ill soon be installing h&r's on my 2002 six speed, but have 2 questions 1. will it ride much better if i replace the front sruts w/ tokico's (im looking for least harsh) or is it negligable improvement over stock struts and keep $$$ in my pocket? 2. i have a fairly heavy sub box in the back of my car, i like the way the rear sits, if i only put springs up front will it ride funny or feel unbalanced? any suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

Tokicos provide a nice ride.

 

The general consensus on this board is that you can live with stock struts on H&R's for a little bit, but you'll eventually blow the stockers. I can't speak to ride quality with the stockers, but the Tok's provide a nice ride. I've been on H&R's & Tokico's for some time.

 

Tokicos are very good shocks especially if you're looking for not-so-harsh ride.

 

AGX are far better than Tokicos when it comes to lowering springs. Performance springs use higher spring rates which make it very hard for OEM and Tokico struts to dampen the spring. This is generally why OEM and Tokicos where out so fast with lowering springs, they get overworked.

Unfortunately for you, I don't think AGX struts are out for the 2k2 yet. I might be mistaken.


Dave

 

For for the KYB GR2 struts. A bit firmer then the Toks and they work very well coupled with H&R's. I believe there a direct bolt on for the 5th gens.

 

I just installed H&R's with GR2's this weekend and went on a 600 mile road trip. Compared to the stock GXE suspension, it is noticably stiffer. The car doesn't glide over dips and bumps like it used. On smooth road surfaces you won't notice much/any difference. On rough road surfaces it can get a bit jarring but still very livable. I'll let you know in 65K miles if this set-up lasts as long as stock.

 

I am going to install my toks sometime this week. Right now I am running with H&R's on stock, and it is OK for smooth roads, however since I live in Boston, those smooth roads are few and far between.

 

1yup....stock struts are not desgined to handle lowering spring.
2.HR spring is stiffer than stock....therefore, the sub box will not push it down that much. Change all 4 or the ride will be funny.

HR is a strut friendly spring....fits good on AGX (which had problems with Eibach) and Tokicos. depends on ur area....people had made comments about tokico's durability. I recommand AGX with HR.