The front struts in my Max need replacing. I'm not interested in any adjustable struts, just ones that perform well and provide a good ride. The oem struts worked well, but sure that there are better ones for less cost. What do you more experienced Orgers have in your Maxs that you would recommend? I see that Tokico has the HP, KYB with the GR-2..what else, and what do you suggest? Also what retailer offers the best prices? The stock struts are starting to creak. Thanks in advance.

 

Tokico HP . Ebay dealers have deals.

 

i suggest you go with KYB GR2 if your not into adjustable. I have them and i like them, they are stiffer than stock so the performance is there, a rear sway bar would help alot with them if you want even more performance. They are defently the way to go because of the price as well. Incase you go with adjustale Tokico Illuminas are your best bet.

 

Yeah I heard that Illuminas give the best comfort out of all the struts except OEM of couse.

 

as long as you don't plan on dropping GR2s are great. they are just a little stiffer, so they give a more responsive ride, but they aren't rough or anything. Just don't drive dropped with GR2s

 

Thanks for the replies so far....Would I have to replace the rears at the same time as the fronts? I know that struts need to be replaced in pairs, whether its the front or rears that are bad. Is a creaking strut a sign of its demise?

If lowering springs are used as well, are there any other things that should be of concern when dropping a Max? Any risks to steering, ball joints, or suspension problems? Would the Tokico HP non asjustable strut be a good choice for a drop? Very little info on the HP and GR-2 is listed on the tokico and kyb sites

 

I have the KYB GR-2s. My rear shocks were shot so I replaced them all. They are just as comfortable as stock if not more comfortable. They handle better than stock. They work great for my type of driving. I want to upgrade my springs but everyone is saying not to put lowering springs on these struts. I read that it's ok to do a slight drop on these struts but they won't work if you plan on dropping your car to the ground. The only downside on lowering with these struts are they won't last as long but I don't really care since they come with a manufactures lifetime warranty. Lowering shouldn't void the warranty because KYB claims it's ok to use lowering springs with these struts.

 

Tokico HPs are decent so are GR-2s especially if ur not going to drop it at all

 

i have a 95 se and a 99gxe. one of the rear shocks on the 99 blew out, i decided to go with tockio blues. after doing a little research and not wanting to change the way the car behaved and without sacrificing stock ride drivability i went for the HP. after taking the car out for a drive i could tell maybe a 5-10% firmer ride, it took bumps pretty well. i would not consider these an upgrade really but more of a stock replacement for cheaper $. all in all the ride didnt change much at all from the stock 79k mile shocks except for the fact that one of the stockers was blown bad. most other people woudl nto even notice the diffrence in ride going from stock to the HP. the car basicly drives like a stock car should. hope that helped and good luck.

 

The creaking noise might be due to a worn strut mount insulator.

 

I was going to my GR2's with Maxspeed springs. I'm just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit. Anybody have this set up? Should I not do this set up? What do you guys think?

Marc.

 

if you take speedbumps and the car bounces more than once after the speedbumps then the shocks are either dying or gone. When my shocks were blown on stock height, i would push down on the car in the front and the car would move like a wave as if it was in water lol. THATS blown shocks! personally i think if one wants a reasonable drop I should say Progress is the way. To me its a perfect drop and i love it, its firmer than stock obviously but not as bad as others at all. and with GR2's they are great. since progress is not a huge drop GR2's are fine (im not really sure if they do offer lifetime warranty though.) The only thing i sort of complain about is that i still get a lil body roll on rear, thats why im planning on getting RSB to fix that.

 

Dude, dont do it! with in a few months ur goign to want to drop more... Progress FTW!!! and they are almost as cheap in price as maxspeed