Rear Shocks/Springs Dieing...?
 

How 'springy' should my rear suspension be?

I went to close my trunk today, pushed down to close it, noticed the rear end moved a good bit, so I continued to test it out.

I was able to bottom out the suspension pretty easy a couple times... and I could hear a squishy noise coming from the struts (they're struts right??), kinda like the noise my trunk gas shock made when it died...

The rear end sprung back up, but not very aggressively.

I was going to put in some H&R SS springs this spring, do I need to do struts while I'm in there?

/suspension, the thing I know least about on my car as you can tell! :P

thanks guys

The back has shocks, they should make the car come back up pretty quick,m if not you likely need them. There should also be a good amount of resistance to you bouncing the car. If you're doing springs-I'd do shocks/struts too.

So I guess that's struts up front?

What's the difference between the two things? They look very similar...

Thanks!

Yep, the diffrence is that struts are a structural part of the suspension........shocks just help absorb "shock".

I agree, if you're doing springs it's a good time to change the shocks/struts.

I put a set of Tein springs on mine last year and bought a set of KYB GR-2's and put them on at the same time. Big difference in ride quality after that swap!

I've been browsing ebay and have become quickly intimidated by the varying makes, models, colours, etc. Ranging from $110 Gabriels to $500 Tokico

Tokico, reasonably priced: http://cgi.ebay.ca/TOKICO-HP-SHOCKS-...QQcmdZViewItem
A more expensive KYB option: http://cgi.ebay.ca/KYB-AGX-KYB-SHOCK...QQcmdZViewItem
Tokico Illumina Adjustable: http://cgi.ebay.ca/TOKICO-ILLUMINA-S...QQcmdZViewItem
Here's the GR2s you got DTK right? I certainly like the price if they're good. http://cgi.ebay.ca/KYB-GR-2-GR2-STRU...QQcmdZViewItem
What's up with these, coil overs? http://cgi.ebay.ca/TOKICO-DSPEC-D-SP...QQcmdZViewItem

Ya, the GR-2's are the ones I bought.
They are pretty good for a non adjustable shock. With the drop springs the ride quality actually improved (not sure if it was the springs, shocks or both).

If you like dragging the car then adjustables might be the way to go. That way you can adjust the rate of the shock for regular driving or for the strip.

What year and model is your car?

Go Tokico or KYB-I'd go KYB personally.

My car is a 2004 GT

What's the different between the GR2s for $175 vs. the AGX's for $330?

Is the $155 price difference for the adjustability of the AGX's worth it?
I do drag, but more like a 2-4 times/year hobby.

Thanks guys.

Not worth it if you don't drag or autocross often, besides, on a mostly stock car, adjusting shocks will do little to nothing to improve E.T.

Thanks. :)

So the plan for summer will be the KYB GR2s with H&R Super Sport springs.

Sound good?

Very good, H&R is a great spring and the KYB's will work well with them-it's gonna look killer!thumb:

K, I give up, since it's coming close to the time I was planning on buying this stuff and installing I started reading more.

I've heard EVERY answer regarding the necessity of aftermarket CC plates, Yes, No, and Maybe. One guy will say "OMG, I couldn't even drive my car without CC plates, the tires shredded as I drove" to a guy who will say "Meh, got it aligned, everything was within spec."

Then, from reputable suspension shops saying "Don't use GR2s, they're designed as an OE replacement and aren't designed to work with high rate lowering springs.

If I have to get CC plates, I can't do this. If I have to get better shocks/struts, I can't do this.

What's up? :(

I have steeda sport springs with monroe sensatrac struts/shocks no cc plates and no problems. Rides great.

Yea, most people were saying with the Steeda springs you don't need plates cause they only drop 1.5", whereas the SS springs drop about 2".

Did you get it aligned after? How much was it off?

I aligned it myself at the shop after I did it, it wasnt bad at all.

Go tokico. i got the 5 way adjustable springs struts n shocks off ebay last year and i couldn't be happier. I did alot of homework when deciding what to buy, and the GR2's are pretty much stock replacement and are the last thing i recommend. The Tokico set, honestly has saved my life countless times and works so well, its ridiculous. Plus its red and white so it gives a nice look :)

i believe its around 700 on ebay for the whole package. I got it shipped to the states and opened it all up and threw it in my trunk then drove it back to Canada.:chacha: