Recommendation for Shocks?

[daikin22]

This is my first post. Well, I would like you guy to recommend shock for me. Now, I'm using H&R spring and I would like to get new shock that give me a smooth drive. In my mind, I just look for Tein, Tanabe, and TRD. Which one would you recommend?

Thank you.

[YarisSedan]

Tokiko

[ztrack157]

Tokico will stiffen it up a bit. For smoothness KYB should suffice.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Tokico and KYB both are the manufacturers of the TRD Sportivo shocks. My TRD's are made by KYB. They are good, but non-adjustable. I got some Tokico "Blues" for my dad's Camry, and the ride got mildly stiffer (again, Tokico Blues are probably the same ones as the TRD's).

[MUSKOKA800]

KYB do manufacture the TRD shocks (mine at least) but the difference is the damping rates.
The TRD shocks produce excellent handling but at the sacrifice of ride comfort. If you want a "smooth" ride find a shock with much less damping than the TRD's. The KYB GR-2 shocks may be your answer. They are an OEM replacement shock with slightly greater damping than the stock units. I've enjoyed them in my previous ride (Eibach lowered Talon) and the ride comfort was maintained while still controlling the stiffer lowering springs adequately.

Good Luck!

[Loren]

I would like to get new shock that give me a smooth drive.

Look at your ride height. If the car has too little suspension travel, you're simply NOT going to get a "smooth drive". The problem with going too low is that you reduce the stock 3-4" of bump-absorbing suspension travel to less than 2". If you didn't cut the bump stops, you'd be ON them at rest. If you did cut the bump stops, you've got a whole inch before you contact them. This means that with stock shocks and typical off-the-shelf lowering springs, you're going to blow through what little travel you have on almost every bump. You'll at least get into the bump stop, which will make the ride harsh. If it's a larger bump, you'll compress the bump stop making it even harsher.

To run super-low ride heights on a race car, WAY stiffer springs and corresponding stiffer shock damping is used to make the most of the available suspension travel. None of that adds up to a smooth ride.

To recap: You're not going to get a smooth ride on a street car that's been lowered too much.

[YarisSedan]

I wouldnt go with a oe replacement since you car is lowerd. My experience kyb can be blown out easily in 15k miles on a lowerd car. Depending on where you live and how you drive. You are better off getting set of shocks that are specificly designed for lowered cars such as tokiko shocks. I saw a video in school once how they test every shock before packaging. I would say they are very high quality.

[cali yaris]

To recap: You're not going to get a smooth ride on a street car that's been lowered too much.

The theory is correct -- but I guess I would ask you to take a ride in my car when I had DF210's (2" drop) and TRD shocks. Very smooth ride, but not totally mushy like stock.

TehXFallen has the same combo now and I'm always surprised when I ride in his car how perfect that combo feels for the Yaris.

[Loren]

"Smooth" is a very subjective thing. It depends on your personal tastes, and on what kind of roads you have to drive on every day.

My preference is always what I call "firm, but not harsh".

I don't know how much height you lose with the H&R springs, that's why I urged the OP to look at his ride height and make his own observations.

[daikin22]

"Smooth" is a very subjective thing. It depends on your personal tastes, and on what kind of roads you have to drive on every day.

My preference is always what I call "firm, but not harsh".

I don't know how much height you lose with the H&R springs, that's why I urged the OP to look at his ride height and make his own observations.


Thank for reply

My H&R spring is about 30mm drop. Well, which shock would you recommend me.
However, it'll better, if I'm change the whole set (Spring & Shock).
Thank you

[daikin22]

I wouldnt go with a oe replacement since you car is lowerd. My experience kyb can be blown out easily in 15k miles on a lowerd car. Depending on where you live and how you drive. You are better off getting set of shocks that are specificly designed for lowered cars such as tokiko shocks. I saw a video in school once how they test every shock before packaging. I would say they are very high quality.

Thank for Reply

What is model # for Tokiko shocks (the one that same as trd shocks)

Thank in advances.

[daikin22]

Tokico and KYB both are the manufacturers of the TRD Sportivo shocks. My TRD's are made by KYB. They are good, but non-adjustable. I got some Tokico "Blues" for my dad's Camry, and the ride got mildly stiffer (again, Tokico Blues are probably the same ones as the TRD's).

Thank for Reply

Do you which model is same spac as TRD shocks (for yaris).

Thank you.

[daikin22]

KYB do manufacture the TRD shocks (mine at least) but the difference is the damping rates.
The TRD shocks produce excellent handling but at the sacrifice of ride comfort. If you want a "smooth" ride find a shock with much less damping than the TRD's. The KYB GR-2 shocks may be your answer. They are an OEM replacement shock with slightly greater damping than the stock units. I've enjoyed them in my previous ride (Eibach lowered Talon) and the ride comfort was maintained while still controlling the stiffer lowering springs adequately.

Good Luck!

Thank for Reply

KYB GR-2 is suitable for Yaris right?

Thank you.

[YarisSedan]

Thank for Reply

What is model # for Tokiko shocks (the one that same as trd shocks)

Thank in advances.

http://www.wesellcarparts.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=7797

and you can support a yarisworld vender. I think there was another vender selling the same set also.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Thank for Reply

Do you which model is same spac as TRD shocks (for yaris).

Thank you.

Sorry, I actually do not know which KYB model has the same specs as the TRD's. But I would assume the GR-2's.

On that note, I had GR-2's on my GTI with some Megan lowering springs. It was a pretty smooth ride. Not as stiff as my Yaris' ride (probably due to the S.Techs).

[daikin22]

Sorry, I actually do not know which KYB model has the same specs as the TRD's. But I would assume the GR-2's.

On that note, I had GR-2's on my GTI with some Megan lowering springs. It was a pretty smooth ride. Not as stiff as my Yaris' ride (probably due to the S.Techs).

I just saw from another your post. Are you using Tein spring w/ Tanabe shocks, aren't you? Well, I would like to ask you about Tanabe shocks which is good or not.

Thank you

Well, your tanabe shocks is adjustable shocks, isn't it? and is it "Tanabe Sustec Pro" right?

[Kaotic Lazagna]

I just saw from another your post. Are you using Tein spring w/ Tanabe shocks, aren't you? Well, I would like to ask you about Tanabe shocks which is good or not.

Thank you

Well, your tanabe shocks is adjustable shocks, isn't it? and is it "Tanabe Sustec Pro" right?

I believe you misread that. I have the Tein S.Tech springs with the TRD Sportivo shocks with a Tanabe Sustec strut bar. I like this set up a lot. Steering is more responsive, and body roll is pretty much reduced. However, since I do not have a rear sway bar, and if I push it hard onto an onramp, I can feel the car understeer. Therefore, I would recommend going with a rear sway bar first before a front strut bar.

[daikin22]

Well, which one would you guy recommend me btw Tokiko or KYB.

Thanks in advance

[TheRealEnth]

Tokico +1

[blacksandiegovitz]

Thank for Reply

KYB GR-2 is suitable for Yaris right?

Thank you.

Gr-2 's are only a good "upgrade" if you blow your stock struts/shocks out . Imo stock shocks are better . If you need to go with gr-2 don't pair them up with any spring lower than like tanabe nf210's or they'll blow-out in about 2 months . Bare mininum go with a set of blue's or save a get some megan or basic tein coilovers , only about 250 more than the 500 a set of blue's/tein s tech's or tanabe springs will cost you .

[pinoypizzaboy]

tokico ftw!

[daikin22]

Gr-2 's are only a good "upgrade" if you blow your stock struts/shocks out . Imo stock shocks are better . If you need to go with gr-2 don't pair them up with any spring lower than like tanabe nf210's or they'll blow-out in about 2 months . Bare mininum go with a set of blue's or save a get some megan or basic tein coilovers , only about 250 more than the 500 a set of blue's/tein s tech's or tanabe springs will cost you .


Thanks for reply.

Well, what about Tokiko shocks? It's can be match with lower spring, right?

Thank you

[blacksandiegovitz]

Thanks for reply.

Well, what about Tokiko shocks? It's can be match with lower spring, right?

Thank you

Yeah Tokico blues are the best for the price . I 've ran blues on 3 differnt car's i've owned all with at least -2 lowerd springs and never blew a strut out . Good performance strut and pretty "firm" feeling over stock.

[daikin22]

Yeah Tokico blues are the best for the price . I 've ran blues on 3 differnt car's i've owned all with at least -2 lowerd springs and never blew a strut out . Good performance strut and pretty "firm" feeling over stock.

Thank for reply

Well, Tokico will a bit/much stiffen than original shock?

Thank you

[daikin22]

Here is my car. :smile:

[daikin22]

more :smile:

[MUSKOKA800]

Sorry, I actually do not know which KYB model has the same specs as the TRD's. But I would assume the GR-2's.

On that note, I had GR-2's on my GTI with some Megan lowering springs. It was a pretty smooth ride. Not as stiff as my Yaris' ride (probably due to the S.Techs).

KYB GR-2 shocks will have the same body as TRD's however the "valving spec" will differ as the GR-2's are an OEM replacement (smooth ride) while the TRD version have much firmer valve spec's and provide a performance ride.
If you want a ride similar to stock damping go with GR-2. The TRD shocks will rattle your fillings loose in comparison. Much firmer with resultant incredable handling when teamed with TRD springs and swaybar.

[daikin22]

KYB GR-2 shocks will have the same body as TRD's however the "valving spec" will differ as the GR-2's are an OEM replacement (smooth ride) while the TRD version have much firmer valve spec's and provide a performance ride.
If you want a ride similar to stock damping go with GR-2. The TRD shocks will rattle your fillings loose in comparison. Much firmer with resultant incredable handling when teamed with TRD springs and swaybar.


Thank for reply

Well, blacksandiegovitz said that GR-2 will blow out if I put it with lower spring. GR-2 can use with lower spring?

Thank you

[Lafiro]

Ok, in plain english:

I have stock shock(dead)
TRD Sportivo Springs.

I do NOT want a harsh ride anymore. So Im assuming that by going with anything other then a stock shock will make things MUCH worse then they were when I first started this setup.

If thats the case, does anyone recommend getting NF210's and a firmer shock?

Or is it a bad thing to combine softer springs with firmer shocks?

Someone please enlighten me because I do not want to lose the drop the TRD springs gave me, but the ride is just getting on my nerves. Or maybe new firmer shocks will improve the ride then what it is now? (My tires bouce on the road at times, I feel it, and it slides even with dry pavement over little bumps, its bad!!!) I guess its time for new shocks, but I dont know what to do!!!!!!!! I live in NYC and I drive a lot, and every block has some tie of bump within a 20mile radius. lol

[daikin22]

Well, I think i will go with Tokico Hp Series. It's suitable for lower spring, isn't it?
Thank a lot for all recommends.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

KYB GR-2 shocks will have the same body as TRD's however the "valving spec" will differ as the GR-2's are an OEM replacement (smooth ride) while the TRD version have much firmer valve spec's and provide a performance ride.
If you want a ride similar to stock damping go with GR-2. The TRD shocks will rattle your fillings loose in comparison. Much firmer with resultant incredable handling when teamed with TRD springs and swaybar.

They don't feel that much more dampened (enough to rattle things off of the dash or anything, unlike my friend's Toaster).

[largeorangefont]

Well, I think i will go with Tokico Hp Series. It's suitable for lower spring, isn't it?
Thank a lot for all recommends.

Yes. The car will be a little firmer, but a lot more stable. It will ride fine, but stiffer than the stock shocks.

[largeorangefont]

Ok there is a lot of misinformation here.

Tokico HP (blues) and the TRD KYBs are NOT the same. Tokico does NOT make the Sportivo TRD dampers.

I have rode in cars with both setups, and they ride similarly. Both are designed to be used with stiffer springs, which is why they are valved stiffer. I would not call either setup "harsh" or "too stiff". The damping will be a good match to the spring rates of quality lowering springs. The car will feel more sure footed through turns, more stable in the wind, and over bumps, and will rub tires less over bumps.

You will feel more bumps in the road. It is just the price you pay for increased handling. If this means anything, my girlfriend could not really tell the difference in ride from the stock dampers to the Tokico Blues. If you guys have ridden in EVOs, STIs, 350Zs etc, the car will ride BETTER than those types of cars with TRDs or Tokico HP (blues) and lowering springs. If you think that the TRDs rattle your fillings out or are unliveably stiff you should probably should trade you Yaris in on an Avalon. Unless you are on dirt roads in a 3rd world country, it just isn't that bad. If you want to save some money, get the Tokico Blues. They are over $100 cheaper than the TRD pieces and do the exact same thing.

KYB GR2s are good stock replacements. They are usually just very slightly stiffer than the stock dampning. You probably won't even notice the difference. These DO NOT blow out in 2 months, they are just as good as what came on the car. If you want factory replacements and a decent price, GR2s are what you want to get.

[daikin22]

Well, what's about compare between Tokico Hp series and Trd Sportivo, which one is more better, stiff, stable, and smooth.
As I need, I need stable and not much stiff. I don't like when the car sway after run over the brige.
My friend told me that Trd Sportiva is smooth and stable (but price is too high for me).
Then, which one would you recommend me? and sorry that asking you guy a lot because I have on idea about which shock is the one i want.
Thank a lot

[Black Yaris]

coilovers........ done

[largeorangefont]

Well, what's about compare between Tokico Hp series and Trd Sportivo, which one is more better, stiff, stable, and smooth.
As I need, I need stable and not much stiff. I don't like when the car sway after run over the brige.
My friend told me that Trd Sportiva is smooth and stable (but price is too high for me).
Then, which one would you recommend me? and sorry that asking you guy a lot because I have on idea about which shock is the one i want.
Thank a lot

They both feel nearly identical. Just get the Tokicos then if the TRDs are too much. From a performance and feel perspective, there is no reason to spend the extra money for the TRDs.

[daikin22]

They both feel nearly identical. Just get the Tokicos then if the TRDs are too much. From a performance and feel perspective, there is no reason to spend the extra money for the TRDs.

Thanks for reply. That's helpful.

[MUSKOKA800]

I wouldn't be concerned with "blowing out" the KYB's. I put over 100,000 kl. on my Eibach lowered Talon with GR-2's and never had an issue with those shocks/struts. The springs broke, but the the dampers where great.

[daikin22]

Thank for all Replies.

Well, I have another question. If I compare between Tein Basic Compact & Tokico Hp Series, which one is more stiff. I heard that Tein is more stiff, it's trure?

Thank you in advance.

[daikin22]

Dear, Guys.

I would like to ask about if I going to install Tokico Hp Series to my car (with my existing H&R lower springs). Will it make my car higher? or it'll be same height as OEM shocks?

Thanks in advance.

[daikin22]

Another thing, does any one know where I can buy Tokico Hp Series in UK?

Thank a lot