Is it practical to run two sets of shocks?
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Mishawaka, IN
Is it practical to run two sets of shocks? My car currently has Bilstein shocks, all the way around, but I keep hearing raving reviews about Koni's, and wish I had purchased them instead. But they are so freaking expensive. Anyways, I was thinking, is it practical and okay to put Koni shocks on the rear and keep my Bilstein shocks in the front? Also, would I even notice a difference? Or is it the front shocks that place more of an impact in ride quality and capabilities?
I notice the rear shocks are only about $200 for the pair, where the front shocks are over $500!
I notice the rear shocks are only about $200 for the pair, where the front shocks are over $500!
the $200 pair are cheaper because they're off-car adjustable and actually designed for 3rd gens. I have them in the rear of my car, and compared to my old bilsteins they control the rear springs better (with lowering springs). I used to think the fronts were more important but with a solid rear axle a shock that can keep it stable over rough surfaces does make a big difference. If you are happy with the bilsteins don't change them, but if you feel you need more shock go for it.
I've had KYB Gas-A-Just shocks on my car when I bought it, and one day the rear shock welds both broke the same week. So I bought the 3rd gen Koni shocks and installed them since they weren't much more money than the KYBs. I've been rolling around for almost 3 years now with KYB fronts and KONI rear shocks on Hotchkis springs. The car still handles quite well, surprisingly. BUT, I can feel an obvious difference in the front and rear. The front bounces and sways a whole lot more than the rear.... Having said that, I'm actually about to order the KONI fronts this week finally! 
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Mishawaka, IN
the $200 pair are cheaper because they're off-car adjustable and actually designed for 3rd gens. I have them in the rear of my car, and compared to my old bilsteins they control the rear springs better (with lowering springs). I used to think the fronts were more important but with a solid rear axle a shock that can keep it stable over rough surfaces does make a big difference. If you are happy with the bilsteins don't change them, but if you feel you need more shock go for it.
Besides the obvious, what's the advantage of having an on car adjustable shock? I just don't see why I would ever have to adjust it.
Honestly, when I installed my Bilsteins I felt absolutely no difference between those and the old Decarbons. People say Bilsteins are the absolute best in ride quality, stability, and handling. So I want better.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Mishawaka, IN
I've had KYB Gas-A-Just shocks on my car when I bought it, and one day the rear shock welds both broke the same week. So I bought the 3rd gen Koni shocks and installed them since they weren't much more money than the KYBs. I've been rolling around for almost 3 years now with KYB fronts and KONI rear shocks on Hotchkis springs. The car still handles quite well, surprisingly. BUT, I can feel an obvious difference in the front and rear. The front bounces and sways a whole lot more than the rear.... Having said that, I'm actually about to order the KONI fronts this week finally!
And where are you getting yours? Everywhere I look a full set of 4 Koni's costs over $700..pretty steep. But a set of rear shocks is only about $200, and if they're that good of a shock I might just get the rear for the time being and get the fronts done later on.
Designed for the 3rd generations? Would I be better off finding koni shocks that were designed for the 4th generations?
Besides the obvious, what's the advantage of having an on car adjustable shock? I just don't see why I would ever have to adjust it.
Honestly, when I installed my Bilsteins I felt absolutely no difference between those and the old Decarbons. People say Bilsteins are the absolute best in ride quality, stability, and handling. So I want better.
Besides the obvious, what's the advantage of having an on car adjustable shock? I just don't see why I would ever have to adjust it.
Honestly, when I installed my Bilsteins I felt absolutely no difference between those and the old Decarbons. People say Bilsteins are the absolute best in ride quality, stability, and handling. So I want better.
Do you have the on car adjustable or off car adjustable koni shocks?
And where are you getting yours? Everywhere I look a full set of 4 Koni's costs over $700..pretty steep. But a set of rear shocks is only about $200, and if they're that good of a shock I might just get the rear for the time being and get the fronts done later on.
And where are you getting yours? Everywhere I look a full set of 4 Koni's costs over $700..pretty steep. But a set of rear shocks is only about $200, and if they're that good of a shock I might just get the rear for the time being and get the fronts done later on.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,216
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From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
When purchasing new shocks for my M6 car, I went with Koni 3's out back along with the Bilsteins up front, as they were on sale and didn't cost that much more. Even set on full soft, they're still stiffer and have faster rebound than the Bilsteins.
It's a pretty good combo nonetheless, but it definitely would not be worth replacing your rear Bilsteins with them - unless the Bils are worn out.
It's a pretty good combo nonetheless, but it definitely would not be worth replacing your rear Bilsteins with them - unless the Bils are worn out.
