I'm getting ready to install KYB GR-2s in the rear and I was thinking I'd like to have adjustable struts up front for track use (I use spring blockers in the rear). I think I'd rather spend $240 for a set of front adjustable KONI struts instead of paying $200 for some decent OEM replacements like Tokico or KYB GR-2s.

What exactly do I have to do to install these inserts? I'm pretty mechanically inclined and I've got lots of tools. I know I've got to "cut" something off the old strut and use the housing.

Dave

I did it. They're not all that hard to install.

Right below the metal "cap" on the top of the stock front housings is where I made my cut using a hacksaw. I cut in more than I needed to...the housing is only ~1/16" thick, but there's a internal metal endpiece that you'll end up cutting into also (which is alright, just makes you think "dang, this housing is thick!"). The inside is not under much pressure, and you'll eventually brake through to the core and the gas will vent lightly. After the top is cut all the way around, you can dump the guts. Drill a big enough hole in the bottom of the housing to accept the bolt that's welded to the bottom of the Koni insert. That's all there is to the "mod". It was easy, and only took ~2 hrs to do both fronts, with a flimsy, lame hacksaw and a unibit/drill. No vice or anything, either.

I installed only the fronts at first and drove the car that way (with Tokicos in the rear) for a week or so, and the car drove very nice. Stiffening the front made ~80% of the difference in handling. It really, really made the car drive/feel/handle much better. I think only going with front Konis is not at all a bad idea. You'll like it, I'm quite sure.

Thanks!
 

That's what i thought. I've got a big vice and lots of saws and a really good drill. This shouldn't be too hard.

How do they adjust? Is there a adjustment knob on top?

Dave

Re: Thanks!
 

Yep, adjustment knob on top. Super easy to adjust.

Not that I'm afraid I'm going to mess up my car, but I think I'll wait for set of bolt in high performance front struts for the Maxima before dumping my Tokicos.

You have nothing to worry about. It's not like you're destroying your old struts. You were gonna throw them out already. Think of it as recycling the strut housing.

Dave

what make&model of koni shocks?
 

i'm planning on doing it also, what kind of koni is everyone getting? or is there just one option?

Just one kind right now....fully adjustable :eek: Even better.


Dave

koni's
 

I got mine installed last weekend with a set of H&R springs. I like the ride better than it was stock. No more wobble or wavy motion on high speed and turns.

so how much for the koni's?
 

i'll be doing the install myself. how much was it just for the parts? thanks.

koni's
 

Try Carparts.com and use the 33% discount coupon from importhookup.com . You might have to make two separate orders to get a higher discount. I think mine was around $450 shipped to Hawaii. And at the same time pick up a set of drop springs and use the coupon again.