Here's my current situation. I am running the Tokico HP blue shocks coupled with the H&R lowering springs on my 92 LS. This setup was purchased and installed in February. In the later part of April, I had to replace one of the shocks because it had gone bad (shaft moving from side to side in shock and could take my hand and manually retract inside of cylinder). I replaced that side with and emergency replacement (KYB was the only thing available at the time). In May, I added 18"rims to my car and now the shocks seem to be waayyy to soft for the ride. They seem to be hitting hard over minor bumpss and I am getting vibration in the car, wheel not shaking though. I did a bounce test on all 4 corners of the car, and in the front I could nearly get them to bottom out, however the cor does not continue to bounce after I stop. the only corner which seems to stay solid is the corner that I replaced with the KYB. Eventually I am going to probably go to a coilover setup, but I need to replace components now until I save the money. Can anyone let me know what setup they are running, if you are satisfied with this, rims size (if applicable). Right now just looking for a good shock to replace what I have and If needed, better springs. Anyone with suggestions would help me out immensly. Also please post where you have ordered your components if possible. Really don't want to keep spending money to replace the same parts continually, especially since I only drive the car every other weekend since I am a long haul trucker and this is the only time I am home; and no, noone else has a key to my car. Current setup has less than 2K miles on them. Thanks everyone for your help.

 

wow dude, that's odd. I have the same setup as you (H&R/Tokico) on my '91. I've had mine installed since september and I've had no problems what-so-ever. I hope you kept all the documents that came with your shocks because I'm pretty sure they have a warranty. For now, I guess you could try reinstalling your stock shocks but I'm not sure if that's a good idea.

 

This is one of the reasons why I went with Bilsteins. I've had the HP Blue's, Illuminas (on other cars) and they all have blown out on me in less than 10k miles. I know it's not my driving since I'm a pretty careful about going over potholes, speed bumps.

This is my first time going with Bilsteins and I'm happy with the results, a little stiff but not unbearable. I've talked to several people that have and are running Bilsteins and has nothing but good things to say.

trukn1 - check your springs rates and compare it to what the HP's can handle. It could be that the H&R's are little too aggressive for the HP's. And when you do send it in, I wouldn't volunteer the info on what springs your using with them (if you know what I mean).

If you budget allows, coilovers is defintely an attractive option. GL and keep us posted.

 

I just bought a set of Tokicos and now I"m a little worried. I haven't installed them yet. I thought they came fairly decently rated.

 

Kalbo. I wanted to go Bilsteins from the very start, but unfortunately they seem to be hard to find to very very rare for the first gen. Anyone know if they are even made for the first gen and where can I get them??? So far my searches are turning up 0.

Suneet- I don't know if it is the fact that I just got bad ones or what, but at this point I just don't trust them, and want them gone. When I had my stock wheels, they were pretty good, but I really only bought them because the stock shocks and springs I had were totally shot. Absolut has the same setup as mine and he says he has had no problems and he has 20's, I only have 18's because of bad roads here in MD. I think you may be ok.

 

How bout it...anyone have a site to track down the elusive and maybe even non-existent Bilsteins for the first gen LS?? Thinking of converting the 3 that are going bad to KYB since I already have one on the car (was placed there in emergency). Any horror stories with KYB???? If so, what do you suggest??? Trying to save for JIC coilovers ($1850..ouch), need a replacement in the mean time. Who knows, if they work out, then they may become permanent and money saved for more mods. Any suggestions??? help please.

 

Try Todd at TMEnginerig... www.tmengineering.net

 

BTW is that a full wood steering wheel you have or a steering wheel cover?

 

lol, that is just a steering wheel cover

 

Fairly sure that Bilstein never made a shock for the UCF-10 , 1st generation LS.