HELP KYB GS-2 struts SUCK ! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

dctodd · 04-08-2003, 08:37 AM

Hello everyone, well it's funny. Just last week I was answering Vampress question on whether to get Tokico Performance (blue or HP) whatever you prefer to call them, or the KYB GS-2. Well I said the GS-2 were fine since that is what I have had for 11 months. I couldn't be more wrong. I have heard a rattle coming from my rear right of the car and notcie my suspension all around has been getting a bit softer.

Well took it to the dealership yesterday and they agreed with my thought that it sounded like the strut, even though they wouldn't do the dyno on it since it was aftermarket, unless I wanted them to and to pay for it. BUt I too figured it was the strut.

So question for you guys. ONE, can I just drive on it for awhile and just deal with the annoying rattle ?? I am very broke right now and don't think I could affoid to buy the tokico's yet, AND pay for the intsall, dealership was going to charge $230 a set !!! so $460 for all 4

Question two. If I can find a pair of tokicos for not too much, I heard SHOX.COM is reasonable, anyone know ?? Can I just replace the rear struts for now and the fronts later ?? Or should I suck it up, go deeper in debt and just do all 4 at once since the crappy KYB fronts will probably go soon. I think I'd be more willing to buy the 4 struts, if I could find some where cheaper to install, or maybe even try it myself, but I really don't have any of the tools I would need, stand, jack, spring compresser.

Question three, Will the Tokico's really last ?? will they handle my 1.6'' drop and be firmer then the KYB ?? From everything I have read on this site over the past year, I Think yes, but would love to hear from you guys.

Thanks in advance for all your help. I really have learned alot on this site in the past year, I knew like a year ago 2 weeks after I got the KYB, I should have got the Tokicos !! GRRR live and learn

dj14901 · 04-08-2003, 10:48 AM

Shox.com does have reasonable prices, that's where I bought my struts/springs from. There was a Tokico group buy being discussed on Camryman.org, I think you've missed it, but you might want to search there and see if that's still available.

I have the KYBs on my '98 Camry and they're holding up OK so far (about 10,000 miles). One big difference is that you have a lower drop than I do (1.6" vs. 1.2"), which might make a difference. What exactly failed on the strut - I'm curious...

On another note, I'd make absolutely sure it's the strut before you go replacing them. It could be a loose strut mount or something of the sort, I'd go to an independent mechanic and have them try to diagnose the problem. I'd hate for you to go through all of this and spend the $$$ only to find it wasn't the struts...

Good Luck,

DJ

***Silver Streak*** · 04-08-2003, 10:59 AM

I think you're jumping the gun saying that KYB's suck. I've been using them iwth H&R so far for a year (30K Km) and no probs since. It's have been installed incorrectly, you never know.

KYB also makes OEM stuff.

soundlzrd · 04-08-2003, 11:16 AM

I have Kybs, they suck...thats why i no longer offer them on the site. As for the tokicos, my prices are the same as Shox.com.

Luc · 04-08-2003, 11:23 AM

Dave, sorry to hear about your problem. You should go back to Driver's Image and bxxxh at them for selling you those struts. Don't worry about the install, my garage is always open.

I'd say to get all struts together, so you save on 1) shipping charge, 2) installation time, and 3) future hassle. Try and find the group buy for the Tokicos, even on Solaraguy, since it was like $320.

Henry, he has a sub, box (obviously), amp, and amp rack in the trunk, so the the added weight plus the lowering springs had put too much stress on the struts.

Luc · 04-08-2003, 03:09 PM

Dave, actually, check with KYB's warranty. Though you may not like them, but since you've only had them for 11 months, perhaps you can get another set for free. Also, you may want to check eBay for any used TRD struts.

dctodd · 04-08-2003, 03:49 PM

Thanks you guys for all your input!!
Yeah KYB warrenty doesn't cover if the drop is more then 1.5'', and mine is 1.6'' I know close, but I am sure they won't do much, I still might check. Plus I think I remember it only being for 90 days. Yeah I might check ebay for some used TRD ones, like your friend found. I am going to hopefully just keep driving on it for another month or so and try to get out of debt a bit, so I can just buy 4 Tokico HP (performance).

Luc, if this all happens with me getting new struts, I would LOVE to take a day and spend with you doing the install. Thank you so much for offering, I'll be in touch with you, letting you know what I find on struts.

The Tokico has a life time warrenty right ?? Can anyone answer if it's fine for me to drive for some more with this rattling strut ?? so far I haven't noticed much change in ride, except less firm and the annoying rattle.

dctodd · 04-08-2003, 03:53 PM

Sorry one more thing, no offense to those who responded who have KYB and are happy with them. I think when I started this thread I was more upset that a year ago when I got them I was going to go with Tokico, but a employee at an import shop here in Chicago, Driver's Image, convinced me I'd be fine with the KYB and charged me almost the same price as the Tokicos. SO I was more frustrated with believing false information from a shop that I now know is not a repurtable shop(thanks Luc!). So part of this is my own fault, learn the hard way.

I think the KYB's could be fine, just not with 1.6'' drop, the extra weight in my car, and chicago pot holes !

yanks0114 · 04-08-2003, 08:26 PM

Don't pay shox.com prices

You'll be happy to know that the tokicos are on sale/group buy for $329 for all 4. Here is the link

http://www.toyotanation.com/showthre...threadid=13411

Also talk to independent mechanics or see if you can get a toyota mechanic to do it as outside labor. Thats how I got mine done