tokico hp with OEM springs installed

dalaw · 02-06-2007

got my tokico hp installed on my 03 LX sedan this weekend by a shop. Kept stock springs on. I have several questions about what the shop said that sounded fishy to me:

1. they said i HAVE to get an alignment even though my ride height won't change cuz the front macpherson strut does steering duties and the new struts will change my alignment. I decline the alignment anyways.

2. I picked my car up after the install and when i got home to check out my front struts with a flashlight, I found out they didn't put the front OEM dust boot/bump stop on the new struts, with the polished metal shaft exposing. I took the car back today to have them put it back on and they said the reason they didnt put it on cuz they had to ask me permission to cut the boot shorter inorder to fit the new strut. I got home afterwards and stick my hand to feel the boot and it didnt feel like it was cut. Sounded like its a lame excuse to cover up their negligence.

Keep in mind i am using stock OEM springs with stock ride height. Is the shop full of shit or what?

To remove this ad, register today for free or log in if already registered!

cerebrous · 02-06-2007

you need alignment,

and yes they are covering it up but at least they put them back on for you.

HondCivc91 · 02-06-2007

it's beneficial to get an alignment when you get any sort of suspension work done to the car. and the dustboots they should've put on the new struts.

Boilermaker1 · 02-08-2007

You need the alignment any time you unbolt all that stuff. there's slop in the holes that can and will throw off the alignment.
As for the boot, it really doesnt matter if its there. There's a cleaner ring on the shock cylinder to keep crap out of the valving.... same thing that keeps the hydraulics on bulldozers looking shiny.

Nameless · 02-08-2007

Like above, it is always recommended to have an alignment but it doesnt mean you absoluletly have to get one performed. The first time I changed stuff suspension wise, I installed tokico shocks with eibach prokit springs and drove on them for a season with no problems at all with aligntment. Steering was fine, tires did not wear unevenly. After I changed my suspension again however, I decide to get alignment done because I did not have one done ever since I bought the car. (3 Years after).

dalaw · 02-08-2007

Thanks for all the inputs. I need new tires soon anyways so I will do the alignment by then.

dalaw · 02-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boilermaker1

You need the alignment any time you unbolt all that stuff. there's slop in the holes that can and will throw off the alignment.
As for the boot, it really doesnt matter if its there. There's a cleaner ring on the shock cylinder to keep crap out of the valving.... same thing that keeps the hydraulics on bulldozers looking shiny.

The paper slip from tokico and a warning sticker on the shocks says warranty will void if dust boot is not installed. Oh well, it might not be needed but having it there makes me feel better.