sc300jon

My SC300 is at the alignment shop right now where they discoved the original struts, with 92k miles, need replacing.

I would like to replace them with something a little more performance oriented since I do a lot of curvy hill driving everyday.

By the way, the shop is recommending $110 (x4) oem replacements plus $250 install labor.


Would those Eibach lowering springs help the handling? Do they ride rough?

mdfdsc300

I've done quite a bit of research on this front. Here is what I found out:
- you can get oem cheaper than those prices quoted. Go to parts.com where they sell only oem stuff. I think they quoted me somewhere in the range of $50-$60 each.
- there is a belief that the oem shocks/struts are made by KYB. Tirerack sells KYB GR-2s for $59 each. The feedback I've received from folks that jave those is that they are not much different from oem in terms of stiffness.
- I have come to the belief that Tokicos offer a stiffer ride than the oems or KYBs. Best quote I received was $279 for the set of four.
- Be careful of the Eibach lowering springs and Tokico combination. There has been reports that they mess up the ride and are too harsh. I guess that becomes highly subjective. I think the oem setup is pretty firm as is. I am leaning towards the following suspensions upgrades:

Tokico shocks w. oem springs
17x8" wheels w/ 235/45/17
strut tower brace

I think for a daily driver and my purposes this is the best balance. 17" tires don't cost a whole lot compared to 18s in that size. I got a heck of a deal on the 17" rims. I'm not out to break any skidpad records on my daily driver also.

The other more expensive choices are GAB adjustables (most have them on the hardest setting) with are around $900 for the set.
ALso the Tien (sp?) coilover systems which are way up there $$$.

Hope that helps.

sc300jon

Good advice!

I think I'll go with either the KYBs or Tokicos, as you suggested.

Currently I do have 17" rims (replaced the stock 15-inchers). There seems to be a lot of space showing between the tire and fender lip. I am afraid that a new shock may increase that gap, that's why I am curious about the springs. I don't know how the gap got there, I thought the 225/45-17 would be the same overall diameter as the stock wheels. I think the stockers were something like 215/60-15

I did have Tokicos and Eibachs in a Volvo and the ride was harsh, I would not do that again.

mdfdsc300

Tire Rack suggests using 235/45/17s. I believe this results in a -0.66% difference in overall diameter. I think the guidline was no more than a 1% difference either way.
do you have pics you can post? I'm curious to see the fender gap.

SC400james

I just had the Tokico and Eibachs installed on my car last week. I LOVE it. I was worried about the uneven ride hieght others have mentioned and also the stiffness. I don't see any differnce in height on the left vs right sides. The ride is a little more harsh but not bad at all. I have 94K miles and was using origonal springs and shocks. Any body roll I had is virtually gone and I get no nosedive at all under braking. I'm very happy with this combination. Got the stuff at shox.com for $550 and that includes shipping. Oh yeah it lowered the car about and inch which closes the wheel well gap just enough. I have 17" rims.

Later
James

mdfdsc300

what tire size are you using?

SC400james

I believe they are 245-45-17. Very close to the original diameter. The rims are 17" X 8.5"

Later
James