Need new shocks- recommendation

[core2kid]

My car is in for new rear shocks. The shop quoted me about $200 per shock (OEM) for the rear. I was wondering if I could find any better shocks for around the same price. I just want excellent handling and a good ride comfort.

Thanks.

[1d0_2ZZ]

check out KYB GR-2's

[core2kid]

Okay. Do I need the shocks and the springs or can I use my stock springs?

Sorry if it's a noob question, I'm new to this stuff.

[1d0_2ZZ]

you can use your stock springs. But depending on how many miles they have they might not give you much ride quality. Its a gamble but it'll work.

[core2kid]

I got 60k miles, I'm using the car to drive about 20 mins a day but I want to get the sports feel with the good handling and ability to take sharp turns but I also dont want to feel every bump and have a rough ride.

[1d0_2ZZ]

well if you want improved handling i would get new suspension all around.

[core2kid]

Okay. Basically what will these shocks do over OEM shocks if I were to just replace these?

[creekboi7]

Stiffer ride so you can take those sharp turns.

For a bit more money they have the AGX shocks and those you can adjust the stiffness for better ride quality :shrugs:

[RTZCeli]

Oh wow... I have about 120k miles on my car and have never replaced my shocks or springs yet. I drive about 30-40 min. every day to get to work... You must drive really aggressively or drive over speed bumps w/out caution to be replacing those at 60k miles... They should at least last you 100k on the average... What's the road condition like in your area?

[core2kid]

Road conditions here are pretty bad, most roads are under construction and quite bumpy. Also the car was bought used at 53k miles and it was driven back home about 800 miles with the trunk and back seat loaded up with luggage, I'd assume about 400LB with a 230LB driver. Could that be the cause?

[core2kid]

Would these work with an 05 Celica? From what I heard, 00-05 are very similar.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120309681377&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1334wt_939

Also if I was to get springs, which ones should I get? I don't want to lower the car, it looks low enough with the action package.

I basically want some shocks that will last for 100k miles. I should have a new car by then lol.

[RTZCeli]

Believe it or not... The action TRD package is one of the highest/raised front-end for the Celica. If you want low, drive a Celica w/ an 03+ front bumper + C-One lip.

Most springs would lower the car a tad. This will, in turn, provide somewhat better handling since your car's center of gravity is lower to the ground.

If you don't want to lower your car much, check out the TRD springs or the Eibach Pro kit. The spring rate or stiffness on those are a bit better than OEM and they only lower you car about 1"

[core2kid]

I don't have the TRD action package, I have the Tsunami Action Package. Is it the same?
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs045.ash2/35616_2710972332609_1205908206_101279100_6114019_n .jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs001.snc6/165176_2710972212606_1205908206_101279099_63438_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs275.snc4/40070_2504952542243_1205908206_100835162_8227058_n .jpg

[RTZCeli]

No they're different. But wow... your rear seems to sit higher than mine. That looks like a huuuge gap. Maybe the weight of my subs pushes it down a bit...

What makes you think your shocks are out? Is it super bouncy when you drive? Is the tread on your tires eating up faster than they should?

[Carbonized_GT]

They are probably leaking some fluid. If he keeps driving on blown shocks the tires will become cupped causing a vibration and a really annoying humming sound.

Even though I am a coilover fan boy, a set of GR-2s + Eibach or Tein S-Techs are a nice combo. If you want to go a little more racy without dropping serious coin on coilovers look into the KYB AGXs.

[core2kid]

@RTZCeli
I've seen cars that are lower but I'm afraid that I'll hit the bottom and bumper on those potholes. Also wouldn't it look odd that the back is lowered by an inch but the front isn't?

@Carbonized_GT
I do get a humming sound on the highway but I was told that was from the tires. Also the ride isn't bumpy but the rear drivers side tire has cupping on it. Also just recently it started to vibrate like crazy when going down the highway.

Also while drifting in the snow, I heard this. What's the noise from?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJI0TORnciY

[Carbonized_GT]

@RTZCeli
I've seen cars that are lower but I'm afraid that I'll hit the bottom and bumper on those potholes. Also wouldn't it look odd that the back is lowered by an inch but the front isn't?

@Carbonized_GT
I do get a humming sound on the highway but I was told that was from the tires. Also the ride isn't bumpy but the rear drivers side tire has cupping on it. Also just recently it started to vibrate like crazy when going down the highway.

Also while drifting in the snow, I heard this. What's the noise from?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJI0TORnciY

Sounds like an axle.

[core2kid]

Well I'm getting the front axles replaced today. I'll post back the results.

[Nlkko]

@RTZCeli
I've seen cars that are lower but I'm afraid that I'll hit the bottom and bumper on those potholes. Also wouldn't it look odd that the back is lowered by an inch but the front isn't?

@Carbonized_GT
I do get a humming sound on the highway but I was told that was from the tires. Also the ride isn't bumpy but the rear drivers side tire has cupping on it. Also just recently it started to vibrate like crazy when going down the highway.

Also while drifting in the snow, I heard this. What's the noise from?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJI0TORnciY

- If you want a lowered car you have to learn how to drive one, all lowered car will bottom out if you just go head on to bumpstop and potholes.

- It would looks funny if you only do the rear.

- I think the noise is the ABS pumping when you lose traction in the snow and slam on the brake? Don't quote me on that though. If it is then it's normal.

[core2kid]

- If you want a lowered car you have to learn how to drive one, all lowered car will bottom out if you just go head on to bumpstop and potholes.

- It would looks funny if you only do the rear.

- I think the noise is the ABS pumping when you lose traction in the snow and slam on the brake? Don't quote me on that though. If it is then it's normal.

-I haven't driven a low car but I go like 5MPH over potholes and speed bumps

-I won't lower the back then, my mechanic has to get back to me if he can still use the stock springs

-I don't have ABS so is the noise from the front axles?

[arjhay101]

Spring rate and pre-load are the first things that need to be chosen to build and set up a shock, as all other factors will rely on it.

[core2kid]

I got the front axles replaced and the car drives quite smoothly now. The only thing I can feel is slight vibration when I am stopped at a signal and while driving from the rear (cupping tires). My mechanic said the shocks are leaking and it isn't necessary to replace them yet but what do you guys think? Should I get the rear shocks and tires replaced?

[mad.mdx]

The best shocks you can get is OEM by Toyota (no random aftermarket brand)

If you want to change how things look and feel, then you can go aftermarket but they are generally not half as durable as the oem shocks.

In case you didnt notice, there are no other shocks that will last half as long as oem in daily driving. Mine lasted for 100k miles...

[core2kid]

The roads here suck. When driving, you'll rit random bumps that feel like speed bumps and it's on a 60MPH road so you really can't slow down to any less than 40. Also my college parking lot is full of pot holes.

I'm still driving the car now. My mechanic said they are leaking and not blown yet. Should I get them replaced? The ride is smooth for me.

Off topic but I realize that the car's rough in cold after a fillup at "Delta" gas station. I'm assuming the gas there sucks and is full of ethanol. Should I go premium at a reputable place?

[Soo__Fuego]

The best shocks you can get is OEM by Toyota (no random aftermarket brand)

If you want to change how things look and feel, then you can go aftermarket but they are generally not half as durable as the oem shocks.

In case you didnt notice, there are no other shocks that will last half as long as oem in daily driving. Mine lasted for 100k miles...

If you pay attention on the bodies of the oem shocks they are stamped KYB, the KYB AGX are meant to be oem replacement shocks and are cheaper than getting oem shocks from the dealership.


Also, if you want to lower your car slightly and want to maintain a nice car ride Id recommend Swift springs.

[core2kid]

I'm not looking at lowering just yet since my front shocks are fine but my mechanic said he can get OEM shocks for $60 less a piece. Should I believe that?

[lajlijthoj]

I'm not looking at lowering just yet since my front shocks are fine but my mechanic said he can get OEM shocks for $60 less a piece. Should I believe that?

If your shocks are good then don't replace them. If you're not looking to lower than don't buy lowering springs.

[core2kid]

Is leaking still good? My back is still at the same height on both sides but my rear tires have slight cupping.

Rear tires are Yokohama AS430s. I bought the car used so I'm assuming that they are 60k miles old tires.

[GSBoek]

If you pay attention on the bodies of the oem shocks they are stamped KYB, the KYB AGX are meant to be oem replacement shocks and are cheaper than getting oem shocks from the dealership.
This.

[AZgts]

If you want to spend the money... Tein SS Coilover /w pillowballs... thats just me though. Sounds to me like you don't want to spend that much si maybe more along the lines of KYB... but either way I would do coilovers.

[lajlijthoj]

If you want to spend the money... Tein SS Coilover /w pillowballs... thats just me though. Sounds to me like you don't want to spend that much si maybe more along the lines of KYB... but either way I would do coilovers.

+1 I think Tien has the cheapest set of coilovers. Is there any thing else around $800-900?

[core2kid]

$800 to 900!

I'm looking to spend $600-700 installed.

For shocks, I'm not racing. I'm not cornering at 60MPH. I just want a sports car feel with responsive steering. So far, OEM shocks are meeting those standards for me.

[AZgts]

+1 I think Tien has the cheapest set of coilovers. Is there any thing else around $800-900?

Those are the basic damper set, Not the SS model.

If your only looking to spend that much money installed... Google Koni Sport Suspension Kit its only around $500-$600 depending where you can find it, however still a extra couple hundo for installation unless you DIY. That is for coilovers which I would suggest, but for struts Koni does have a set for like $350, which are decent. That's your best bets though... tough cookies bro.

[core2kid]

Hold on, does a 2005 Celica have shocks or struts in the back or are they the same thing? My extended warranty covers struts, not shocks which is why I ask. If it's struts in the back, I can get whatever I want up to $1000 installed I believe.

[AZgts]

If it is an extended warranty through Toyota it will only be OEM parts... at MOST they may cover for TRD, but I doubt it.

[core2kid]

No, it's a warranty through Nissan, QualityGuard. What they told me is if a part is under warranty, I have a budget for getting it fixed. For example my axles needed to be replaced. They paid $485 but it cost me $550. I paid the remaining $65.

However, does the Celica have shocks or struts? Struts are covered, shocks aren't.

[deltaB]

Shocks in the back.
..............
A lot of people here probably have sets of low mileage take-offs sitting in their garage from when they upgraded. I got a set that way.

dB

[monkeywrench]

$200/ea for OEM rear shocks? Wow!

If you want to go with a high quality replacement that'll ride well and offer some adjustability the KYB AGX is a great option.

KYB AGX on Sale (http://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/product_info.php?products_id=1342)

I'd recommend doing all 4 so the handling is predictable and safe. They work fine with stock springs- several of our customers are running this combination for stock class autocross. Konis are no longer available so the AGX is the best option for that application.

[bionictony]

just get kyb gr2. they front and rear shocks are $325 shipped on ebay. then if you want, you could lower later with lowering springs. doesn't shock+spring=strut?

[scarface]

$200/ea for oem rear shocks? Wow!

If you want to go with a high quality replacement that'll ride well and offer some adjustability the kyb agx is a great option.

kyb agx on sale (http://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/product_info.php?products_id=1342)

i'd recommend doing all 4 so the handling is predictable and safe. They work fine with stock springs- several of our customers are running this combination for stock class autocross. Konis are no longer available so the agx is the best option for that application.

the monkeywrench has spoke. Nuff said

[core2kid]

Well I need money but I like the idea of all for $325. I just gotta find someone who'll install them cheap.

[okie joe]

my son and I are getting ready to lower his car. We have been reading as much as we can about this on this site. I think that we are going with AGX adjustable with Eibach Sportline springs. I have a patient who owes me some money who has a auto shop and said he would put them on as a favor so no money out there.. we have the agx for $474 and the springs for $224. We are not going to race but would like a sporty drive. Son is only 13 so this will be his first car. Gets out of paint end of this week and plan on getting new wheels and tires but we have to spend more time reading the sites on that topic here. my question is are those reasonable prices and will the ride be ok? We live in a small town with lots of dips at intersections that double as drainage routes. the 4 lane to dallas is relatively smooth though. Also not been able to find out if this set up will give the 'stiffness diference' of 2K that we read about. any help on that answer would be appreciated. Many thanks to the posters on this site for all the info we have been able to put to use.:confused:

[euromotorsports]

if ur paying $224 for eibachs check out Espelir ASDS http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Espelir-ASD-Lowering-Springs-TOYOTA-CELICA-01-UP-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem43a5d6ec99QQitemZ29054 5134745QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries#ht_1180wt_1026 100 shipped, 1.2" drop and spring rates are similar to eibach +/- 10 lbs, it's a reputable spring brand and hell it's only $100 shipped

[okie joe]

if ur paying $224 for eibachs check out Espelir ASDS http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Espelir-ASD-Lowering-Springs-TOYOTA-CELICA-01-UP-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem43a5d6ec99QQitemZ29054 5134745QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries#ht_1180wt_1026 100 shipped, 1.2" drop and spring rates are similar to eibach +/- 10 lbs, it's a reputable spring brand and hell it's only $100 shipped
ok will look at that. does it lower 1.2 all the way around? will the agx shock/strut be ok with these? do you know what the spring factor is? apparently supposed to be 2k difference between front and rear. thanks

[FFXIhealer]

Interesting discussion.

I changed out my stock suspension for a Matrix TRD Coilover kit. Since the two vehicles have the same McPherson Strut system in the front, those bolted right on. In the rear, however, the Celica's lower strut bolt is almost 1/2 the diameter of the Matrix bolt, so I had to have a new inner bushing fabricated. Luckily, I got them machined out of solid steel. It also widened the lower bushing in order to make it flush with the mount on the wheel axle.

To get the car to sit down even with the front (having been lowered about 1/2 inch in front, I had to put the rear kit as low as possible. In other words, I don't think I'd recommend these for anyone with a Celica.

But for the record, I have a set of OEM shocks/springs pulled from the car ('04 Celica GT-S). The front ones have 37K miles on them and are in good condition. The rear ones have around 43K miles on them. The extra miles are because I had to wait for the bushings to be machined before I could install them. PM me if anyone wants to talk about buying and/or needs pictures.

I have heard of the KYB brands, though. I've been doing research in order to rebuild the suspension on a 128K mile 1994 Celica ST who's rear is beginning to "squat down" to the point where the inside of the rear tires are almost bald. It's reassuring to read here that they're a good quality brand. I also found "Tanabe" springs online that only lowered the front 0.9" and the rear 0.6". You might look into that brand and see how it would lower the 00-05 Celicas. Just a thought.

[euromotorsports]

ok will look at that. does it lower 1.2 all the way around? will the agx shock/strut be ok with these? do you know what the spring factor is? apparently supposed to be 2k difference between front and rear. thanks

They'll be fine, the spring rates aren't too aggressive and yes it's 1.2 all around according to the description