IF all goes well, I should have about $1000, maybe 1500 to spend on my car shortly. I want to upgrade my suspension (and probably get a y-pipe while I’m at it). I have a 2000 GLE on the stock 16s with S-03 tires. I’ve done lots of reading, but I have some suspension questions.

I want a stiffer, slightly lower suspension that can take rough freeway conditions and still be drivable (must be able to hit freeway bumps and dips at 130 -- I don't do track, and I drive like an insane person). I am mainly concerned with performance, so I don’t mind a harsh ride if the performance is worth it.

As I understand it, there are only a few strut options: Tokico, KYB GR2, KYB AXG, and Koni (modified). As for springs, I’m looking into Eibach, H&R, or Progress (did I leave any important ones out?). I hear the Toks will blow fairly easy, I hear the GR2s are really close to stock and aren’t amazing, the Konis must be modified, and I don’t really want adjustable. So what should I do?!?! Which struts offer the best performance, and which springs work best with them? I hear that the Konis are amazing; how must they be modified to fit the maxima? What do you guys think about the moded 4th gen AXGs (in terms of performance; not adjustability)? Any info on the 5th gen versions that's not out?

I can’t make up my damn mind! Suggestions anyone?
Thanks,
Daniel

 

either maxspeed and agx if you want a lower ride or h&r and agx if you want a semi drop and the smoother ride

 

I have eibach springs. Handle amazingly, also front and rear strut. Getting rsb. Eibach's are harsh but i like it. Regularlly 120 mph and handle aswome, but definetly need new shocks, i could only amagine what a rsb and new shocks would do for my handling, but even without them i can leave other cars in the dust racing on the highways. (or mabey i am just crazy) I do recomend the eibach's though. good luck

 

I just ordered JIC Coilovers, if you want the best, these are it. I bought them from Paul at Avalon , send him an email, he's a great guy to deal with.

 

You orderd the sf-1? Whats the maximum these will lower the car, 2 in.?

If you dont mind me askin what did you pay for em? man sugg price is 1450.

 

Hmmm...What exactly makes the adjustables better than the gr2 or koni struts. I don't care at all about being able to raise and lower my car (Its cool, but I'm not paying for an alignment every time). Does anyone here have konis? If so, how do they have to be modified and how do they perform.
Thanks for the input.

 

you can adjust the shocks for stiffness or softness depending on the ride you want, either firm for performance or soft for comfort.

 

Our customer is getting FLT-A2's not the SF-1.

List is $1850.00

Regards

 

If you don't want adjustables, there's one choice - Tokicos. there have been reports of premature failure, but there have been more reports of no problems for years. They do come with a lifetime warranty.

And you left out Maxspeed, which is becomming an ever-more popular choice for 5th gens. You can pick up a set for $90+shipping.

That combo comes out to less than $500.

If you've got time to wait, I'll have my Toks installed in ~a week and I'll let you know how it rides.

 

I was actually planning to get the Tokicos (w/ h&r or eibach), until I started reading about them blowing and failing prematurely. Do you know how good the company is about replacing them under the warantee. As I mentioned, I do some extremely hard driving and whatever I buy must be able to take it.

What do you guys think about the kyb gr2s? And what about the konis? I still don't understant how they must be moded.

 

I did a poll on the Toks once. Search for "After one year my Tokicos work". The perfect rate was only 60%, two reported failure - one of whom bought used.

The warranty works this way. If a strut blows, buy a new one, have it installed, send the faulty one back, get a refund. I am not too worried about it, though. I think many, many people use Toks very successfully, and if the company has been getting a lot of them back maybe they are making corrections and the newer the better.

Lastly, KYB GR2 are not of the same performance level as the others discussed. AND all KYBs and Konis for a 4th gen fit the 5th gen perfectly on the REAR ONLY. Front have to be moded - don't ask me how.

If you've got money to blow, go with Cattman's KYB-AGX, they are modded to fit and I haven't heard any complaints (once their on, that is). Ask about the warranty though - KYB might not honor b/c they are moded.

Otherwise, Toke up!

 

I have heard KYB AGX had problem with eibach from one individual on the org..Deven? Cattaman tested progressor and HR...but they didnt test they modded AGX on Eibach.

 

i believe it is cattman that warrantees it.. not KYB... after it is modified that is.

 

Any news on when KYB will release the actual 5th gen AXG??? I certainly don't want anything without a warantee.

 

if you got the money then get the JICs - but if you don't want to spend that much then there is no question - get the KYB-AGX there is no substitute.

 

Nice. Any idea whats the lowest these will drop the max? Is it 2in like the web site says?

 

1.5" to 2" is an average drop. 1.5 is just about right.

Regards

 

What is the lowest drivable drop?? Can these be dropped over 2"?? Thanks in advance.

 

Stay with stock shocks--Install FSB and Y pipe and Maxspeed springs--Buy some good deal 17"/18" tires and rims off SWEETSOUND2001 or other org. member. 16"s got to go.

 

I have Tokicos' w/ Eibachs. Love the ride.