Best shock for my buck.

PakanaHerruus · 10-03-2009, 02:01 PM

Well I think it's time I change my Shocks/Struts, Been riding low on the stock ones for more than 15k Miles. And I'm tired of rubbing. And also hoping one of these choices would be the best for my aggressive driving style. I tend to careless about riding comfort and more about my car gripping corners better. So I've been doing a little looking around for the best shock for my style (I don't have the kind of money for coil overs. So I'm just looking for an aftermarket stock replacement. So far Ive found these 3 different ones. I'd like to hear your opinions on these or If you know other ones out there.

My current set up it Lowered on Hotchkis springs, XXR 501 Red 16x8, Hankook HRii Ventus 205/50r16 (I know tire is too big)

Looking at:

Monroe Sensatracs 72245 x2 & 5601 x2
KYB GR-2 333385 x2 & 343426
KONI SPORT 8710-1403SPT & 80-2827spt (Based on other reviews, these seem the best for my aggresive driving habits. I'd rather hear from someone who has first hand experience.)

PCH · 10-03-2009, 02:46 PM

KYB GR-2 Review!
Suspension FAQ

xPartyx · 10-03-2009, 02:51 PM

DIY?

MOVE!

but im interested in hearing the feedback.

SAKURA · 10-03-2009, 02:57 PM

MOVED to gen1 suspension.

hotweelz4me · 10-03-2009, 03:32 PM

I don't think the Monroe option is going to be what your looking for. The Monroes provide a comfortable ride over stock when paired with lowering springs. I would say the Monroes are valved softer the the OE shocks

xPartyx · 10-03-2009, 05:31 PM

someone told me that the shocks off an echo. . i have no idea what part number or anything though, are shorter and will help keep you low. . im not sure if thats any help, or what their performance would be though.

PakanaHerruus · 10-03-2009, 06:16 PM

I guess what I am looking for is something that's stiffer than stock. I was doing more looking around and found that Tokico makes some for the first gen.

TOKICO HP FRONT STRUT: SCION xB 04-07
Item # T-HB2244

TOKICO HP REAR SHOCK: SCION xB 04-07
Item # T-HE3763

Has anyone had any luck with these? These might be up my ally. Looking at the Koni's they are a bit pricey, even though I can get a good discount on them.

859Toaster · 10-03-2009, 06:26 PM

The Links PCH pointed you too are done by an awesome author on here who researches his suspension before buying, and reviews afterwards for others. You should really read them, then give the author rep points

But KYB Rear's are the best bang for buck. However I am looking into a kit from H&R. Going to get in touch with them, and find out more details on it such as spring rates, shocks used with kit, and the valving levels.

In short: KYB Best bang for buck. Koni Best Overall (but you'll pay). Tokico comes stock, but a Tokico HP would be a slight upgrade.

ketchup_xb · 10-03-2009, 07:00 PM

im lookin into KYB as well. stiffer is better imo.

859Toaster · 10-03-2009, 08:53 PM

They are stiffer, and the valving is more progressive...

The suspension is able to move faster, so you don't get so much bounce.

sdsnybny · 10-03-2009, 08:56 PM

Tokico also makes an adjustable set for our boxes D-Spec/HTS Series HTS105
Tokico Performance Shocks

xPartyx · 10-03-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 859Toaster

Tokico comes stock, but a Tokico HP would be a slight upgrade.

Tokico come stock on the boxes? mine are KYB and I'm pretty sure suspension was all stock before i added the springs. Unless the previous owner did it, but it was a fleet car so i doubt it. hmmm

sdsnybny · 10-03-2009, 09:06 PM

The stock shocks were black and stamped in the steel outer shell with Tokico

xPartyx · 10-03-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdsnybny

The stock shocks were black and stamped in the steel outer shell with Tokico

hmm, i know my rears are stamped KYB. i was just down there today.
I'll take a look next time and see if it has a part number

ketchup_xb · 10-03-2009, 10:11 PM

yeah stenger. i def need the KYBs so i wont rub as much when i rock the hayashis. every bounce and bump on the street i smell burnt rubber.

Knivez · 10-06-2009, 01:09 AM

Well, figured I could get some help here. I'm looking into KYBs and Tanabe DF210. Besides that, is there anything else that I should be looking into?

Wookie384 · 10-14-2009, 05:15 AM

Konis, hands down are the best shock you could buy for any car. Professional racers use them. I can't find the link for the life of me, but I saw somewhere that Koni shocks were tested against most major brand coilover shocks and it turns out that the Konis performed way better. Monroe's don't even come close, KYB's are decent but still not as good as the Konis!

PakanaHerruus · 10-14-2009, 01:05 PM

Thanks for all the input. I've decided to go with the Koni's once I get some money for them. Sucks cause my brakes need to be done too. So that gets fixed first.

859Toaster · 10-14-2009, 05:18 PM

Well I said hands down Koni's are the best out there. Never once heard anything bad other than the price.

But if we are talking bang for buck, its KYB. They can be purchased as a set for under $100 on the rear, and provide a solid ride.

I love Koni's. But too poor for them.

PakanaHerruus · 10-14-2009, 05:22 PM

Well I am a whole sale dealer for Koni and KYB. I can get a pretty good discount (At cost) for the parts. I just wanted to know what people would go for if they had to choose. This thread has really been very informing. I didn't want to go Monroe's cause I know they are basically stock. And I didn't want to go coil overs, cause I don't have that kind of money.