I've had my car for 10 years and am about to get rid of it, but before I do I'd like to fix it up a bit for the next person. I've had Tokico Illuminas w/ Tokico Springs (Custom Maxima kit from awhile back) on my car for probably like 3 or 4 years. About a month ago the front struts decided their life was over and while the ride still seems stiff the problem is noticeable when the car is jacked up and the struts are inspected.

Anyway, I am not looking to replace them with new illuminas, simply because they are about 530 dollars (which is what I paid for the kit originally) and when I sell it I probably and going to just eat the cost for these repairs. I am considering replacing them with either KYB GR2's or Tokico Blues. Question is, with the tokico springs and their 1.5" or so drop what kind of life expectancy can I expect from either of those?

Also, does anyone know anything about the Illumina "limited" lifetime warranty and what might be covered. I assume after so many miles on the struts they wouldn't be covered.

 

I'm not sure of the Tokico's, but the GR2's are more of a OEM replacement strut. I don't think that they are designed to handle the added pressure of a lowered car. KYB makes the AGX strut which is designed more for handling a car that is lowered. They run around $500 for the complete set. However, they adjust based on the climate, and if it's really cold out the ride is very harsh.

If your car is not heavily modded, just slap on a pair of GR2's with some OEM springs and call it a day.

 

huh?
Can you explain that?

If you want to get max value on your resale, return it to stock. Most people aren't going to want a modified used car. In it's stock form, your market is much larger. I would sugest you simply put the stock springs back in it, and I'm really curious to the answer to my first ?.

If the ride is still controlled, what's wrong with the struts?

 

Maybe he was trying to compress the shocks manually?

 

Well, when I drive around and hit bumps and stuff it doesn't bounce much at all. Taking turns I can tell they are about done simply because it doesn't handle as well as before. When I put it up on the lift I could manually compress them with out much effort.

As for the KYB Agx struts, i've had though on my car before and they weren't worth the price, imo. They are about the same price as the illuminas either way. Returning to stock would be fine and all, but god damn that gap is gross, specially with 18" rims it looks retarded.

 

I just installed gr2's with a 1.5" drop and it seems to work fine especially for the price.

 

That still makes no sense. What are you compressing? Car up on a lift, you still have the spring pressure. Are you disassembling the strut/spring assy to test the strut? That's the only way to test it.

You should be able to compress it manually without to much effort. It should be smooth and rebound slowly to indicate the gas charge is still present. Check all 5 setting, you will feel the differance. No leaks, ect and good control indicates the strut is in working order.

Body roll isn't really a strut issue, but more of a spring and sway bar issue.
The reason I'm posting this is to help you avoid throwing $$$ away on a car that your selling. It honestly doesn't sound like you have a problem with the suspension. Again, returning the car to the stock set up will yield you a higher, easier resale. Toss the 18's and put the factory wheels on it as well as the factory springs and your resale market is much larger.

Good luck!

 

im runnin tokico blues with eibach pro kit, personally i think the blues are too soft for a drop...