As for shocks and struts you can't go wrong with Tokico, Koni, Strange. KYB aren't bad but I've had a couple buddies blow em out after 5-6k miles but they were lowered over 2". This was on a Stang and a Acura. Stay away from the Tokico Blues, I have had them on two of my personal cars and both sets were blown after a year. Neither car was dropped lower than 2" either. I'd definitely get something adjustable.

sleepn_sn95 · Dec 26, 2016

Can't go wrong with Koni or Bilstein. And if you buy new you get a lifetime warranty

PinkieT · Dec 26, 2016

American Muscle recommended the Koni orange. SN95 member has some lightly used adjustible Tokicos I'm thinking about...

PinkieT · Dec 26, 2016

chris91 said:
... Personally I wouldn't install the uppers. Just pick up some new Bushings for your oem uppers. You need a little bit of flex somewhere. I'd definitely get something adjustable.

I got factory style rubber bushings for the axle end of the uppers. That give me enough flex? Gee, Chris, wonder where I could get some adjustable shocks/struts cheap :laughing5:

chris91 · Dec 26, 2016

PinkieT said:
I got factory style rubber bushings for the axle end of the uppers. That give me enough flex? Gee, Chris, wonder where I could get some adjustable shocks/struts cheap :laughing5:

I have no clue... lol If you want em you better act quick, had a guy just message me on FB.

PinkieT · Dec 29, 2016

Narrowed down to Koni STR-T and KYB AGX. The Konis are $60 or so cheaper, but not adjustable like the KYBs. Heard the Konis are better quality, though. If true, would rather have good non-adjustables than lower quality adjustables. Anybody have experience with the KYB AGX line?

chris91 · Dec 30, 2016

KYB are garbage.

98snakehorse · Dec 30, 2016

Just sold my low mileage Tokiko Hps a few weeks ago. They were great and I have no complaints. For the money you can get some strange single adjustables even cheaper.

PinkieT · Dec 30, 2016

OK, bit the bullet, compromise between no-name and high end. Koni STR-T front and rear. Was tempted by Chris's used Tokico, but bounced the whole thing off my wife. She said "buy new, just don't go crazy". Considering we need new staggered 18" tires for her 98 in the spring, she is setting me up to get her good new tires and not used or no-name cheap rim protectors. I like wifey!

wmfateam · Dec 31, 2016

PinkieT said:
OK, bit the bullet, compromise between no-name and high end. Koni STR-T front and rear. Was tempted by Chris's used Tokico, but bounced the whole thing off my wife. She said "buy new, just don't go crazy". Considering we need new staggered 18" tires for her 98 in the spring, she is setting me up to get her good new tires and not used or no-name cheap rim protectors. I like wifey!

That is how I sell my lady on buying parts. "I could save $50, but what if they go bad in like a month?"

Did you pick them up on sale at LMR?

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PinkieT · Dec 31, 2016

wmfateam said:
That is how I sell my lady on buying parts. "I could save $50, but what if they go bad in like a month?"

Did you pick them up on sale at LMR?

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

No, sale at American Muscle. Bought individually instead of the set saved me $84 - paid $328 total.

I have a used BBK CAI on my GT, she has a new SR Performance. Mine has been no trouble, hers slipped apart. Got cheap subframe connectors for hers, didn't fit right, I found a set of Maximum Motorsports on Craigslist new in the box for my car. She is all for buying good stuff now. I scored a used Accufab plenum and throttle body locally, but what can go wrong with a plenum and throttle body?

Her new 2013 Focus Electric had no universal garage door opener on the visor - was not an option on that car that year. I found that one of any other model Focus would plug in no problem. I found some used, but as her car has only 800 miles on it we agreed to spend the extra $50 and buy new in the box.

PinkieT · Jan 2, 2017

And now AM took the sale off the individual shocks and struts. Buy singly or in a set, you pay $411 vs. the $328 I paid a few days ago. I am thankful Wifey told me to pull the trigger when I did!