I just ordered Koni's because everyone knows that they're the best. But, I've heard that they can be a real PITA to install. Are there any tips/tricks that would help me install these easier? And, what is the best setting to adjust them to. The struts are coupled with Intrax, and I DO NOT want to bottom out. Thanks

 

Check this page out to see what's involved in changing them.

http://scott92282.tripod.com/scomax/koni.html

They're a PITA because you have to re-use the front strut housings. Some people use a big pipe wrench or impact gun (I think....) to use instead of that special tool he made. I still might get Konis in the spring though....

The Koni website lists some suggestions for setting them, but maybe some people here will chime in with what they use. I believe most people run some setting about 1/3 from full stiff or soft, but I'm not sure about that.

 

take your time and do it right the first time. i have had to re-do my rears about 5 times already.

as far as the setting goes, it depends on your driving and the roads. i have mine at about 75% stiff and it bugs the crap out of me. if i hit a pothole or bump in the road, the whole car feels like it is going to fall apart.

i want to change them but do not have the time. i think when i do, it will be set to about 30-50% stiff. still don't know yet.

 

off Koni's website, it says that the front struts are a MacPherson special strut in an oem housing. Is this what you were talking about when you said you had to reuse some of the stock stuff? And, do you have to use the oem stuff in the rear also?

 

just wait till they get here. they send you instructions with the shocks. the install is time consuming, but it's not incredibly difficult.. you will need some decent tools though.

 

its all inserts.

front you need to drill out the bottom and cut the top of the stock strut housing.

rear its same as the standard 3rd gen rear suspension swap.

 

Did you look at the website that was given already?? It's pretty clear about what's needed. I used it for my own install. It's harder to describe the work than actually do it.

 

Dan described it very well. first one took me a couple hours, second one took me 20 minutes.

 

damn slow poke...1st took me like an hr...the 2nd one was a walk in the park.

helps to have a nice array of exhaust cutters

 

if they're just slip in using the stock housing... i wonder if there are some illuminas out there that would fit. having the adjust ****/screw/whatever on top would make life so much easier when wanting to adjust them. having to take them off to adjust them would get really old if you take it to the track and daily drive it as well.

anyone concur or is it not so bad to adjust them?

 

You are right. They are a large pain to adjust. Illuminas would be great. But 3-4th gen stuff is not interchangable like that. If it was, I'm sure Matt would have found a way.

 

4th gen strut bodies are about 2" longer than 3rd gens. thus the 4x4 look on them compared to ours.

honestly, you shouldn't be adjusting them that much anyway. once a year is all that's really needed. most people only adjust them because they think it's cool. if you set them up right to begin with, they're fine on the street and will still perform well on the track. full stiff is NOT the proper setting just because you're on the track.