I'm looking for input from people that have aftermarket tokico or koni struts on their Maximas .. regardless of generation ...

what're the pro's & cons?

I have the 5th gen & only tokico's r out .. should I wait 4 the koni's? or do they just about do the same thing?

which is more reliable?

last question ... is our stock strut made by koni or tokico?

tkx guys!

 

Most people that have tokicos say that they wear out almost as quick as the stock struts. They also don't feel as dampened as my konis feel. Only disadvantage to the konis is that they will probably run you about $150 more for the set. Otherwise, they won't wear out on you, and they are just an overall better strut. If they wait isn't too long for konis, it might be worth it to wait it out.
At least on the 4th gen, the stock strut is made by tokico. I'm guessing the 5th gen should be the same.

 

how long should the konis last?

 

I have Tokico struts w/ Suspension Techniques springs. I've had them for 3 years, and they still feel great. My car has 162,000+ miles on it, too. True, the ride is much stiffer than stock, but not harsh. And not bouncy. The ST springs lowered my car about 1.4", so I have no camber problems.

FYI, I've never spoken to anyone directly about those Koni struts, but I have read *many* posts on this BBS from folks who have the Koni/Eibach combination. They almost always complain of a harsh, stiff ride. They frequently ask for opinions about better strut/spring set-ups. I don't know whether the harsh ride has more to do with the Koni struts or the Eibach springs... Anyone else care to comment?

 

I've got Koni's in the front with KYBs in the rear along with ST springs. The only time the Koni's are harsh is whne you hit a raised bump. Potholes are no problem. In really cold weather (20 degrees and below) the harshness is increased so I just dialed back the damping of the strut. Now that it's back in the 40 degree range here in Kansas, I cranked the firmness to ~80% and the ride is awesome. I've got absolutely no problems with the harshness right now.

The best things come to those who wait. Remember that.


Dave

 

Hey Dave,

What do u mean by "dialed back"? Am I correct in assuming the Koni's are adjustable then?

If so ... how do u actually do the adjusting? Is it a cumbersome procedure?

Tkx guys 4 all the posts!

 

As far as the adjustability (this is for the 240 but Im nearly 100% sure its the same) The fronts have a little adjustment **** on the top. So to adjust them all you have to do is open the hood and turn. On the rears you have to do it with the shock off of the car and have to fully depress it then turn it 180*cw then adjust. Im getting my koni yellows overnighted (blew my 2 rears 2 days after a 1.5" drop that ended up being 2" and 1.25") so they should be here around 9 or 10. My boots are toasted and my friend is getting them from nissan where he works so ill adjust them about 1/2 way then adjust again this weekend when i put the new boots on!

 

Like S14 Racer said, you adjust the fronts via a valve on top of the strut. It's very cool. The rear will require you to remove them and then "turn" them. I passed on the rears until they come out with a similar setup to the fronts.

Dave

 

My Koni's were installed last weekend but one had a problem (I don't think it is common though), the threads on one of the front struts cracked and killed the strut before it was even on. . . I am getting a new one under warrenty, but I now have concerns on build quality on them. . . It wasn't like we over torqued the nut, it was being torqued to man. specs, and way under what the Koni instructions advised. I do notcie a difference though, but have yet to drive a 4th gen with Tokicos, so I can't make an honest opinion against them.