I already decided that I going to buy H&R springs. But I do not know which shocks to buy. I want to know how the ride on Tokico HP and KYB GR2 on H&R? I know Tokico Illumina is the best one so far but I can't spent more than $400...unless someone know where to buy Illumina for $400 shipped. Please help me to decide what to buy.

Thanks

 

If you're going non-adjustable, I will say that both the Tokico and the KYB will be much better than stock. I have never used them on a Maxima, but I helped with a GR2 install on an Sentra. We swapped out the stock GXE suspension for SE-R Spec-V springs (bought for cheap from another Sentra owner) and KYB GR2s. Nice ride.

I haven't seen many reviews of the GR2s here on the Org. I have seen a few people using the HPs, though. Most of them have good things to say about the HPs. I think I've only seen one negative comment about them. They're supposed to have about the same damping properties as Illuminas turned to setting 2. You'll have to verify that with a more reliable source, since I'm just passing on heresay.

 

HPs (aka Blues) are a fantastic aftermarket strut. They're 10% stiffer, so they'll hold out an all around 1.5'' drop without a problem. Unlike GR2s, which harden/get stiffer noticeably during the winter, HP/Blues remain unchanged. I've also heard more horror stories about GR2s blowing, and have yet to hear any on the HP/Blues. And yes, Blues can be most closely attributed to Illuminas set on a 2/2 setting.

I personally know a number of people from the Org who hate their GR2s. Tokico is far more reliable, if you ask me.

 

Back in the day, Tok Blues were always blowing. This was before 5th Gens existed. For the 3rd and 4th gen owners, we were always complaining about the Blues. That's why when the AGX and GR2s were made available, people flocked to them. That's why you probably won't see too many OGs with Tok blues. This was around 98-99.

 

The trend seems to have reversed now. This isn't the first time I've heard somebody comment on the bad cold weather performance of the AGX dampers. The HPs are getting a lot of praise from 5th gen owners now.

The Sentra that I helped put AGXs on lives down here in Georgia, so we rarely see supercold weather... maybe one week out of the year maximum... so I can't validate the cold weather claims myself.

 

i'm actually about to buy a set of struts myself. i'm assuming from the comments made then that the newer tokico hp struts last longer and ride better with h&r's (the springs i have) and others than what the old blues. i really didn't want to spend the money for the illuminas, but was just worried about the longevity of the hp's as well. i'm just another one who remembers the negative comments about the blues years ago.

 

Apparently the new HPs are built with the same design and materials as the Illuminas... they're just not adjustable. I don't know if that's actually true or if it's just something that Tokico says to make HP buyers feel good about themselves. The 5th Gen owners here who use them seem to like them. I've only seen one complaint, and it wasn't about strut failure. It was just a guy who didn't like the ride on HPs and... I forget what springs he had.

 

I've had both Blues and Illuminas in front of my eyes, and to the touch they both felt incredibly sturdy and well built.

As far as H&R: They'll ride great with them.

 

I've been here a long time, never had a problem with the Tok Blues, Honestly don't remember many ppl complaing about them. I personally like them, but I went to AGX's and they are great, but they get stiff in the cold. I would go with the blues over KYB just for that fact that they can't handle the cold temps as well.

Also I was running my Blues with Stiff Eibachs, and they lasted well over 3 years.

 

Lengthy research led me to purchase KYB GR2's

 

ive had HPs on my 240sx for over 4 years now, along with sprint springs. never had a problem, the ride is a little stiff, but theyre reliable. i do want to try out the illuminas on the max, but dont know if its worth extra 200 bucks.

 

I've had HPs with Progress springs for over 2500 miles now and I love em... no problems yet... the struts came used with 10k miles on em...

Chun: I got your PM... will respond later...