Shock Absorbers

[HughesR1]

Hi, new to owning a MK1 but previously owned Mk2 MR2's.

Just wondering where the best place to pick up OEM or replacement shock absorbers is ?

I'd like to upgrade to coilovers but they seem a bit dear for the standard ebay crap !

Cheers, Alex.

[cartledge_uk]

Welcome to IMOC


There are a number of options, KYB inserts (in oem spec and harder) and koni adjustables are the main options. However, the koni kit is not cheap. KYb's can be picked up everywhere including most motorfactors.

for example

http://www.buypartsby.co.uk/kyb-shock-a ... eng=1.6000


they used to be cheapest from ebay US, not sure how they look now with the current ££ vs $
loads of places stock them, so i'm sure someone will be able to point out a cheaper shop soon.

[LimeyMk1]

The link Tim quoted is the cheapest I've found them at. Work well with stock or slight height reduction springs (eg Whiteline), with a big drop the combo will rattle your teeth a bit.

[Tiamat]

The link Tim quoted is the cheapest I've found them at. Work well with stock or slight height reduction springs (eg Whiteline), with a big drop the combo will rattle your teeth a bit.

I have this on my MK1.
Quite frankly its back breaking - but the handling is improved with the vehicle.
But not whatyou want for everyday use where there are speed bumps.
I know with my current job!

[HughesR1]

Thanks for the quick reply guys !

To be honest the ride comfort doesn't really bother me as I'm used to much stiffer cars but too much stiffness can also compromise handling ! Hence why I'm after the OEM.

Cheers, Alex

[LimeyMk1]

OEM will be from Toyota, they come as a sealed full strut now (no nut holding the guts in).

Not sure if there are any sources outside Toyota for OEM dampers. KYB do the Excel G and GR2. I've only seen the Excel Gs for sale in the UK and the GR2s in the USA. From what I recall the front Excel Gs and GR2s share part numbers but the rears don't which is somewhat confuzzling.

It'd be interesting to compare new shocks from Toyota and those from KYB as KYB claim that the Excel G shock is an 'OEM replacement'.

[Tiamat]

Thanks for the quick reply guys !

To be honest the ride comfort doesn't really bother me as I'm used to much stiffer cars but too much stiffness can also compromise handling ! Hence why I'm after the OEM.

Cheers, Alex

I am not sure how stiff you used to, but mine can barely be moved when pushed down on, certainly tiny amounts of movement.

Koni's would be the much better choice.

[Tiger Tim]

OEM will be from Toyota, they come as a sealed full strut now (no nut holding the guts in).

Not sure if there are any sources outside Toyota for OEM dampers. KYB do the Excel G and GR2. I've only seen the Excel Gs for sale in the UK and the GR2s in the USA. From what I recall the front Excel Gs and GR2s share part numbers but the rears don't which is somewhat confuzzling.

It'd be interesting to compare new shocks from Toyota and those from KYB as KYB claim that the Excel G shock is an 'OEM replacement'.

Any idea on price from Toyota - mad?

[LimeyMk1]

Not too sure Tim, part numbers from Toyodiy are:

RH Front - 48510-17010
LH Front - 48520-17010

RH Rear - 48530-17070
LH Rear - 48540-17070

The Toyodiy EPC lists them at 128 euros each. Wouldn't take that as gospel as I just ordered some parts from MrT and they came in substantially cheaper than the listings on Toyodiy.

[elbon50]

Have bought some 30 mill lowered springs from another member

Koni adjustables are £355 for a pair inc postage

Thing is if someone really want adjustables but settles for something less they'll still be wanting adjustables

Having said that & casting mind back to Spax adjustables on Triumph cars, I always had em set to the highest level

Peter

[Lauren]

Just go into Toyota and get a price.

If it's 128 euro, that doesn't sound too bad.

[LimeyMk1]

Just go into Toyota and get a price.

If it's 128 euro, that doesn't sound too bad.

That's £110 (ish) per corner Lauren, more than Koni's. Then of couse add vodka and tonic.

I should have asked when I was there this morning.

[Tiamat]

The main "problem" with adjustables is most people do not adjust them.

Unless they are regularly hitting tracks and doing set ups, most people find a setting they are happy with and just adapt to that setting.

Same really with just using standard / KYBs. You adjust to what you got.

[elbon50]

Just go into Toyota and get a price.

If it's 128 euro, that doesn't sound too bad.

That's £110 (ish) per corner Lauren, more than Koni's. Then of couse add vodka and tonic.

I should have asked when I was there this morning.

The Konis I've seen advertized were £355 a pair Limey

May be cheaper elsewhere ?

Peter

[Tiamat]

Just go into Toyota and get a price.

If it's 128 euro, that doesn't sound too bad.

That's £110 (ish) per corner Lauren, more than Koni's. Then of couse add vodka and tonic.

I should have asked when I was there this morning.

The Konis I've seen advertized were £355 a pair Limey

May be cheaper elsewhere ?

Peter

£110.00 plus VAT each corner amounts to £132.00 each, so £264.00 for a pair.

Don't think that includes springs, which from memory the Koni's come with.

So is fairly comparable, if I have it right about the springs.

[elbon50]

Koni adjustables from Larkspeed £512 for full kit with 30mm springs

£145 for one suspension unit unit only ! (x4 costs more than kit with springs !!)

Wonder if they can be obtained at more sensible price elsewhere ?

Peter

[kaiowas]

Buying the SSK is the way virtually everyone buys Konis for a mk1, no-one buys them individually because the kit is always cheaper. Even if you don't need the springs that come with the kit just stick them on eBay.

Somewhere around £500 is the going rate for the SSK so that Larkspeed price is probably about right.

[elbon50]

Whereabouts is the adjustment knob located on Koni adjustables for the Mk1 please ?

Peter

[cartledge_uk]

Whereabouts is the adjustment knob located on Koni adjustables for the Mk1 please ?

Peter

It isnt a knob, its a tiny flat bit sticking out on the top. the know is removable that is then placed on top to adjust.