I will be getting a set of the Eibach Pro Kit springs in the coming weeks and would like to know everyones opions on what struts to get. After doing a lot of searching I find that the Tokico blues are a pretty good match and they are also reasonably priced. This is what i'm looking for in the struts:

1) Not a terribly stiff ride
2) Long lasting
3) Around $300 in price for the set of four
4) Ones that will be the least prone to bottoming out

Everyones input is welcome and appreciated.

P.S. About how much will a typical speedshop charge to install all four spring and struts for my 2K2 maxima?

 

1) really based on ur own tolerance...some ppl can stand it and some cant. I have no problem with my setup
2) some ppl here have problem with tokicos with stiff spring like eibach....do more search on this one.
3) 300 for 4 is about right for tokicos, AGX is about 380 and Konis are 500
4) I would suggest stronger struts like AGX and koni.....and also consider the road condition in ur area.


I have a .org member installed my shocks and spring for 120....I bet the usual cost is about 200 - 240.

 

If you get the modified AGX, be prepared to buy 4th gen springs. Deven2K2 and I both had trouble with 5th gen springs.

You shouldn't pay more than $250 for the install. i actually paid $100.

 

yup.... H&R and Eibach both have 5th specified springs.....intrax, progress have same spring for both gen. eibach 5th gen doesnt fit with the rear AGX.......but HR does...emax has HR and AGX.

 

I have Progress and KYB....some knocking noise, but a good ride overall.

 

$100? Where at? I'm hoping to have my suspension all in to Alex's by Friday or next week at the latest...

 

yeah the 4th gen springs are little bit wider in the rear..so if you're using 5th gen eibachs like me, the springs won't sit all the way down. there's maybe about 1/8 inch gap from the bottom of the springs to the shock..

 

Ya'll just wait til mines installed...only Max thats gonna have this suspension...

 

so what combo are u going to do then? any hints?

 

2" drop with these new springs.

 

Well, I just got my 5th gen Eibach Pro-Kit springs today and STILL don't know what struts to get. I was thinking Tokico's but then was leaning towards KYB AGX's until I read that they have fittment issues in the rear. I am so confused. Could someone simply post for me what struts are available to match my 5th gen Eibach Pro-Kits without having to modified them and give a rough price for them along with a very brief description of any noticable pro's and con's. Thanks so much everyone.

 

You CANNOT get KYB AGX's with the 5th gen Eibach kit. Eibach is different from 4th gen to 5th gen. Since the struts are just modified 4th gens, they don't sit right with the 5th gen springs.

It sounds like your only option is Tokicos. Are GR2s available for 5th gen?

 

Uro Tek. It is a total dump on the west side and they will probably charge you more than that because they had a ***** of a time with my car.

Plus I am squeaking like crazy now. I need to know where you go and I am going to set an appointment if they do a good job. Mine need to be redone.

 

My opinion is this.....

Put on the springs with the stock struts. From my experience, the stock struts will last about a year with the Eibachs. That should just about hold you over until KYB comes out with the 5th gen springs next year. Why buy something now (when you really don't have to) and next year either kick yourself for not waiting for the AGXs OR spend more to get the AGXs?

No need to rush man, lower it now and get the AGXs next year.

 

Trust me, I thought of going this rought mainly because I hated the fact of taking off perfectly good struts. The only reason that I want to change the struts is because I really don't want to pay for the installation twice. I can't do the job myself so I wanted to get the springs/struts done at the same time.

 

That's what I decided as well. I just bought the H&R's and the Tokicos. With luck they will get here by friday.

 

Then you have VERY limited options with 5th gen Eibachs. I'd buy deven2K2stickMax's 4th gen rears off him and use the 5th gen fronts and 4th gen rears. Talk to him about his experience with 5th gen Eibachs on 4th gen struts.

 

Gotcha. Go with the Tokicos then. They're made for the car, ride well, and have a lifetime warranty (if any of the struts blows, Tokico will replace it for free). This is the cheapest option as long as you resist the urge to get AGXs next year.

However, if you go with the modified AGXs now then you will actually spend the same amount as if you went stock struts now and bought the AGXs next year (because of the extra money needed for the modified AGXs assuming you buy them from Cattman). Also, you wouldn't have struts that are made for your car and springs (which will eat at you next year when the 5th gen ones are available) and you will not have KYB's blessing, i.e. no warranty. So, if you're considering putting on the modified AGXs now I would say don't - use the stock ones and go AGX next year but if you want the cheapest option, get the Toks.

 

Thanks for the great reply. Let me ask some questions:

1) So Tokico will replace any strut that blows in any time period as long as they are on your car for no charge?
2) If I take the stock struts off with about 15k miles on them could I later put them on the car say 3 years down the road or will they good bad (Is that possible for them to go bad)?
3) Why did some people here on the org say you need stronger struts for the Eibachs then Tokico's? Are Tokico's not strong enough?
4) So basically there is no other non modded strut to match 5th gen Eibachs than the Tokico's...Is this correct?

Thanks.

 

I haven't heard anyone having problems with the Tokico's. I talked with several vendors and they all said that the Tokico's were excellent struts/shocks.

 

I've read more than one thread about Tokicos blowing. I don't know what makes a strut "blow"....but people have been complaining about Tokicos since the beginning of time.

And regarding the warranty- do you really want to have to pay to have a busted strut removed, and be without your car for a couple of weeks while the warranty processes?

 

never thought of that. Tokico should pay labor also.

 

Only in a perfect world.

I spoke with the KYB rep. He said that KYB AGX's will be available at the end of next summer. That's 10 months away. Blow your stock ones and buy those then. It'll be worth the wait.

 

So there lies your quandary.

1) Go with Tokicos now and possibly dealing with blown strut later on with the warranty (personally I don't think it's as bad as it's portrayed but it does seem that there are cases. BTW, I have Toks and they are fantastic! :fingerscrossed: )

2) Go with modified AGX's now, lose all warranty and release KYB from all liability (not made for car, possible fitment/noise/performance issues)

3) Go stock now and get AGX next year (extra installation fee - about $130 - when 5th gen AGX's are installed). Save $12 a month for a year to cover that added cost (use extra $14 for beer during install).

Your call.

 

Well, it looks like you went with eibachs and tok's and have had sucess. how many miles did you have on your stocks when you removed them? Can you put the stocks back on after years of being off the car? Are the KYB's that good that they are worth a years wait?

 

I put on about 18k miles on the Eibach/stock combo (actual miles about 32k) before changing the struts. Not sure on the years of inactivity question but I would venture to say that as long as the oil has not leaked out they should work down the road. As far as the AGX's go, I think it's the adjustability that everyone is after, as well as the performance.

 

I have AGX's. Frankly, I can't tell a bit of difference between the settings. And I'm getting some noise from the rear right now. I'm not all that pleased. I think it was a bad install job.

 

I have a 2000 Max SE with the Eibach Pro kit and Tokico blues. Im very happy with the set up. I paid $85 for the install and $50 for the alignment.

 

I am getting my AGX/Eibachs as well as my Ypipe and UDP installed for an order of Chili-Cheese Frys from the Outback But....I have a really cool friend whom happens to be a Manager at an Auto-repair Chain.