I'm in the market to lower my car and I came across what seems to be a good deal on some used Tokico shocks with Ground control coilovers from a guy who's parting his car out.

Unfortunately he is not local and the only method I have for determining their quality is by looking at a picture.

I was wondering what signs should I be looking for in the pictures to know if they are in good shape or not.

This is my first suspension upgrade, so any valid input is appreciated.

 

Save a little and buy brand new. Peace of mind is a beautiful thing.

 

if you can only look at pics then the only way to partially tell is look for leaks, like oil all over any of the shocks......... now if they have been obviously cleaned for the pictures then i would be suspicious as they could just be cleaned to get the oil off

i bought a spring/ shock combo a couple of years ago used and they are still on my car today and in great working order still

honestly though it really is a gamble you can only take the guys word for it

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Premium Dude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Save a little and buy brand new. Peace of mind is a beautiful thing.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That was my intention before I found these for 1/8 of the price with 3,000 miles on them.

Also, I trust the guy who's selling them because he has been honest with me about some other things I have bought from him.

He hasnt yet sent me pictures, but I'm concerned about potential rust. A few of the other parts that he's sent me had rusty metal brackets and bolts.

 

you cant tell anything about the condition of a shock externally other than the obvious signs of damage (broken welds, dents, oil spurting out).

i have bought some used koni, just the rear shocks and they had the 88 style mount and of course they were cheap.

so youre just going by word and chance that they will be worth anything. especially consider that you wont get a valid warranty being the second owner.

i hope we're talking about illuminas at least. if theyre blues, forget it. just ask what he'd sell the ground controls for separately. springs i have no problems buying used. at least a reputable brand.

 

That's what I'm thinking.

They're blues, so I'm just gonna get the Ground Controls if anything.

 

ugh, not even worth the shipping for the blues.

just ask for the ground controls.

theyre horribly matched with the blues, probably why he's selling them anyway.

 

i didnt get your pic link.

 

I pm'd you. I asked before I sent it, I didn't want you to feel like you had to do anything.

 

please dont continue to PM me.

they look fine. that said:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tyson &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you cant tell anything about the condition of a shock externally other than the obvious signs of damage (broken welds, dents, oil spurting out).
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thanks