Tokico & Vogtland Combo

[OneEightSeven]

I'm thinking of getting this setup to replace my stock springs/shocks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOKIC...item1c0fdca30d

I'm sure it's not going to be as nice as the KYB AGX, but the price is right. They're advertising a 0.9" drop. I will need LCA relocation brackets for that right? Are these the ones I want, or is there a better product/deal out there: http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...D=96&ModelID=7

I've seen a few posts in the forums about this combo, but no definitive answer weather or not they're any good. I suppose anything will be better than the current stock setup with a shot rear right shock.

[pace2006]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

Tokico's are just as bad as the stock shocks. You won't see much of an improvement with them if any at all. They're also intended for use with stock rated springs. This means that they'll only prematurely break down with lowering springs like the Vogtland springs listed. A waste of money at that point, IMO.

Since you've already linked to Strano's website, I'd suggest you give him a call and see what he recommends for your budget. He sells many different shocks and springs and can help you tailor a setup to your needs.

[OneEightSeven]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

Yea I left a message on his voice mail a little while ago. Hoping to hear back soon :). Thanks for the input. It did seem to good to be true (price wise). At least I don't have to pay for installing em so I suppose I could spend more. With 275/40/R17's what drop would be safe (not scraping on bumps, etc..)? I really care more about handling rather than the looks of the drop.

[pace2006]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

What type of shocks you go with will probably help determine what lowering springs you get. If you're looking for better handling with a slightly better stance, look at getting Hotchkis springs. They tend to lower the stance about 1" and will still be more comfortable than stiffer aftermarket options out there. Also, since they only drop about an inch, this should keep a good selection of shocks available without having to break the bank on top notch shocks like Konis.

[OneEightSeven]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

That seems pretty good. I'll def ask him about those when I get a chance. Thanks for the information. Which shocks do you think would go good with the Hotchkis without spending a ton of money. Also when i get the LCA relocation brackets, which setting should I use when installing?

[pace2006]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

I'm not sure what Strano's recommending for non-adjustable shocks these days, but he does sell Bilstein and KYB shocks. Either of those should go nicely with the Hotchkis springs.

You might also ask him about the LCA relocation brackets. He suggested I try out my current setup (see sig) without the brackets. The Strano springs sit 1.2" lower than stock am has been just fine without the brackets or an adjustable panhard bar.

[ssms5411]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

KYB ADJ. were decent shocks when I had lowering springs, I have QA-1 shocks/300lb springs up front and 1LE progressive springs 130lb-170lbs QA-1 adj. shocks and it ride outstanding, even though its at stock height it handles great, so it is all in the suspension setup also a 14:4 steering ratio helps too. But if on a budget you can't beat the price of the KYB ADJ. since you can fine tune it for your style of driving. Sway bars would be nice too, I set my relocation brackets I think on 2nd one from bottom , but each car with different suspension will be diferent, but a good rule is you want them parrell to the ground. SFC's made a big difference also.

[OneEightSeven]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

@pace2006

I couldn't get a hold of him today. I'll try Strano again tomorrow and see what he suggests. Right now im leaning towards either the Hotchkis or Strano springs and either Blisten or KYB shocks. Are the KYB GR-2's and Gas-a-Just crap?

@ssms5411

I'm on a budget of $1,000 or less. That's what I set for myself in my mind. This will include the cost of springs, shocks and misc. bushings, mounts, boots, etc.. that I'm going to replace as regular maintenance.

Sway bars are definitely coming, but I can't let myself pig out all at once.

[ssms5411]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

Def. get KYB ADJ.'s over gas a just if you go that route. LCA's and relocation brackets will hep with any wheel hop. You should be able to pick up a 32mm/19mm combo for under a $100. Hotchkis springs should be fine with the KYB's.

[OneEightSeven]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

Here is what I'm thinking right now:

X 2012 UMI - Lower Control Arm Relocation Brackets - Bolt-In
Vehicle: Chevrolet Camaro, 1998-2002 $89.00 1 $89.00
X 1905 Hotchkis - 1" Lowering Spring set
Vehicle: Chevrolet Camaro, 1998-2002 $259.00 1 $259.00
X AGX Shock set KYB - AGX Adjustable Gas shocks (set of 4)
Vehicle: Chevrolet Camaro, 1998-2002 $379.99 1 $379.99

Which bushings and other components would you recommend replacing for maintenance purposes?

[pace2006]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

I had a good response all typed up on my phone but go figure it lost it. Oh well, more detail to be explained from a computer anyway.

First, the problem with shocks like the GR2 and KYB Gas-a-Just. These are basically stock replacement shocks that are made to be used with the stock spring rates. Stiffer springs, for lack of better words, will be too much for these and would be the equivalent of running lowering springs on stock shocks. They'd break down in a much shorter time and feel like crap.

With your budget I would recommend the KYB AGX adjustable shocks and the Hotchkis lowering springs. This will make for a fairly comfortable setup with room for some fine-tuning. The AGX shocks can handle lowering springs that have up to 1" drop, so the Hotchkis will be perfect. I'd also recommend Moog LCA bushings to replace the stock star-shaped bushings. You may not even need LCA relocation brackets with that setup, but I'd see what Sam has to say about that. Also see what he has to say about using an adjustable panhard bar with your setup.

As for bushings, here's an awesome thread I found a while back with recommended replacements and part numbers:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/suspen...back-dead.html

Give Strano a day or two to get back to you. He's a busy guy that will take the time to explain different parts and how they work to his customers. It'll be well worth your time. :tup:

[OneEightSeven]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

@pace2006

So i talked to Sam today and he was really helpful. For a softer, street type ride he was recommending the hotchkis springs and slp Bilstein shocks. He recommended front LCA bushings and said I do not need the LCA relocation as he feels it will handle better. He did say I would possibly get better straight line traction with them though.

[OneEightSeven]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

Here's what I ended up buying from Strano's site:

70008 SLP Bilstein Shock Set
1905 Hotchkis Springs
K6490 Control Arm Bushings

I'll be installing this next week when the parts come in. Going to take some before/after photos of the car and the install :). :banana:

[whitdog54]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

Here's what I ended up buying from Strano's site:

70008 SLP Bilstein Shock Set
1905 Hotchkis Springs
K6490 Control Arm Bushings

I'll be installing this next week when the parts come in. Going to take some before/after photos of the car and the install :). :banana:

NICE! are those rear lower control arm bushings? If you dont mind, how much did that cost you in total?

[OneEightSeven]

Re: Tokico & Vogtland Combo

@whitdog54,

Those are front LCA bushings. I was told if the rear starts going out it's better to just get new control arms instead all together.

Total price was ~$730.