Should I mix KYB struts with Tokico?

[2ksev6]

My Tokico struts are locked up in the front according to the garage my car is currently at. I pushed down on the front of the car and it was solid so I believe them. He wants to put on KYB struts and says there should be no problem mixing them. This runs counter to what I've heard, but would be the easiest solution because the shop that did the install is 3 hours away and I'd have to have Tokico's shipped to me thru them for the warranty to work and I need to hurry up and get back to Austin.

I think the KYBs might provide a nicer ride anyway, but I don't want to risk poor handling by mixing. Is it possible that it would be OK?

[bassthrive]

The front of my car with teins/tokicos is solid as a rock. You cant really conclude a blown strut just from that. Visually inspect the tokico and see if it is leaking oil. That means its blown. If it is blown, I dont think there would be any problems mixing struts. Its not like you're changing the ride height or anything.

P.S. Cutting the bumpstops gives a little additional suspension travel and is good to do if you were bottoming out, but still the front suspension should be way stiff compared to the rear. Something about this shop sounds shady.

[2ksev6]

The dude at the shop says the front 2 struts are locked up, not blown. I don't know if there's a difference. That's my bad for writing it wrong in the message before. I've never even heard of this happening, but that's apparently what's going on with the front 2 struts. I didn't see any leaking oil, but I didn't see it with the wheel off either.

When I brought it in I thought that by the shaking it was either a bent rim or possibly something wrong with my CV.

[SleeperSolara]

Why would you want to mix and match???

[2ksev6]

I initially didn't want to mix and match. Problem is that I'm broken down far away from the shop that installed them originally and the garage that my dad suggested reccomends KYB. I can't get Tokico from anyone other than the place I got them originally (according to Tokico), so for some reason I'd have to have them shipped in instead of buying them from somewhere around here.

I've talked to an informed friend, the garage here, and the garage that put them in initially. The consensus it that I should go ahead and mix them, so I will. The Tokico's were kind of harsh anyway and made my passengers and myself uncomfortable. Perhaps that's because there was something wrong with them. Anyway, tomorrow I'll have a pretty unique setup with KYB fronts and Tokico rears. I'll report back and let ya'll know how it goes.

Thanks for all of your input.

[Turbosolara]

i dont understand how this happen, you might want to call tokico and ask about "lock up" shocks. also it doesnt hurt to get second opinions from another place, especailly suspension specialist.

but i dont think it will be a problem if you mix them..i think tokico is a bit stiffer than kyb?

but it is kinda weird you do that..... it is like you are wearing nike on right feet and converse on the left feet. that wolud works but wierd.

[2ksev6]

Well I got the Solara back today and it feels a lot different. The front end feels closer to stock and the back is stiffer. I have a feeling the front will stiffen up a little in a few days/weeks as it settles. It's actually quite a comfortable ride and I'm anxious to take some corners to see how it goes, but for now it's too floaty (doesn't feel ready). The KYB's I got were black, they're usually white. The guy at the garage brought this up and said he didn't know why it was that way. KYB's site says they only have GR2's available, so whatever the reason I'm fine.

I'm actually kind of glad this happened because the ride has been really harsh. I read comments on the board about how Tokicos are supposed to be close to stock, but going over bumps was becoming a nightmare... probably because there was something wrong with them.

The vibration I was experiencing seems to be gone. The installer said I may need an alignment, but so far everything feels pretty straight, so we'll see. I've got a 3 hour drive coming up, so I'll know after that.

The struts themselves didn't appear to be leaking and the installer pushed them down and noted how slowly they rebounded. I remember seeing a tein adjustable damper display and even when set all the way the tein seemed to rebound faster than this. I guess Tokico will know for sure.

Thanks all, I'll continue to monitor this area for input and put up my assessment of the ride.

[DatSRBoi]

Wow your from arlinton? Do you drive a silver solara with a TRD kit on it around UTA every now and then? Might have seen you... Im going to be in arlinton sometime next friday.. Hope so see you driving around

Anywho.... Whats your set up now? Your saying KYB feels stiffer?

[2ksev6]

I don't live in Arlington anymore, I was just up there visiting family when my car broke down. I need to update my profile. I live in Austin now and go to UT. My car is silver but I don't have the kit. If I could get a deal on one I'd jump at it.

So far the ride is good. The KYb's have broken in a little and are becoming more stiff, though nohwere near as stiff as those bad tokicos. I really think this is pretty close to the perfect setup. Relatively smoothe ride, great handling. On some of the windy streets I drive on I can handle just as well and with a smoother ride.

One of the things that bothered me about stock suspension was the tendency of the rear to bounce out of control or get light on you under hard driving or unpredictable roads. I think that was a weakness of the rear struts and springs and I went with Tokico b/c I knew they'd be stiffer so that a light/bouncy rear end wouldn't be an issue. I feared KYB would not be stiff enough. Tokico were stiff enough in the rear, but too much so in the front (probably because they were defective). I wouldn't change this KYB/Tokico setup at all.

I'd be interested to know what stock front struts with Tokico rears would be like, but I'll probably never know. I really feel the rears give the handling security you need, though obviously the front does play a role in steering.

I've noticed my car doesn't oversteer quite so much now. Basically it takes more wheel movement to change lanes. Not too bad, though. Definately worth it for the smoother ride. Plus I can drive it without it feeling like the wheel is going to fall off, which is nice. If anyone else is interested in doing this setup I'd recommend it, although really I'd recommend all Tokico or all KYB as well. I know Tokico's a good brand even if mine didn't work out as well as everyone else's and the KYB's are great. Apparently more shops carry KYB so it might make it easier for warranty work.

Haven't sent the old struts to Tokico yet, but I will soon and will keep you all informed. I'll also answer any ?'s that anyone has.