Who's installed the KONI front inserts in their Max?
#1
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
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
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
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.
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Thanks!
Yep, adjustment **** on top. Super easy to adjust.
Originally posted by Dave B
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 **** on top?
Dave
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 **** on top?
Dave
#11
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.
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