Replacing OEM Shocks?

[bevibe03]

Hello All, what are you guys doing about getting shocks. I been reading alot I can not find any threads about replacing the OEM shocks,Are you guys using the oem shocks with the different lowering springs? thanks

[Raven]

Yes most of us are. The only replacement struts available besides the stock KYB's are Koni and they are very$$$. The other choice is Tein SS coilovers which come with struts with or without adjustable dampening, depending on how much you want to spend.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by Sunny »Yes most of us are. The only replacement struts available besides the stock KYB's are Koni and they are very$$$. The other choice is Tein SS coilovers which come with struts with or without adjustable dampening, depending on how much you want to spend.KYB GR-2 are a decent replacement and they aren't that expensive, they are supposed to be 30% stiffer than stock struts. I have them on my Subaru right now and they aren't that bad..

[Raven]

Where did you hear they were 30% stiffer. The information I have is that KYB GR-2 are the stock struts on the Vibe.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by Sunny »Where did you hear they were 30% stiffer. The information I have is that KYB GR-2 are the stock struts on the Vibe.I can't remember where i read that, i'm looking now... I would be interested in seeing GR-2 on the stock strut somewhere... I'll be putting my S-Techs on soon, so i'll see...

[NUBlackshirts]

Have the stockers with my S-Techs right now.

[ramenboy...]

Quote, originally posted by NUBlackshirts »Have the stockers with my S-Techs right now.ssame here. i think the majority of us have replaced the springs, but kept the stock struts...i don't think we have much choice.

[2002sportside]

Tokico Hp... They are around $300 a set making them much cheaper than Konis, and they're a direct bolt in. You will probably have to look for them under Matrix. For now I too am on stock struts... but I can tell they're going.

[manicdan]

i ebayed my shocks, struts and springs all for under 400$, direct bolt on, no hassles (as long as u have the tools) and it was a cheap way to get a sportier suspension, which btw on speadbumps that people have to take below 5mph i can take at 15 and feel no problems, but be warned some are still to sharp and u will hit ur bumpers to the pavement. if i get more serious into racing ill go for the best of whats available but for now these were perfect

[2002sportside]

Quote, originally posted by manicdan »i ebayed my shocks, struts and springs all for under 400$, direct bolt on, no hassles (as long as u have the tools) and it was a cheap way to get a sportier suspension, which btw on speadbumps that people have to take below 5mph i can take at 15 and feel no problems, but be warned some are still to sharp and u will hit ur bumpers to the pavement. if i get more serious into racing ill go for the best of whats available but for now these were perfectWhat did you go with?

[WaveAction]

in the sunfire i had to go slow over the speedbumps..my sideskirts(well the frame under it) would slightly hit the bump..and that was eibach sportlines and stock struts..but i'd be getting coil-overs or koni's and hotchkiss set-up

[VibeN5]

I read somewhere that if you use lowering springs with the stock shocks, it will place a lot of stress on the shocks which would result in them wearing out prematurely. Also, does anyone have any negative camber issues with their lowered suspensions? Are there any camber kits for the Vibe?

[kevera]

It does place stress on the shocks,but they seem to hold up well.Any time you lower a vehicle,you run into alignment issues.There are kits for the Matrix that work fine.For the front,you can get away with just replacing the lower strut bolt,it gives you enough adjustment to bring it back within spec.As for the back,most do not use a kit,but it all depends on how it looks when you get it on an alignment rack.

[VibeN5]

Where can you find a lower strut bolt? Also, I know handling is much improved due to the lower center of gravity, but what about handling with bumps in the middle of turns? With a stiffer, compressed spring and stock shocks, isn't it more likely for a loss of traction to occur? As you've probably noticed, I'm really considering lowering my Vibe, but I also want to make sure it's safe enough to transport the famiily.