[maxt]

Its that time, my 96 vr's shocks and struts are dying. they bottom out very often, which tells me I should be shopping for a new pair.
I really enjoy my car as a cruiser, and do not drive "performance" as in autocrossing or racing. I enjoy cruising and being in comfort. I drive a lot for my job and thats very important. Lowering the car doesnt interest me either. I drive over many different terrains and the ability to clear steep driveways is an everyday thing!
So what shocks/struts should I be looking at to replace my tired ones? I want to be able to re-use the stock springs. Also, what else should I change in the suspension system while I am at it? I am new to suspension and appreciate any pointers and suggestions!
here's a pic of the ride:

lol just joking it looks like this now!!

 

[wjbski]

Re: whats a "comfort" shock/strut to use with OE springs (maxt)

I'd say to look for a nice quality gas shock, such as Boge turbogas, Bilstein HD's or even the Koni reds. they will all give you a nice firmer ride, but will keep the car very streetable. I just saw a fairly current issue of European Car where they did some testing for the same thing you're looking for. Good quality replacment shocks on a non-modified daily driven A3 car.

 

[maxt]

Re: whats a "comfort" shock/strut to use with OE springs (wjbski)

thanks for the answer! I'll look into those (as far as finding them and pricing them!)
any idea as to what else i should replace or look for while replacing shocks & struts?

 

[animusman]

Re: whats a "comfort" shock/strut to use with OE springs (maxt)

I think Boge was the factory replacement.

Bilstien "TC" is suppossed to be thier (Bilstiens) version of a factory replacement shock. They state that it is about 10% firmer than stock. Koni has a "factory" replacement version called Koni "Red". I would imagine they would be a bit firmer also.
For a great graph of comparisons of different shock firmness take a look at this:
http://www.autotech.com/susptung.htm
You can buy shocks at:
http://www.autotech.com
http://www.shox.com
Good luck!

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[[email protected]]

Re: whats a "comfort" shock/strut to use with OE springs (maxt)

we have tokiko hp s on my fiancee's 96, and she loves them. she drives on dirt roads alot and they are not too harsh. a few months ago european car did an article on tokiko shocks and struts for the street and said the cars should come with a shock tuned like the hps from the factory.
i usually drive the car at least once a week, and i have to say i really like it too. it provides a very well-controlled comfortable ride.

 

[MikekiM]

Re: whats a "comfort" shock/strut to use with OE springs ([email protected])

Tokico HP, Bilstein TC are two very very good OE replacement shocks.
Koni Special's (red) are an adjustable damping shock, so will run a little higher in price. It's a fantastic shock as well.

 

[maxt]

Re: whats a "comfort" shock/strut to use with OE springs (MikekiM)

im looking at the tokico HP and bilsteins... Now, i need to find a place to order where i can speak to someone, not a website, i want to make sure i get vr6 struts lol!
Thanks immensly for the help. I will be calling the places listed in this thread, and order from the place to seem the most knowledgeable (i really hate getting wrong stuff shipped out!)