So a quick review of Tokico HP series shocks/struts vs OEM shocks/struts on a 05 G35 Coupe with sport suspension.



First let's look at the difference in size.


Front Strut: On the left is Tokico front struts with OEM springs. And on the right is an OEM strut with OEM spring.

As you can see OEM strut rod is a bit longer than the one on Tokico strut



Now side by side

Strut housing is same length on both but Tokico strut is a bit larger in diameter. Maybe it's just thicker walls or the diameter of the housing inside is actually bigger......I don't know.



Rear shocks:

No need to compare them with the springs so just a side by side view

I was surprised to see that Tokico HP has a longer rod, I was expecting it to be shorter just like the front ones. Shock housing also larger in diameter than the OEM





My G is lowered on 350Z H-Tech springs so they are naturally shorter than stock springs. (don't have any pix to compare)

Tokico front strut with H-tech spring looks about the same as OEM strut with OEM spring (length wise)

Ride quality/difference:

I cant really compare cuz my stock shocks/struts were shot and felt like I was riding on rails, but from what I remember I say that ride will be a bit stiffer over OEM shocks/struts combined with aftermarket springs (350Z H-Tech in my case).

With OEM struts my H-tech springs were not compressed at all by the top plate of the strut, because strut rod was quite long. Now with Tokico strut it gets compressed just a little due to the shorter rod (as you can see) so I think due to that ride quality is a bit stiffer because H-Tech springs are progressive springs, so with that little of compression done by a strut you take away it's softest quality.

As far as the road noise I cant really tell if it got worse due to the shocks or cuz my tires are kinda bald and I swapped left to right since my right side was wearing out more.

04/2014 Update

Longevity review:


As it turns out these shocks don't live long with lowered springs.
Pretty much every forum out there reports the same thing. Shocks either blow or start leaking quite fast when coupled with lowered springs. In my case they were paired with Tein H-tech springs and went out after 70k. OEM shocks lasted 90k but they were not used with lowered springs the entire time.

So. If you are looking for shocks that will last longer than that go with Tokico D-Spec. They are adjustable and reportedly last forever when paired with lowered springs, plus Tokico offers limited lifetime warranty on them.
Another option is Koni Yello. They are also adjustable just like Tokico D-Spec and Koni also offers Lifetime warranty on them, which sounds to be better than Tokico warranty.

If you don't want adjust-ability and lifetime warranty go with KYB shocks. They seem to similar to Tokico HP blue, but reportedly last longer (don't quote me on that, do your own research)

I'm going with Koni Yellow due to availability and lifetime warranty.
https://g35driver.com/forums/brakes-...ks-review.html

 

Do you think there is a difference between those and the d specs?
great review man

 

do 350z and G35 both have the same tokico strut part no.? If not, did you get the 350z version? That might explain the short rod in the front... just my guess.

 

How many miles were on you car before they were shot?

 

I just installed the D-specs on my coupe with S-techs and i set them at full hard. I love them car feels glued to the ground.

 

D specs are adjustable. I have read that you can adjust them to make your suspension softer than OEM.

I don't know about rod length.

 

no they are different

I got the G35 ones

 

90k, most of it with H-Tech springs

 

They are great for the money. I had them for my first set up with Eibach pro's. Ride was a lil stiff. But if you're a spirited driver you'll like them..


Joker is still ghey..

 

they deff are great for the money.

OEM G35 or 350Z shocks cost more.


You know you love me KSWAY

 

i was considering this, but for a used set one can get some teins basic @ 500ish

 

I don't think that buying used shock/struts/coil overs is a good idea.

You never know how much life left in them, you could end up paying $500 for something that will last 1 week.

Tires, shocks, brakes are just few of the tings that should be bought new.

 

that too, i was looking into getting a z drop, because for me thats just enough of a drop. im skeptical about trying the oem 350z version of hps.

 

another thing that puzzles me about front struts is this.


Since rod is shorter than a spring and spring end up constantly pulling on the rod
Wouldn't that cause some kind of damage to the shock?

 

didnt even notice that, that does sound bad though, dont think it should be set up like that, im no pro so dont know how far my word goes.