Rep Power: 0

Guys,
My ride is really so soft right now (at 77k)& time to replace my OEM shocks, i need a big help, I went to a local shop & they are charging me $8-900 for the replacement of 4 shocks. As I read on the forum here going TOKICO BLUE is a good buy so please help me with the following questions so I can maximize my money. Im not a racer, Im a dad now who is using my civic for everyday driving.

RIDE:
-civic 02 sedan
-16X7 4-100 42TI wheels
- 205/50R-16 tires

QUESTIONS:
1 - is it better if i buy my own parts (like the TOKICO) instead of just paying the shop? coz i dont know what kind of shocks they will install
2 - anyone have any idea on how much to pay for shock installation?
3 - do i need to replace my OEM springs?
4 - please tell me the exact TOKICO (or KYB) name/model to buy for my 02 EX?
5 - are they sold in pair?

A BIG THANK YOU GUYS

HELP MY CLOUDY RIDE

 
Rep Power: 325

well i know when i bought my KYB AGXs for my 2002 civic Lx cpe, it was almost $600, but i did the install myself, since it is not a difficult install with the DIY in this site, thanks to MEX it only took myself about four hours. you save labor money and you leanr your car better to fix it later if a problem occurs. the Tokico Blues are great, they were my first choice but i had to get the AGX to fit my coilover. get them at a tuner shop for less or online, and install yourself. get a spring compressor from Sears or something and DIY....imo....

 
Rep Power: 293

1) Yes it will be better. The shop is probably going to buy OEM shocks.
2) I DIYed so I can't help you here.
3) Unless they are damanged than no you don't need to.
4) http://www.truehonda.com/inventory.p...tdetail&id=449 Dezod carries them aswell so check around.

 
Rep Power: 309

ill let you know this, shops HATE and some refuse to do labor on parts you bought else where. they were probably going to buy monroe struts or something, an independent shop wont buy oem, its not enough money for them to profit and it costs alot more making your bill seem so much higher.
i know this cus i work at a shop.
if you get the blues, expect to pay more labor than if you have them buy shocks, you cant ignore it, they will do it. and they can probably get you much more inexpensive ones.

 
Rep Power: 0

THATS RIGHT!!! monroe shocks, thats the thing im always seeing on sunday ads on SEARS

I might get TOKICO BLUE & ask my friend to help me install it.

ONE LAST Q:

1- whats the tool to use for a spring compressor?

 
Rep Power: 309

spring compressor is the tool, they range in costs of 40 to 1500 dollars that ive seen.
and i dunno if you were knockin monroe shocks but they are a good reputable brand.

 
Rep Power: 302

i picked up my shocks for $95 a piece for the rear and $109 a piece for the front if im not mistaken. kyb agx's and then paid $200 for install at a shop where i know the owner and employees. they had no problems with install and the car rides great. i just got the same shocks for $105 a piece for a friend. you can call the place i got them they are out here in cali but will ship anywhere. its called dynamic autosports in lake forest, ca. (949) 457-1234 if Chip is there talk to him. if not the others are helpful as well. but they had the cheapest price i found and they were local.