brake + supsension maintenence + shift knob question

[n3rdifed]

anybody know a good online seller for gen 3 v6 strut/shock? after my alignment appointment they notified me that my front shocks are leaking.

also my brake pads are thin. is the tutorial on v6 brake pads diy the only thing i have to do besides resurfacing the rotors? Im trying to get as much done myself, rather than have a shop do my brakes, which i know is not difficult to do if i have good instructions.

has anybody got info on throwing on a shift knob? i dont wanna be cutting any metal because i may throw back my old shifter on if im uncomfortable. leaning towards getting one of these:

http://www.itsproper.com/shop/proper...nob-sk14-copy/

lmk! tnx.

[n3rdifed]

btw..just wondering

im looking for a dual tipped muffler..will this sound like shit?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Unive...item45edec2e98

looking for a deep exhaust note to go well with the v6.

[n3rdifed]

anybody
?

[JohnGD]

How about just going to Autozone and pick up some excellent Bilsteins? Lifetime warranty and no need to worry about time/shipping cost for returns. I like to spec Gabriel Ultras for typical driving. They're not harsh like OEM, but some like a firm ride and jolts up the spine over road irregularities. KYB (Keep Your Bilsteins) doesn't warranty normal wear and tear. So you'll come out ahead with Bilsteins at Autozone.

Brake pads I'd get Akebono ProAct for typical driving. Use Hawk HPS for performance stops. Or just go to the dealer and see if the batch they happen to get has "AK xxx-xxx FF" marked on the back. That's Akebono. If you see NBK just walk away.

Also check rockauto.com. I think shockwarehouse.com has Monroes and KYBs. I think both offer TN member discount?? I know rockauto does.

When you get struts just get whole assemblies even if you have rebuildable ones. It's cheaper and easier. You should get new mounts too. These rubber parts wear out with time.

Originally Posted by n3rdifed

anybody know a good online seller for gen 3 v6 strut/shock? after my alignment appointment they notified me that my front shocks are leaking.

also my brake pads are thin. is the tutorial on v6 brake pads diy the only thing i have to do besides resurfacing the rotors? Im trying to get as much done myself, rather than have a shop do my brakes, which i know is not difficult to do if i have good instructions.

has anybody got info on throwing on a shift knob? i dont wanna be cutting any metal because i may throw back my old shifter on if im uncomfortable. leaning towards getting one of these:

http://www.itsproper.com/shop/proper...nob-sk14-copy/

lmk! tnx.

[JohnGD]

If the rotors have no scores or out of round and are above minimum thickness then you shouldn't have to do anything! Just reuse them. Taking off precious metal will only make them less able to take the heat and will cause them to warp sooner.

If needed Raybestos Professional Grade rotors at ~$20 each should work well. You can use Raybestos Advanced Technology or Brembos at ~2.5x the price if you like.

Just don't spray brake cleaner on rubber parts. I'd wipe them with alcohol if necessary. Petro distillates damage rubber. But give everything else a good spray.

Also, have an experienced hand help in changing out all brake fluid. Use a quart of Castrol GT LMA (low moisture activity) brake fluid from Pep Boys. Or get Valvoline Synthetic brake fluid (also low moisture activity), also available at Autozone.


http://www.valvoline.com/car-care/au.../ccr20081001v3

Originally Posted by n3rdifed

also my brake pads are thin. is the tutorial on v6 brake pads diy the only thing i have to do besides resurfacing the rotors? Im trying to get as much done myself, rather than have a shop do my brakes, which i know is not difficult to do if i have good instructions.

[n3rdifed]

Thanks for the useful information john!

so when you mean assembled struts, are these struts with the spring seat already on them? if so then thats what i was looking for. are blisteins oem or for aftermarket suspension?

hm didnt know rotors were that cheap. ill just buy the parts and have my helpful mechanic friend guide me in flushing out the brake fluid. we did it once but it was on a neon.

now has anybody have any info about shifter and exhaust?

[JohnGD]

I meant struts with lower metal spring seat welded on there already, not replacement cartridges that go into an existing housing. Here are examples of:

- Replaceable strut cartridge (that goes into the existing housing):
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=503181

- Non-serviceable strut, just replace and toss (to your local recycling yard):
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=502295

However, you can also get whole assemblies to save time:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=951308

You can get Monroe, Gabriel, or KYB assemblies. Otherwise compressing springs is a good workout!! Also the most time consuming part, at least for me. It's recommended to change the mounts while at it. Inspect the rubber parts (boots, spring seats) as well.

Toyotas can't afford to use Bilsteins. You'll find these and Boge/Sachs on German cars like Mercedes and BMWs. If you want to swap old struts out (plus any other old parts, go with Bilsteins). However, they may give you a firmer ride that some don't like. Gabriel Ultras are more like American ride. Or you can get Tokicos or KYBs (aka Keep Your Bilsteins) for the Asian ride.

Both Bilsteins and Gabriel "Ultras" carry lifetime warranty at Autozone. If worn, just bring them back. Tokicos you have to fill out forms IIRC. KYBs don't cover normal wear and tear. Monroe offers 90-day satisfaction guarantee. May pay up to $50 /cornerfor your mechanic to swap them out. That's why I said you'll come out ahead with Bilsteins (or Ultras) in the long run.

Monroe satisfaction guarantee:
http://www.monroe.com/support/warranty.asp

Originally Posted by n3rdifed

Thanks for the useful information john!

so when you mean assembled struts, are these struts with the spring seat already on them? if so then thats what i was looking for. are blisteins oem or for aftermarket suspension?

hm didnt know rotors were that cheap. ill just buy the parts and have my helpful mechanic friend guide me in flushing out the brake fluid. we did it once but it was on a neon.

now has anybody have any info about shifter and exhaust?

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by n3rdifed

now has anybody have any info about shifter and exhaust?

Shifter: Your gonna have to cut it... and relocate the O/D button. My tip... be VERY careful and slow with your removal of the shifter. There's a spring and you need to pay attention to the orientation of certain parts for when you reinstall it. SO UNINSTALL IT SLOWLY! There's a DIY (in the DIY section) for one that fits with an O/D button which i'm sure you saw. But take your shifter apart, and you'll see why your going to have to cut it.

Exhaust: Try one of these. The Apexi N1-Style is a HUGEEEE hit with us 5S-FE guys. Here's 2 videos of me driving with it installed + CAI.

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

[n3rdifed]

im not a big fan of n1-style mufflers, nor am i a 5sfe.

You Tube

You Tube

heres a sound check

but thats why i asked why we have to cut the shifter down? i dont wanna reassmble my shifter to find that out.
is it cause its too high? but i love high shifters! short shifters are so 90's. LOL jk

[LynchburgCSI]

Yes it is because of the height.

[n3rdifed]

oh ok..thanks for the good info guys!

im sure one of the v6 guys will input their knowledge about mufflers.