Best Shocks and Struts?

Mini_UAV · 04-01-2008, 11:49 AM

Ok I know there are tons of posts about shocks and struts on here and SL. However there is so much info it is hard to determine what would be the best for me. I have an 05 xB and will be installing some TRD springs. I want to get some new shocks/struts at the same time as I have 60k on the factory suspension. I am also doing the Energy bushings and have just installed the Progress rear sway and Hotchkis strut brace. I am looking to have a great handling car, but I need some shocks that will soak up the ridiculous pot holes that we have here in MN. Because I am doing the the 1" drop with the TRD's I was thinking the Echo Sensatracs, but then I read a lot about a loss in cornering and bottoming out. I am not familiar with the KYB's and others, but any info would be greatly appreciate. I would love to take advantage of the deal Monroe has on for the next two months but I want to make sure I am not overlooking another brand.

hawaiiguy · 04-01-2008, 12:08 PM

best shocks/struts I think would be the Koni brand (from Holland)---this is for handling as that is what you want-isn't it?

The Monroe brand is more for comfort.

Mini_UAV · 04-01-2008, 12:41 PM

I would like a mixture of both if possible. I am willing to give up some handling for more comfort as the stock shocks make it feel like I am driving on logs. I know that I can't have the best of both worlds. I thought I would be fine with the sensatracs, but then read a few negative posts on how it affects handling. I don' t track my car, but I don't want to negatively offset any of the modifications to the suspesion that I have done.

al74dart · 04-01-2008, 09:37 PM

Tokico Illumina series are very good and they are adjustable. A lot of guys that were running Porsche 944 in SCCA racing were using them. They can be adjusted for street and track performance by the 5 way adjustment. Really there are a lot of good shocks/struts out there like the Koni so it just really depends on what you want to spend and your needs and wants. I would suggest getting something you can adjust easily so you can tune your car the way you want it to handle.

Your tires can make a big difference in how your car rides and handles. All your suspension works together so changing one thing will affect everything. Not sure what you are running for tires and wheels but usually running low profile tires will give you a more harsh ride as the taller/high profile tires take up some of the shock.

Here is a link to the Tokico Illumina series, http://www.hitachi-hap-la.com/Tokico...ina/index.html

Al

Mini_UAV · 04-01-2008, 10:05 PM

Thanks for the input. I am not a track guy. My car is my daily driver. If there are opportunities to push it on ramps or switchbacks on a country road I will. Comfort is mainly what I am going for compromising any of the pieces I have already put on. I am running some Rota Auto X's on 205/50/15's. I have read other posts of people running the TRD springs with the Echo Sensatracs, but I want to confirm that this is a good all around setup. I don't want to bounce down the road.

al74dart · 04-01-2008, 11:47 PM

Based on what you have done and are planning on doing it looks like you are going for a street racer without the HP mods. Stiffening up the suspension like you are doing is not really the way to soften up the ride. I see what you are trying to do but it is very difficult to have the best of both worlds. Going with shorter springs that are a higher rate gives your car less of a softer ride. The reason the springs have a higher rate is to help keep the car from bottoming out along with reducing body roll. Since your main question is about shocks and struts I would go with an easily adjustable set of one of the more performance brand names. Then you can play with the adjustments and find something that will most likely do what you are looking for. Buying fixed rate shocks and struts you will have to accept whatever the factory has determined is right. As you know many of the shocks and struts fit many different cars. It would be nearly impossible to get one replacements that would work well on all the cars under every driving condition. The guys I knew that were running the Tokico Illuminas could set their cars up for any track, smooth or ruff. If you are concerned about the pot holes, i.e. ruff roads you are going to want something that will give good rebound control but also smooth out the ride so you are not being bounced all over the road. Good shocks and struts can do that but you are going to have to tune them for your car.

Al