Tokico Performance struts
 

What do you guys think about these struts offered on corksport? I don't want to lower - just straight oem replacement. I don't want a super firm ride either, but would prefer not to give up handling, etc.

www.oemfordparts.com

look under ZX2 and perfomance section

$160.00 for all 4 struts + Shipping.

THats where most ppl get them. Also buy the upgraded "Thrust Bearings"

For just OEM replacement, I prefer the KYB GR-2. The Tokicos I had were overly harsh, but offered little in the way of suspension control. In other words, you felt every pavement seam, but the car will bottom out on every dip, as if it didn't even have shocks.

Just IMHO. I'm usre there are others here who have their own opinions.

I could be retarded here, but I can't find them on that site, I don't seem then listed under the parts for the ZX2 :(

They recently redid their site to make it harder to find things.:)

Try looking the menu on the left under "Vehicle Parts:Ford Racing:Sport Compact Performance", or just go here.

Thank you! they will be mine soon :)

Are the thurst bearings also on the same site?

Can these be used in a '99 Pro?

i don't think so, but if you call and ask for Teresa Valley, she'll hook you up with the right parts.

oh, found my receipt....

part # for the bearings
F8CZ-18198-AAA
$21.72 list
$18.46 net (our price)
$36.92 total for 2 bearings
$8.70 shipping (kinda high)
$45.62 grand total

nope

Ok, time for me to be we-todd-did now! :rolleyes:

Do I have to buy new springs to use these zx2's, or can I use the oem springs on the car? Remember, I don't want to lower the car. Also, this is my daily driver ... not a track car. Do you guys prefer these struts b/c of performance on the track, or comfort and dampening in everyday driving? Last thing: I thought I read somewhere in another strut thread here that the zx2 was not a straight swap out with oem and it required some modification - is that correct? I won't be installing these myself, so I don't want to run into any problems at the shop .....

don't get the ZX2's. to answer your questions, though; yes they do require modifications and they do better with lowering springs.

honestly you may want to get whatever's cheapest and/or has a good warranty...Midas, Sears, etc...

or look at the KYB's...the GR-2 that David suggested as they evidently are a good replacement for an 'OEM strut.'

Lol...its not that i don't like the ZX2's Wil :)
its just as Jesse said about the original post....they are not the struts for him - they'd be too stiff and he doesn't want to lower...

I like them with my H&R's, but I am sure that they will still be decent with oem springs. Just be careful and check those oem springs. When I was putting my new struts and springs, the top coil of the oem springs broke off after 10 years of use and rust. Be prepared when taking those springs off, cause if they brake, you have those to buy too and then you might as well lower it. Then the zx2 struts will work perfect. imo:)

Thanks for all the replies everyone! Please bear with me here, I'm new to this sort of stuff and not trying to test anyone's patience ....

Let me say that I'm not that objectional to a firm ride and I'm not looking for a Lexus type ride either. I drove a '91 Saab for seven years and I'd consider it's ride to be firm, but sporty. The Saab was well designed with that application in mind, so I'm ok with something like that. Right now though, I have a ride that's very rough and bouncy due to the struts having over 153K miles on them. Any improvement will be great.

The price for the zx2 on oemfordparts.com is indeed awesome! That alone makes me want to buy them almost. But, let me see if I have this straight. The zx2 will work with the oem springs (as long as they're in good shape), but they would be better with a lowering spring b/c the strut would wear out faster. The mod is simple and my shop should have no problem installing them. Their ride is firm, but maybe the KYBs (or others) would be softer. This part, to me, is subjective I guess. One person's "harsh" ride is another's persons "sporty" ride. It seems I may have trouble determining which is right for me without actually trying them myself.

What I'm really trying to say is that I'd like to get the most suspension performance bang for the buck. The wallet's not fat. I did some searching here on the lowering threads. It seems to be a very hot topic, so I won't go there, except to say that I want to do the right thing the right way. If that means lowering, then I might consider it, but only from the aspect of performance. The ghetto look actually turns me off. If there's a strut/spring combo that works well w/o lowering, then I'd like your input. Sorry if I'm still confused (and confusing!) ....

Don't worry, you're doing fine. :) The one thing that I picked out of your post that I can answer is that the ZX2 struts will work fine with your stock springs. The ZX2 struts will wear out quicker if they are on a drop, such as lowering springs or coilovers. So using your stock springs, they should last quite some time. I have not rode in a car with these yet, but I'm planning to get them for my 323 relatively soon. I think the ride will probably be a little bit stiffer, but not enough to cause discomfort. After all, you won't be hitting off your bumpstops and stuff because you won't be lowered.

Dan - do you plan on using the oem springs with your new zx2 struts?

I'm really torn on this .... but I've been getting a good education, thanks to all you guys! :D I think I've read just about every single thread in this forum regarding KYB and zx2 struts. I've come to the conclusion that if I get KYB's, I'll only get a slight performance upgrade over the stock struts - then I won't be able to afford anything else because they're so darn expensive for what you get. If I get the zx2 struts, I might as well get the Eibach springs since the struts are so cheap, plus I'll get a significant performance upgrade. It all comes down to that comfort vs. performance question, and I'm really starting to come around to the performance side. It may be my daily driver, but I'd like it to perform to it's best!

Will, you feel what you feel, but i can garauntee they are stiffer than OEM. :D

Fwiw, here's some price quotes that I got from shox.com:

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Special Prices on products for your 91-01 Ford Escort/MX-3
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Tokico struts $339.00
KYB struts $203.00
Koni insert's $520.80
Sets of 4

Springs
Eibach 1" lowering $199.00 (for the escort)
(Eibach is discontinued for the MX-3)
B&G springs $185.00 lowers 1.6"
S/T 1.5" lowering $159.00
(lowers MX-3 1.3")
Sets of 4

Ground Control Coil over kit $399.000 includes Eibach ERS springs, no struts. 0
to 2.25" lowering.
S/T sway bar kit F $229.00 (Escort '91-'95 only)

Power Slot brake rotors- Fronts are $64.95 to $79.95 depending on model.
and the rears are $74.95 if available, depending on model.
Carbon Metallic brake pads are $49.95 per axle

Hey guys - justed wanted to say thanks for all your comments and suggestions! Sorry, but it takes me a while to make a decision - I like to really explore these things first, it's half the fun!

So, I decided to go with the KYB GR-2's. I'm getting them from shox.com, along with new mounts, bearings, and boots. Total price came in at just over $400. I plan on keeping the oem springs. I think this will be the best setup for me for the street. Hopefully by next week I'll have them on the car!