Tokico D-Spec Shocks/Springs Installed!
#1
Tokico D-Spec Shocks/Springs Installed!
My suspension was in desperate need of upgrading since my OEM shocks were going on 75k miles and were completely gone. I also wanted to go a little lower than what I was at before. I decided to go with Tokico since they are a very solid company which has been making shock absorbers for more than 65 yrs. They offer a lifetime limited warranty on all their performance shocks. Also, it was at the price point (less than $800) that I was looking to spend on a quality suspension kit at this time.
I got the D-Spec shocks instead of the HP shocks so I would be able to tune the rebound and compression damping. The shocks have an adjustable range of 1-7.5 with 1 being the firmest. After the system was installed I decided to go straight to the extreme firm setting and while the ride is very rough the handling is absolutely amazing. I am able to go into the curves now with alot more confidence and oversteer is completely gone. Going through the corners there is virtually no body roll compared to the slopping handling I had with the OEM shocks and Hotchkis springs. In the coming weeks I will probably turn it to the softer settings to get the best of both handling and ride comfort.
The springs on this kit lower the car one inch and leave about a 1 finger gap between the tire and fender. The spring rates on these springs are 375/375
Overall, I'm very satisfied with the D-Spec shocks and springs and look forward to setting it at the optimal setting for whatever type of driving I encounter.
For the rear you do not need extenders, I just made larger holes in the rear strut tower and bought a 3MM T-Hex tool from Amazon for $5. Now I can just open my hatch, stick the hex tool back there and immediately adjust the shock without having to jack the car up and drop the suspension.
I got the D-Spec shocks instead of the HP shocks so I would be able to tune the rebound and compression damping. The shocks have an adjustable range of 1-7.5 with 1 being the firmest. After the system was installed I decided to go straight to the extreme firm setting and while the ride is very rough the handling is absolutely amazing. I am able to go into the curves now with alot more confidence and oversteer is completely gone. Going through the corners there is virtually no body roll compared to the slopping handling I had with the OEM shocks and Hotchkis springs. In the coming weeks I will probably turn it to the softer settings to get the best of both handling and ride comfort.
The springs on this kit lower the car one inch and leave about a 1 finger gap between the tire and fender. The spring rates on these springs are 375/375
Overall, I'm very satisfied with the D-Spec shocks and springs and look forward to setting it at the optimal setting for whatever type of driving I encounter.
For the rear you do not need extenders, I just made larger holes in the rear strut tower and bought a 3MM T-Hex tool from Amazon for $5. Now I can just open my hatch, stick the hex tool back there and immediately adjust the shock without having to jack the car up and drop the suspension.
Last edited by Diesel350; 01-03-2012 at 02:54 PM.
#4
How did you cut the hole in the shock tower brace?
Also, I can't remember how the front strut tower brace attaches. It doesn't cover the top adjustment point on the front shocks does it?
I'm fine with the OEM spring and ride height so I may get these Tokicos without the springs.
I like the adjustable Koni shocks but I'm pretty sure you have to unmount the shocks to adjust the rears.
The adjustment extensions for the rear shocks are pretty cheap but I like your idea since that keeps you from having those adjustment extensions flopping around in the back.
And I'm sure you know but the firmest setting is not always the best handling setting. If damping is too firm it can cause the suspension to be less responsive to bumps and irregularities in the road/track and lead to poor contact.
Also, I can't remember how the front strut tower brace attaches. It doesn't cover the top adjustment point on the front shocks does it?
I'm fine with the OEM spring and ride height so I may get these Tokicos without the springs.
I like the adjustable Koni shocks but I'm pretty sure you have to unmount the shocks to adjust the rears.
The adjustment extensions for the rear shocks are pretty cheap but I like your idea since that keeps you from having those adjustment extensions flopping around in the back.
And I'm sure you know but the firmest setting is not always the best handling setting. If damping is too firm it can cause the suspension to be less responsive to bumps and irregularities in the road/track and lead to poor contact.
#5
How did you cut the hole in the shock tower brace?
Also, I can't remember how the front strut tower brace attaches. It doesn't cover the top adjustment point on the front shocks does it?
I'm fine with the OEM spring and ride height so I may get these Tokicos without the springs.
I like the adjustable Koni shocks but I'm pretty sure you have to unmount the shocks to adjust the rears.
The adjustment extensions for the rear shocks are pretty cheap but I like your idea since that keeps you from having those adjustment extensions flopping around in the back.
And I'm sure you know but the firmest setting is not always the best handling setting. If damping is too firm it can cause the suspension to be less responsive to bumps and irregularities in the road/track and lead to poor contact.
Also, I can't remember how the front strut tower brace attaches. It doesn't cover the top adjustment point on the front shocks does it?
I'm fine with the OEM spring and ride height so I may get these Tokicos without the springs.
I like the adjustable Koni shocks but I'm pretty sure you have to unmount the shocks to adjust the rears.
The adjustment extensions for the rear shocks are pretty cheap but I like your idea since that keeps you from having those adjustment extensions flopping around in the back.
And I'm sure you know but the firmest setting is not always the best handling setting. If damping is too firm it can cause the suspension to be less responsive to bumps and irregularities in the road/track and lead to poor contact.
Yea i've been playing with the settings and a 3 or 4 setting seems to be the optimal setting for handling and ride comfort.
#16
Registered User
iTrader: (12)
I have the d-spec along with tein S tech.... You don't need the front camber arms, you can get away with just the rear. Also try to get the adjustment extensions. I have mine attached to the strut tower at the back and its great for adjustment when needed.
Mike
Mike
Last edited by mike_eee; 01-29-2012 at 11:49 AM.