OK, so my stock struts are blown. I know a decent amount of stuff about cars, but my knowledge of suspension is limited, because I've never dealt with it before.

I don't know what I should do. I know that I could go to advance and buy some monroe or kyb struts, and that would fix the problem, but I have no clue if that is the best thing to do.

Adjustable coilovers are pricey *(at least the full good brand kits like TEIN are) I found some skunk2 coilovers on eBay for like $200, but those don't include the struts---I heard somewhere that If u put lowering springs on stock (sized?) struts, it will put A LOT of stress on them and cause them to blow out way prematurely. but I dont know if this is the same rule with coilovers and stock (sized?) struts. Can you put KYB or Monroe struts on with skunk2 coilovers?

I'm just confused as to what to do/not to do with suspension stuff. If someone could put together a list of what components are good to be used in combination with other ones, and whats not, I would greatly appreciate it - and it would be a good write up for other users to search for in the future

 

First of all, the reason the Tiens are so much more expensive is because they are the entire package, and are usually adjustable in more ways than one! Meaning you can adjust the hieght, damper, etc.

As far as the Skunk 2 coilovers, and using them with Stock struts. That would be fine IF you keep the car at stock ride hieght! The reason the lowering springs cause premature wear on the struts, is because the car is lowered and therefore the stock struts will be compressed the entire time they are installed! If you want to lower your car you need one of the following setups!

Lowering springs -> Lowering struts

Adjustable Coilovers -> Lowering struts

Full coilover setup (highly recommend)

If you are looking for brands that are recommended i can only speak for what i've used in the past. I had GC (Ground Control) coilovers and KYB AGX adjustable struts, and that setup worked great! I also have had H&R lowring springs with KYB AGX struts and this setup worked well, however the springs are set as far as how low you are, and if you put different tires/rims it will effect the hight of the car, i wasn't too impressed with this setup. I know have the Tien Flex's with EDFC and this setup is by far the best setup i've owned. I can adjust the Damper on the fly without opening the hood and trunk to adjust the struts. I would highly recommend this setup, however the cost to get a setup like this is fairly expensive. but like everything else you get what you pay for!

Good luck with your setup and hoepfully i was some help!

 

u were!

good information, i didnt know they made lowering struts, so now I'll have to search for those.

Since I'm low on money, I think I will most likely buy replacement struts (like monroe or something)...unless i find some good brand on craigslist or ebay for cheap

thanks, good info
if n e one else has ne thing to add to this, feel free...

 

Hey, I have a question too!
Stock struts are toast, so i just got some Tokico HPs. I thought I'd replace the springs as well, but I don't want the VIP/slammed look. (Too much hassle with a sper low drop.)
Tein H. Techs lower the car about an inch all round. Any input as to how well the H. Techs would work with the HPs?

Also, if anyone could help be decipher spring rates I'd b most grateful. Lower rate = cushy and higher = stiffer? Did I get it right?

thanks.

 

yes to you spring lower the softer the ride can be the higher the stiffer the ride. any time some one is looking for new suspension i always recommend koni yellow and gc coilovers bot parts are made of high quality and are adjustable the same way as tein yet are lot lower in price. the gc are also a custom spring rate so you can choose what you like to use for your application.