Zman

So you bought a whole set?

I'm interested in some better struts for the front now. Are Koni's the best??

spr0k3t

I can't say the konis are the best... but damn does the ride plant happy as hell rollin on 18s. I've adjusted my setup so the front is medium stiffness and the rear is soft. It's perfect for daily driving on df210s. The konis are one of the better choices you can find, that's for sure.

Zman

Well I just need struts, so I could try a different brand.

I would hate to spend more than $300.

hawaiiguy

try the Kayaba GR-2 struts...bought mine from Tirerack.com

Zman

How are they compared to stock?

The KYB's are significantly cheaper than the Konis!
Crap, Tirerack reminds me that I need tires this summer too.

I know installing struts would be above my level, but I'm sure it can be done with help.

spr0k3t

The KYBs are better than stock due to the increased stiffness and longer travel distance. The Konis are going to offer one thing above the KYBs: adjustable stiffness. If you tune your car much... go with the Koni, you won't regret it. If you just want to set and forget, KYB will be a good choice as your not paying for a feature you don't need.

Trust me... if I can install my own struts/springs after reading one or two how-tos, anyone can do the same unless they are physically handicapped. I quite literally surprised myself that I was able to accomplish this task with one other person who had the same level tech knowledge as myself.

Zman

I'd like some KYBs, I would never go and adjust anything anyway!

frbl

Yet another thread revival.

Just wanted to share my experience. I put Monroe Sensatracs up front and rear when I got the car.

I was looking mostly for comfort. But wasn't fully satisfied, especially hearing people talk about how great the Konis were.

But when the Konis came up for sale on TireRack I go the rear shocks (still can't afford the struts). I put them on the softest setting and love them.

However - I was afraid that since they were softer than the struts it would affect handling more than I would have liked. Sure enough, it seemd the rear end was trying to come around on me on some curves. So I got the TRD rear antisway bar. Best money I've spent yet. Now I've got a softer ride and better cornering. Color me happy.

Kevlar

Can a Xa jump in with a question about koni's.
I just purchased a pair of Koni shocks. I couldn't buck up for the struts with the shocks all at once.

My question comes from what the guy at JDultimate.com told me.

He told me that it's better for a front wheel drive vehicle to change out the struts for performance reasons then the rear. That's if i were to change only one from the other.
He did say that just the shocks alone will make a big difference over the oem shocks. I ques I can't go too wrong.
Should i have bought the struts before the shocks though?

I'm looking to improve my handling without giving up all my comfort. I live on windy roads.
Once i get the shocks (still in the mail) what setting should i put them on.
Because this is a light weight car should I make it stiff or soft?
thanks

kuzmi482

iTrader: (3)

anyone had experience with AutoAnything.com?
they seem to have a pretty good deal on konis
190 for both shocks shipped
315 for struts.

Kevlar

I just checked AutoAnything.com and didn't see those prices.
I recently ordered two rear Koni Yellows from JDMultimate.com for 188.02 delivered.
The front struts are $147 each. Delivery is ??
The only problem I'm having so for with my delivery is that my seller didn't have the shocks is stock and are ordered from Koni. So the shipment will take longer.
I don't have them yet.
If you doe decide to by from someone you might ask if they have them in stock. I didn't and I'm waiting.
Good luck on getting your Koni's.

kuzmi482

iTrader: (3)

it says free delivery on orders $100+
plus there is 10% discount code on $100+ orders.
front struts 314.91 shipped
rear shocks 188.91 shipped

kuzmi482

iTrader: (3)

your source is $10 cheaper for struts.

Kevlar

My source is the cheapest that I could find.
The only problem is that he didn't have them in stock.
Koni is being a little slow shipping them out to my seller.
I should hear from him today.
I will let you know if or when I get them.
If AutoAnything has them in stock and their only $10 more and you don't have to wait, it will make it quick and easy. If not your probably going to wait as I am.

biancoxb

Having a bit of an urgent problem if anyone can help, I am pressed with time in the work garage and for some reason after installing my monroe sensatracs I cannot get the top 15mm bolts that came with it to bolt all the way down, so it looks somewhat like this, any suggestions? Sorry for the photo my cellphone is all I have with me =(

Kevlar

Did you cross thread it?

Do you have another nut to try on it?

biancoxb

Just the one that they came with and the oem ones, for some reason they dont tighten on only at the top, so there is massive gap between the two

Kevlar

Don't be surprised if you have a bad nut.
I've seen it before.
If you try to force it you'll ruin your threads.
You can look closely at the threads of your shock to see if there bad.
If there not; go buy some better nuts.

biancoxb

Finally corrected the installation, and as you stated Kevlar, it was a bad set of nuts, thank you . The ride is so much smoother now. The only complaint is when going over the harsher bumps, a slight camping noise can be heard from the shocks. Everything is tightened as much as it can go, so maybe something in my hardware setup is wrong? The Monroe 5601s do not recycle the oem sleeve and come with two bushings and two washers each.
I have them installed in this order from bottom to top on the shock:
Washer, Bushing,(beneath car) Bushing, Washer, Bolts (above)

Kevlar

Is the sound coming from both sides?
When I first installed my Konis I heard a odd sound also.
I took the shocks off and found that one shocks compression was bad.
So I had to get it replaced. It was new but defected.