Do you have Koni red's?
03-21-2005, 03:09 PM
#1
Taking my Maxima to the Max!
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Do you have Koni red's?
I have been reading and researching the best option for replacing my OEM electronicly controlled "Sonar Suspension II" struts on my 1989 GXE. They are 16 years old now and ready to be replaced. I want to keep the adjustability but don't want to pay the outrageous OEM replacement prices. Plus, I want to lower my Max, so I was considering the Koni reds. I didn't like the idea of only having off-the-car adjustability or having to pay an arm and a leg to get them modified for external adjustment by Koni. But, finally, I think I have found a solution.
I just happened to find this website during a search through some of the threads here (on the .org). I wonder if anyone else who has Koni's has seen it or used the tool they are selling. Please let me know if you have and how it works. Thanks a lot!
http://www.928motorsports.com/parts/shocktool.html
-Mrkanda Fitch
I just happened to find this website during a search through some of the threads here (on the .org). I wonder if anyone else who has Koni's has seen it or used the tool they are selling. Please let me know if you have and how it works. Thanks a lot!
http://www.928motorsports.com/parts/shocktool.html
-Mrkanda Fitch
03-21-2005, 03:21 PM
#4
Yeah. Unless you make some type of threaded tool that you can twist/telescope longer.
Originally Posted by DanNY
best n00b evar..
oh and this won't work for the rear due to lack of clearance....fronts only.
oh and this won't work for the rear due to lack of clearance....fronts only.
03-21-2005, 03:46 PM
#5
Taking my Maxima to the Max!
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Originally Posted by DanNY
best n00b evar..
oh and this won't work for the rear due to lack of clearance....fronts only.
oh and this won't work for the rear due to lack of clearance....fronts only.
Thanks! Just doing my homework. I'm still debating on spending the bucks and going for the Koni external modification, but I think for now I'll just go with this. The best, of course, would be to have an in-car control box like the Tien Flex system. Maybe someday ("dream-a-little-dream".. ;-) )
BTW, How long do the konis last with lowered springs?
-Mrkanda
03-21-2005, 06:38 PM
#10
Mark, have you ever been in a car set up with Tokicos and compared them to a car running Konis?
until you have, then you shouldn't speak. The Konis are lightyears beyond the Toks.
As for the tool Mrkanda linked above, they won't work on our cars unfortunately. that tool requires there be a 6mm hex head on the top of our shocks- which we don't have.
until you have, then you shouldn't speak. The Konis are lightyears beyond the Toks.
As for the tool Mrkanda linked above, they won't work on our cars unfortunately. that tool requires there be a 6mm hex head on the top of our shocks- which we don't have.
03-21-2005, 11:41 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: BFE, UT
Posts: 3,194
Originally Posted by markmaxima
koni's are over priced, try tokico's
See it happen a lot in car audio... guess I shouldn't really be surprised it's happening here.
03-22-2005, 05:44 AM
#15
Larry, it's more like $250 per shock for our Maximas. been there, done that, talked to Koni tech support about it myself.. kept my money and dealt with the problem.
some of their shocks are easier to convert to external adjustable, and only cost $100 or so. ours are not.
some of their shocks are easier to convert to external adjustable, and only cost $100 or so. ours are not.
03-22-2005, 08:08 AM
#16
Originally Posted by Matt93SE
As for the tool Mrkanda linked above, they won't work on our cars unfortunately. that tool requires there be a 6mm hex head on the top of our shocks- which we don't have.
03-22-2005, 08:16 AM
#19
Sure.. it's possible, but I don't feel like messing with it. 
It would be easy enough to drill out the upper mount to make more room, and modify the top of the shock somewhat, but then you have the fun of redoing all of them like that.
It would be easy enough to drill out the upper mount to make more room, and modify the top of the shock somewhat, but then you have the fun of redoing all of them like that.
03-22-2005, 10:31 AM
#20
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 403
Originally Posted by mrkanda
I have been reading and researching the best option for replacing my OEM electronicly controlled "Sonar Suspension II" struts on my 1989 GXE. They are 16 years old now and ready to be replaced. I want to keep the adjustability but don't want to pay the outrageous OEM replacement prices. Plus, I want to lower my Max, so I was considering the Koni reds. I didn't like the idea of only having off-the-car adjustability or having to pay an arm and a leg to get them modified for external adjustment by Koni. But, finally, I think I have found a solution.
I just happened to find this website during a search through some of the threads here (on the .org). I wonder if anyone else who has Koni's has seen it or used the tool they are selling. Please let me know if you have and how it works. Thanks a lot!
http://www.928motorsports.com/parts/shocktool.html
-Mrkanda Fitch
I just happened to find this website during a search through some of the threads here (on the .org). I wonder if anyone else who has Koni's has seen it or used the tool they are selling. Please let me know if you have and how it works. Thanks a lot!
http://www.928motorsports.com/parts/shocktool.html
-Mrkanda Fitch
i have koni reds on my 92 and the are the best thing i got on my car they are about 500.00 .
03-22-2005, 06:27 PM
#21
Originally Posted by kcidmil
Sounds like the old situation of having one bad experience, and basing the whole company on that experience.
See it happen a lot in car audio... guess I shouldn't really be surprised it's happening here.
See it happen a lot in car audio... guess I shouldn't really be surprised it's happening here.
03-22-2005, 06:47 PM
#22
Taking my Maxima to the Max!
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Originally Posted by rick's 92
i have koni reds on my 92 and the are the best thing i got on my car they are about 500.00 .
Sounds like the way to go. Where is the best and least expensive place to get them? I am ordering a set of tires from tirerack and they have them for $133 each. Is that about the best around? I thought I saw someone on here selling them for $450 for all 4. Also, should I get all new mounts and dust boots at the same time. And if I'm adding lowering springs (Eibach Pro-Kit) do I need to get the camber adjustment bolts? Thanks.
-Mrkanda
03-22-2005, 08:10 PM
#25
Originally Posted by mrkanda
Sounds like the way to go. Where is the best and least expensive place to get them? I am ordering a set of tires from tirerack and they have them for $133 each. Is that about the best around? I thought I saw someone on here selling them for $450 for all 4. Also, should I get all new mounts and dust boots at the same time. And if I'm adding lowering springs (Eibach Pro-Kit) do I need to get the camber adjustment bolts? Thanks.
-Mrkanda
-Mrkanda
$125 ea.
may not be the cheapest though
03-22-2005, 08:15 PM
#26
Originally Posted by usmanasif
Which begs the question: Why did you repurchase them? 
I am too bored.
I am too bored.
Of course its a huge hassle having to warranty them every 25-30K. Then again that is a long long time for me as little as I drive my car.
03-22-2005, 08:24 PM
#27
Taking my Maxima to the Max!
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Originally Posted by internetautomar
me!
$125 ea.
may not be the cheapest though
$125 ea.
may not be the cheapest though
OK. What would shipping be to 20740 and how long would it take. What about pricing on the bellows and mounts? Also, can you answer the other questions in the previous post? Thanks.
-Mrkanda
03-23-2005, 06:21 AM
#28
the eibachs really don't need the camber bolts.
but i definately agree to do the mounts and boots at the same time.
check my website for the specifics on shipping etc.
www.internetautomart.com/3rdgen.html
but i definately agree to do the mounts and boots at the same time.
check my website for the specifics on shipping etc.
www.internetautomart.com/3rdgen.html
03-23-2005, 09:23 AM
#29
Originally Posted by usmanasif
Which begs the question: Why did you repurchase them?
I am too bored.
I am too bored.
03-23-2005, 10:03 AM
#30
You don't have a choice. It's how they handle warranty claims:
You have a claim. They require you to purchase a new set. Then you replace the shocks and then send in the defective units for Tokico's inspection. If it found they are defective, they issue a refund though the supplier you purchased them from.
It's a pain but it's smart. You have the shocks faster to get your car going. And the maker can be assured you continue to use their product. VS just getting essentialy a refund and buying Konis etc...
You could buy Konis now and install them. Take off the Tokicos and do the warranty replair but you are still out another $300 until you receive your warranty refund (if your claim holds). THEN after that, you can maybe sell the brand new Tokicos for whatever you think. But that's alot of hassle
You have a claim. They require you to purchase a new set. Then you replace the shocks and then send in the defective units for Tokico's inspection. If it found they are defective, they issue a refund though the supplier you purchased them from.
It's a pain but it's smart. You have the shocks faster to get your car going. And the maker can be assured you continue to use their product. VS just getting essentialy a refund and buying Konis etc...
You could buy Konis now and install them. Take off the Tokicos and do the warranty replair but you are still out another $300 until you receive your warranty refund (if your claim holds). THEN after that, you can maybe sell the brand new Tokicos for whatever you think. But that's alot of hassle
Originally Posted by usmanasif
Which begs the question: Why did you repurchase them?
I am too bored.
I am too bored.
03-23-2005, 10:27 AM
#31
Or you could have a badass salesperson like Adam Hume that took care of all the red tape for me, and sent me a set of Konis after I blew up my Toks... sent the Toks in and he refunded me the difference.
03-23-2005, 11:22 AM
#33
www.shox.com also did the same for me....no problems. got a check from them after i purchased the konis.
03-23-2005, 01:11 PM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 378
hey matt i have had experience with all three struts, depending where you live depends on how long your struts will last, in new york there are lot of potholes and dips in roads, and no matter what strut you buy they will blow quicker because of the road condtions, and it doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on something that you won't get the full use out of it. so i gave my opinion, and you gave an assumption.
03-23-2005, 01:21 PM
#35
Originally Posted by markmaxima
hey matt i have had experience with all three struts, depending where you live depends on how long your struts will last, in new york there are lot of potholes and dips in roads, and no matter what strut you buy they will blow quicker because of the road condtions, and it doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on something that you won't get the full use out of it. so i gave my opinion, and you gave an assumption.
Actually, your statement was a broad generalization because not everyone lives "in new york where there are a lot of potholes and dips in roads".
03-23-2005, 01:25 PM
#36
Originally Posted by markmaxima
hey matt i have had experience with all three struts, depending where you live depends on how long your struts will last, in new york there are lot of potholes and dips in roads, and no matter what strut you buy they will blow quicker because of the road condtions, and it doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on something that you won't get the full use out of it. so i gave my opinion, and you gave an assumption.
i've beat the crap out of the konis and they still are pretty firm. where as the toks i been through 2 sets already.
03-23-2005, 02:40 PM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 378
hey miz you are right i didn't clearify, where you live does matter
dannt yes before they did the belt over i was on there on a regular basis, and you know the belt was bad, and then you add the local streets, it can be rough on a car, not to mention cracked rims etc.
dannt yes before they did the belt over i was on there on a regular basis, and you know the belt was bad, and then you add the local streets, it can be rough on a car, not to mention cracked rims etc.