lexpilot

So I'm getting uneven tire wear, sloppiness and the boots are shot on my front strut mounts.
Also not sure if it's related but I've gone through 2 sets of sway bar links in 20K miles.
My IS350 has 190K time for struts.
Not looking to lower it but I do like on/off ramps to make a bit of tire noise so an upgrade would be ok.
My question is that when I look at replacement struts like the KYB units like the 551130 / 30, they look like what I have with the upper and lower mount.
The Tokico units HX3797 / 8 look similar but the lower end does not have the mounting loop and bushing.
is there a lower mount kit that needs to be added like the upper mount kit?
I plan to get upper mounts and lower spring cushions and reuse the springs.
Thanks, Lex

bbaugher47

Our cars use shocks btw. With that being said , Tein has released two new shocks:
Endura pro ( non adj) and the Endurapro plus ( 16 way adjustable). I was looking at these for my car but I’m buying BC coilovers instead. But these may be a great option for you since you can adjust the firmness. 470.00 from ebay.

bbaugher47

Also look into new front bushings: figs, rr racing , or RCF

lexpilot

Thanks for the reply bbaugher47 but that doesn't help explain why one shock has the lower mount loop and the Tokico doesn't. Maybe it's just a stock picture and isn't the actual IS350 unit.
Dan

bbaugher47

You’re correct. The image will often state that it is for illustrative purposes only.

lexpilot

Yes, I was looking for that disclaimer.
Do you think the Tokico are that much better than KYB?

bbaugher47

Tokico made our OEM shocks. Both are great.

Petet

I have the Tokico red adjustable in the front. No complaints. 30k on them.

Aspect

I think the tokiko doesn't have the "mounting loop and bushing" you're talking about because it might be for the AWD version for our cars. Since there's a CV axle up front, there's a C bracket that connects the LCA to the shock instead of going straight down and connecting to the LCA.

lexpilot

You're right Aspect, I talked to a rep and that is the case. AWD cars have a different bottom mount arrangement.
thanks

lexpilot

FYI, I went with the KYB shocks and KYB upper mounts.
$88 for each shock and $50 for each mount at Rock Auto, took about 3 hours start to finish. Swapping springs took the majority of time cuz my compressors can't be spun with an impact wrench and have to be run by hand.