I have a 96 gsr with 216,000 miles that runs great but the struts are worn out. Can someone please recommend a good set of struts to buy? I would like the car to handle well but I don't want to feel every bump in the road. Should I buy Monroe or Tokico?

 

The lower-end Tokicos are shit.

I'd recommend the KYB GR2 line. Combined with the stock springs, you'll have a very nice balance between handling and ride comfort for a minimal investment.

 

TheOtherDave,

Thank you very much!

Kevin

 

Happy to toss my two cents in.

:cheers: Welcome to the board.

 

Thanks, I just bought them on ebay

 

TheOtherDave™,

I am in the process of changing my struts.... Oh my, the rear were a pain because the strut bolts were rusted into the bushing on the control arm.

I have another question. I noticed that the instructions for the front shock instruct me to put a 1/4 inch spacer on the cylinder shaft under the dust cover and I am not sure if I should use it because the lock nut barely fits on the shaft. I don't know why they would want me to use that spacer.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

Do you have pictures of this spacer?

Your intuition is correct... thread engagement is the priority.

But I think you might be talking about about the rubber bumpstop, which is a necessary part to keep the strut piston from bottoming out.

:cheers:

 

Thanks... Sure I will take a picture of it.

It's a little steel spacer. I also put the top washer on upside down on one of them. I will take pics that will show everything including the threads... thanks!!!! You are Da Man !

 

h: I help where I can.

Since this thing is made of steel, it clearly isn't the bumpstop. :chuckles:

Since I went straight to coilovers on my Integra, I haven't used KYB shocks since I sold my 91 GTi. My memory is a little foggy, but I remember only using the washers and re-using the factory rubber upper mounts.

Without seeing pics, I would give KYB a call and see what they have to say.

 

I hope the images worked.

Image one shows on strt installed but I put the top washer on upside down and I did NOT use the spacer.

Image 2 shows the strut in a vise with the spacer installed. The nut is on the end of the threads.

Image 3 shows the metal spacer and a stop that I almost cut in 1/2. The stop goes on the rear. Should I get a new stop? I think this one will work because it will still do its job. I dont mind buying a new one, but I don't want to wait 2 days for it to arrive.

Image 4 shows the instructions with the strut. The arrow on the picture points the the spacer that came with the strut.

Thanks