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.

A: TOKICO offers a limited lifetime warranty for all of our performance shocks purchased for street use. Products used or designed for competition are not covered under warranty.

A: You need to have your original proof of purchase and make a claim with the business that you originally purchased the product from. If they are no longer in business, you will need to work with another authorized distributor near you.

A: No, shocks alone will not lower your car. Lowering springs are required – and they are offered with our suspension kits. The internal differences with our damping force do not cause a height variation.

A: The difference in pressure is a design function, it is not a measure of shock operation. Mono-tube units must run high pressure or they won't work properly. In some applications, mono-tube shocks can offer improved handling, but it often comes at the loss of ride quality. TOKICO designed twin-tube shocks offer outstanding control, handling, and still allows you to maintain ride quality.

A: Specifications for TOKICO original equipment shocks are determined by the vehicle manufacturer, with mass production in mind. Specs for TOKICO High Performance Shocks are designed by our Engineers. TOKICO High Performance shocks have unique valving and internal characteristics, and are designed with performance in mind.

A: All shocks and struts are velocity sensitive or self-adjusting. They all react to variations in the velocity or speed of suspension movement.

A: The amount of improvement varies depending on the vehicle, the condition of your existing shocks, and suspension components. If you want improved handling, braking, steering response, and ride quality, TOKICO shocks make an excellent choice. But if you are looking for a super soft ride for a vehicle that already rides softly, performance shocks are not what you’re looking for.

A. The page Evaluating Your Shocks gives guidelines on how to evaluate your shocks.

A. TOKICO differs from other shocks in a number of ways. Piston and valve design, valving curves, and superior quality are all areas where TOKICOs differ from other shocks. A general overview of these differences is available by clicking on Shock Design. No one combines the quality, ride, adhesion and handling characteristics of your vehicle as well as TOKICO.

A. There is no difference in terms of quality. Our adjustable series allows the owner to change the rebound and compression damping, which influence ride quality to suit their driving purposes. Our adjustable series are excellent for performance driving such as autocross, time attack, and drag racing.

A. There is no difference in terms of quality. Both series allows the owner to make adjustments to both rebound and compression damping simultaneously. Illumina series allows the owner to select from 5 settings for the rebound and compression damping. HTS/D-Spec series is a multi-use product that’s the result of sophisticated piston and valving design. It utilizes a unique variable-aperture bypass, which is controlled by an adjustable slide valve. Between soft and maximum stiff settings, the adjustments are infinite and are easily made with the adjuster key. Both series are excellent for performance driving such as autocross, time attack, and drag racing.

A. The ideal setting depends upon the vehicle, and the driver’s preference. 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. When you first receive the product, factory setting is generally set to full firm.

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.

A. Very few original shocks have the damping force 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.

A. Very few original shocks have the damping force necessary to properly control the added weight of larger wheels. Even if they work reasonably well when first installed, the extra weight will cause the factory shocks to wear much faster.

A. TOKICO shocks are designed to work with original springs or a wide range of performance lowering springs. However, TOKICO shocks will deliver their best performance and ride quality when used with original or TOKICO springs.

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. (Note: Whenever you alter the ride height or the vehicle, you must get your vehicle re-aligned.)

Problems from excessive lowering include:
• Harsh ride with poor adhesion
• Excess CV or U-joint wear
• Poor wheel alignment
• Shock failure
• Stress cracks in the chassis or suspension
• Excess chassis noise and rattles
• A dangerous lack of control on rough road