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Q: How long has TOKICO be making shocks?
A: TOKICO has designed and manufactured shocks and brake hydraulics for over half a century. In fact, TOKICO is the original developer of twin-tube low-pressure gas shock technology. We manufacture standard hydraulic, as well as mono-tube and twin-tube low-pressure gas shocks.
Q: Does TOKICO offer a warranty?
A: TOKICO offers a limited lifetime warranty for all of our suspension products purchased for street use. Products used or designed for competition are not covered under warranty.
Q: What is the difference between original equipment TOKICOs and aftermarket versions?
A: Specifications for TOKICO original equipment shocks are determined by the vehicle manufacturer. Specs for TOKICO’s Trekmaster and Illumina Series are specified by our engineers. These shocks have different valving and internal design characteristics.
Q: Are TOKICO shocks and struts heavy duty?
A: Heavy duty can be misleading. In many cases, the difference between a heavy duty and standard part is limited to a few simple physical variations and price. Actual performance may not differ at all. TOKICO’s sophisticated piston design and valving curves offer a wide performance range, so there’s no need for building heavy-duty units.
Q: Are TOKICO shocks self-adjusting?
A: All shocks and struts are velocity sensitive or self-adjusting. They all react to variations in the velocity or speed of suspension movement.
Q: How much will TOKICO improve my vehicle handling?
A: The amount of improvment varys depending upon the vehicle, the condition of your existing shocks and suspension components. For example, if you are looking for a pillowy soft ride for a vehicle that already rides softly, no performance shock will give you what you want. However, if you want improved handling, braking, steering response, and ride quality, TOKICO shocks make an excellent choice.
Q. How Soon should I replace my shocks?
A. The page Evaluating Your Shocks gives guidelines on how to evaluate your shocks.
Q. How is TOKICO different from other shock brands?
A. TOKICO differs from other shocks in a number of ways. Piston and valve design, valving curves, and quality are all areas where TOKICOs differ from other shocks. A general overview of these differences is available by clicking on Shock Design. We have not found another shock which combines the ride, adhesion and handling characteristics as well as TOKICO.
Q. Which is better, high-pressure monotube shocks or twin-tube low-pressure shocks?
A. The difference in pressure is a design function and it’s no measure of shock operation. Monotube units must run high pressure or they won’t work properly. Generally speaking, well designed twin-tube low-pressure shocks give a better ride quality for a given level of control than a comparable monotube shock.
Q. What is the difference between your non-adjustable shocks and your adjustable Illumina?
A. In terms of quality, there’s no difference. The adjustable Illumina Series allows the owner to change the rebound and compression damping, which influence ride quality to suit their driving purposes. The Illumina is excellent for autocross, drag or other types of racing.
Q. What is the best setting on the Illumina?
A. The ideal setting depends upon the vehicle, and the driver’s tastes. Settings tend to be different on rear wheel drive cars than on front wheel drive cars. Also, settings will vary between drag racing and road performance environments. Test the different adjustments to find the best combination for your vehicle.
Q. Why are there different part numbers for the same end on some cars and not on others?
A. Coilover shocks or strut units often have special brackets for left or right side usage which requires a different part number for each side.
Q. Does TOKICO offer springs?
A. TOKICO offers a range of performance lowering springs. Suspension Kits section has more information on both springs and spring/shock suspension kits. Please see application guide for spring listings.
Q. Can I use sport lowering springs with my original shocks?
A. Very few original shocks have the damping necessary to properly control sport lowering springs. Even if they work reasonably well when first installed, the higher rate springs will cause the factory shocks to wear much faster.
Q. Will other springs work with TOKICO shocks?
A. TOKICO shocks are designed to work with original springs or a wide range of performance lowering springs. However, TOKICO shocks tend to deliver their best performance and ride quality when used with original or TOKICO springs.
Q. How low can I lower my vehicle?
A. The amount a vehicle can be safely lowered varies by make and model. Cars can generally be lowered 1 or 2 inches and some trucks can be lowered by as much as six inches. Excessive lowering can and does cause problems. If lowering removes too much suspension travel or springs are too stiff, problems can range from a harsh ride to actual suspension component damage.
Some of the problems include: |
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