Tigger

iTrader: (1)

Leftover from old post.

Safedriver

I have a leaking front strut and worn rear struts on my 01 I30. I got a quote on Tokico Illumina part numbers:
1 each TOK BB3188 $40.90
1 each TOK BB3189 $40.90
2 each TOK BU2943 $126.27

The BU2943 are coilover Illumina adjustables for the rear the others have separate part numbers for the left and right struts adjustable Illumina front struts. Total cost was 334.34 and 27.54 CA sales tax for a total delivered price of $361.92.
Is this a good price and are these the right parts for a street driven 01 I30.
I will also add some polyurethane sway bar bushings on the rear.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

That is really cheap. Where did you get those prices from?

Also, the Illuminas themselves are NOT coilovers- they are just struts.

Safedriver

Winchester Auto in San Jose, CA
1386 S. Winchester Blvd
(408) 866 1222
I am concerned about the part numbers. The BU2943 has an adjustable strut inside a coilover. That's the reason why they cost $126.27 each Are these the right type of struts?
We might be able to push their price down a little more on a group buy but it's already pretty cheap.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

I have no idea what you are buying...if that is some sort of built-in strut/coilover assembly from tokico, it is news to me. I made this a new thread so that we don't ***** up the original one any more.

MetaOrbit

iTrader: (19)

Part number seem right, but it's been a long time since I bought them, so I don't know for sure. The price is VERY cheap though.

Might want to call Tokico or look on their website for final confirmation on the part numbers.

Safedriver

Please keep in mind that I'm a newbie. The Auto store clerk showed me a Tokico catalog with the pictures of a strut with a coilover that was listed as BU2943. There have been problems with rear suspension bottoming on this model so I assume that Tokico has made a coilover rear strut. Mine doesn't bottom but it is sure bouncy at high speed. The rear end bounces a couple of times on every large road bump. When I go to Las Vegas the average speed in the slow lane is 80 mph on I-15. At speeds between 75 and 90 there is too much bounce. I- 5 and I-15 are very fast freeways. I don't normally drive at this speed.

MetaOrbit

iTrader: (19)

I think everyone's getting their terminology confused.

In the enthusiast community, "coilover" usually refers to an all-in-one spring and damper combo that is usually very adjustable, very advanced, very stiff.

I'm guessing the catalog is referring to the fact that since the rear strut looks an awful lot life a regular shock absorber with a coil spring around it that they're calling it a "coilover."

Even though the price is unusually low, if the part numbers are correct (and I think they are), you're getting the right equipment.

P.S. The struts should help with the bounce a LOT.

Safedriver

Thank you MetaOrbit! The clerk may not know much more than me - The catalog shows two adjustables from Tokico, a new "D Spec" and the older "Illumina". The D spec has 45 different adjustments and the Illumina has only five adjustments. I am sure that five adjustment levels will be fine for my application. I was able to check the part numbers and they are correct for 01 Maxima. There are other Tokico struts for the 01 Infiniti I30 listed as "Performance", their part numbers start with an HU for the front and rear. I suspect that the Performance is only a rebadged Tokico Blue. The Illuminas are listed for the Maxima. I am sure that the Maxima struts will fit as the cars are identical except for sheet metal. I will buy them at the $334.34 price since the written bid is only good til 9/19. I will post on the coil wrapped issue after I get them. There will be a 4 to 5 day delay until the parts arrive. The low price may reflect the marketing issue that the Illuminas are no longer the top of the line adjustables.

I30tMikeD

iTrader: (8)

It is not a coilover, tokico does not make coilovers for our cars...and not even sure if they make coilovers at all. It is just an adjustable strut.

00i30T

I might have to get a set for my 00 I30T. I thought the I30 and the I30T had different suspension setup. Tokico's website only shows the HU part number, not the BB and BU.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

That is still a SICK price...

falconey

iTrader: (2)

yeah I guess I need to check some of the local shops around here

Safedriver

I30T
Part numbers (BU) were listed for a Maxima, the Tokico site lists only (HU) "performance struts" for the Infiniti. I suspect that the "performance struts" are just Tokico Blues. I am sure that the Illuminas will fit the Infiniti
I30tMikeD
You are right about the coilover issue. The clerk showed me the wrong picture when he made up the bid. The Illuminas are in fact just the adjustable struts. Clerk was poorly trained or inexperienced. He is pretty young and just starting out in the auto parts business.


The manager of the store called me and said the clerk had made an error. He also said he could not honor the bid. I reminded him of California law and he agreed that he would have to honor it. He offered to fire the clerk and I said "No" We agreed that a price of $407 was a sustainable figure for all four struts and the clerk could keep his job. I picked that figure because I read on this site that there was once a group buy at that price. He said that the actual price he wanted to get was:
front - $140 each
rear - $128 each
Shox.com wants circa $550 for all four Illuminas
Dealer wants circa $600 to 700 for all four Tokico Blues

I want to thank all of you for your input on this difficult sale. The struts will be here in few more days. I will post again when they arrive. May I ask what others paid for the struts?

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

Good deal. I would jump on it, then offer copies of your receipt or bid to people who could use it to get a price match from other shops/dealerships.

MetaOrbit

iTrader: (19)

I spent about that amount, $400ish, for my set.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

Where? 10cha

MetaOrbit

iTrader: (19)

Was at least a year ago, probably longer. I bought mine on eBay, from Performance Peddler I think.

Safedriver

Illumina struts from Winchester Auto delivered at:
$361.92 (credit card) + a negotiated $48.80 (cash)
OTD was $410.72
CA sales tax (included) is about 8.5%
They still didn't seem too happy about the selling price!
Thanks to all for your expertise and advice

iRaMarine

except direct purchase