dwllama

hi all,
it seems reasonable to me, that when I increase my unsprung weight (putting my winter steelies on instead of the alloys Ive had all summer), and my braking feels much more solid, that maybe the continuing problem I've been having with my brakes is in fact an issue with my shocks instead (and my general overthinking and paranoia).


That said, I'm sure they need replaced anyway (the rears especially squeak and groan a lot and my ride is, uhh, plenty bouncy.)


so my question is if I'm looking for just a stock, oem feel what sort of shocks are going to give me the best value? something reliable and decently long lived since i plan to have this car until I drive it into the ground. I dont need anything fancy or especially stiff or sporty, not going to lower it or anything like that, although I do drive it for fun too so handling decently is a plus.



I appreciate any advice or experience you all can provide!

dglassmyer

I had kyb GR2's on my car for years, I never had any complaints, good oem replacement.

v4lu3s

if you want something to last as long as your stock ones....another set of honda ones would be best. the KYB Gr-2 are very good though i would not expect them to be as good as the oems when it comes to lengevity, there is something to be really said for how well built honda oem aprts are, they just cost a lot. that being said I would look at gr-2's most likely or maybe tokico blues if you find a good price.

jdowen2

Ditto KYB's, on mine, no problems

jabontke

I have put 150,000 miles on a set of Tokico HP ('blues') shocks/struts and they are just now starting to act questionable.

dwllama

Thanks for the replies all.

If Im replacing the shocks anyway should I replace the springs or are my original ones probably fine if they aren't broken?

forted

I would recommend KYB they are an OE supplier for many manufacturers. They last as long if not longer than the original. I would keep the original springs.

Eck

I replaced my rear shocks a few months ago and I was looking for the same thing:
- a good value
- OEM ride quality
- reliable

After reading a number of reviews, I went with the KYB G2s. I was able to get them for a little over $100 shipped. I've had them since July 2012 and don't have any complaints. I can't tell a difference in ride quality. Oh, and I kept the original springs.

dwllama

Did you guys change them out yourselves or have the work done by a shop?

jabontke

It really depends on the persons mechanical skill level. I do my own work. This isn't beginners work, but there are some 'how tos' on here that should get you through it. The real question is are you up for the challenge?

The-Kid

Personally, if you are on stock springs, bring them to a shop to get them changed. They are under high pressure and it's really hard to use the small spring compressor. You need a shop with the actual spring compressor machine.

I wouldn't even try it, and I've been there.

mahans7

Here's a set for $103.52 on amazon shipped with prime.

Lost Again

KYB does offer a "loaded" strut as well....for the 5th gen 4 cyl I think the part number is SR4048, SR4047 or something close to that. So for ~$130 you get new springs and mounts and don't have to fight with removing the spring.....just an idea

dwllama

Yeah I could actually order those through my work ( I have gabriels in a loaded assembly too but nobody ever says anything about gabriels) although I'm sure I can get them cheaper on the internet somewhere. A loaded assembly would probably save me a lot on labor if it's not the best idea to try and compress the stock springs at home.

Lost Again

With the loadeds - either brand you decide on - you could do this yourself

nus_dogg

I have Tokicos blues on mine with Tein S Tech springs, and it rides nice ever since 2008. I'm sure these Tokico blues will do just fine for stock replacement. I work at a shop, so I do everything myself.

dglassmyer

You could handle the job yourself no problem.
Autozone, Oreillys or Kragen, depending on where you live, all rent external spring compressors.3

dwllama

Hi guys, sorry to bring back an older thread but i am finally about ready to do this (took way longer than I thought to pay off some debt and have some savings again). Now my new question is, I can get the strut replaced with labor including alignment for cheaper than I can get a pair of strut+. Is there any advantage then in paying more, getting the strut+ instead, swapping them out myself then paying for an alignment? I like the idea better in my head but i don't know if it actually makes any difference.

Thanks for the advice!

(Also - as far as compressing the springs myself - not going to even try that one its not worth it to me.)

professorman

I get the lifetime alignment at Firestone. Its crappy at times, but I just take it back until they get it right. I have had it on my 94 Accord since 2003.