Strut Selection

[Smoky14]

I'm starting the shopping process for struts all around for my 1999 Acura CL. The original handling and ride were OK but are now getting tired. If I had to choose between handling and plush ride I'd take good handling, but would prefer both.
I'd like suggestions on what you've found to be the best. Yes I plan to keep it forever.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[bangtango]

Had similar issue on 98 Mustang GT. Looked at Bilstein, but too much $$$. Settled on KYB's from Ebay. Very pleased. Best 140 bucks spent on car.

 

[pcoxe]

I always had good results with KYB shocks. I've had to replace failed Bilsteins on two different vehicles. Two were leaking oil, and two had lost all resistance. 100,000 miles on the KYB's and they still felt like new. Have a set of KYB's on the wife's '98 Monte Carlo right now.

 

[willix]

Tokiko will give you about 20% more damping over stock. KYB is a OEM replacement. I installed Tokiko & Eibach on my Taurus SHO and the transformation was awesome without sacrificing comfort. a total different feel. I would think an Acura would greatly benifit in the handling and Acura's are already well engineered in the suspension.

 

[mcrn]

If bilsteins are available get them Hands down. I have experienced them on 3 different cars and am planning on putting them on my Yukon as soon as I can. Had them on one car for over 100k miles and still felt like new. I sold that car and got to drive it again 2 years later and it still felt like new. I don't know how many miles were put on them because the speedo was broke at that time but the car was used as a loaner for a mechanic. All my experience was with shocks.

 

[The Critic]

Tokico Blues.

 

[danster]

Koni.

I used the sports in a CRX for 230,000 miles and was finally dialing the stifness up to max to compensate for the wear.

They will cost you more of course. They have recently introduced a "street" replacement for about $300, a "special" (classic red) that is stiffer for closer to $500 and the "sports" (yellow) are adjustable rebound for $620 a set.

More recently I purchased Bilstien Sports for the e28 BMW as the Konis are not available. They are not adjustable for firmness. They were a bit harsh initially and seem tolerable now a year later.

Just FYI, your Acura uses the same struts as the 90-97 Accord. I wouldn't hesitate about a used set of the Koni Sports if you can find them

 

[robbobster]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Tokico Blues.


That's a great choice, and I've used them on several vehicles (Acura Integra, Nissan Maxima). They're a bit "old school" since they've been around a while, and I'm not sure if anything is better these days.

I've had brilliant results with Bilstein shocks, but have no experience with their struts.

 

[Blokey]

Whn I upgraded the suspension on my '00 Acura 3.2TL I went with Bilstein struts, Eibach sway bars and H&R OE Sport springs (along with a Plus1 wheel/tire upgrade).

Love the ride, much improved over stock. It's a little firmer than stock but not harsh at all. The Bilsteins are still working fine (got about 50K miles on them so far) - tire wear is great.

 

[Norm Olt]

I put Tokiko's on my 1st Generation 1988 Legend and loved them. Put Tokiko's on the 1972 VW Van (Type 2 T2) which was a Westphalia without the pop-roof (as it had factory a/c up there) and loved them.

But Mick Jagger had the best struts of all!

Cheers!