Tokico Illumina 5-way Shocks

[Mike]

While I ended up purchasing these shocks, I found this information on my computer. It was put together while I was doing research about shocks.

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Tokico Illumina Shocks:

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Looks like most current owners of Tokico Illumina's keep them

set on one position most of the time. It doesn't seem to me that

these are the kind of things you'll be adjusting often.

Disadvantages:

1- Convenience. Don't expect to switch the suspension on the fly.

I don't think you'll be able to say, "Oh, hey... look! There's

a corner. Let me adjust my shocks." (faint sound of a car

screeching to a halt, a door slamming, and the cussing of some

guy trying to adjust his shocks on the side of the 2-lane coast

highway) - Probably won't happen.

2- Price. These things are spendy. Average price is $50 more than

a "nice" performance shock. They usually run anywhere from $110/ea

to $150/ea. Average performance shocks (non-adjustables) will run

anywhere from $70 to $90 (or so).

3- Stiffness. Sounds like these shocks are pretty stiff even on

their lowest setting. Again, these are my findings and not my

facts. I have not purchased shocks yet.

4- Comparisons. It's tough to compare these shocks to other shocks

because suspension performance isn't JUST in the shocks.

Advantages:

1 - Flexibility. I'll be able to get the performance of at least

three different responses (yes, they are 5-way adjustables).

Therefore, since one can't go out and buy all the shocks that

they want. It might be safest to buy the adjustables and pick

a setting. If you buy one shock. You're stuck.

2- Adjustable. They are adjustable. So, if you're going to take

a fun ride, pull the car into the garage, and tweak 'em up to

full strength. Then go out and have fun!

3- Price. It's a lot cheaper to buy one set instead of 2-3 sets

of other shocks that don't quite do it for you.

4- Comparisons. I also have this in my advantage list because

IMHO it's a lot safer to buy an adjustable shock and know

that you got the best. Your other route is to buy the

non-adjustable and HOPE that it's what you want. At least

you have a way to "tune" the adjustable shock to what you like.

Conclusion:

Buy the adjustable if you have the $$. If you want to save money

then buy a Tokico non-adjustable. I understand that the non-adjustable

Tokico is about midway between soft and hard on the adjustable. Again,

this is not from experience. Just hearsay - I've talked to a lot of

people about shocks.

If you don't have the cash. You'll have to check into a comparison

done between different non-adjustable brands. This comparison is

to clear up "MY" findings between adjustable and non-adjustable while

considering price/performance/and so on.

Keep in mind that adjustables might be too firm. They are made for

performance. If you want a smooth ride and good performance, look

into replacing the bushings and/or springs.

[m]