Anyone using KYB GR2's with lowering springs?

[SketchyRollin564]

I came across a set of GR2's for my s13 for $100 on stock cut springs. If i do this, i can just get some used lowering springs for cheap and have a cheap decent suspension setup to replace the s***ty blown a** shocks i currently have.

I did a quick google on the GR2's and i read that they were meant to be used a stock replacements, and not to be used with lowering springs. I also read lowering springs should be fine as long as its not more than a 1.5 inch drop, and any more would blow them

Im assuming if i get springs that give it a 2 inch drop, it shouldnt be too big of a deal, but then again, i dont know too much about this. What do you guys think?

Any experience?

[ILoveMyRHS13]

There are plenty of these threads out there. We do have a search button.

You're going to get the same response every time. "Get coilovers' For obvious reasons. Lowering springs are worthless.

[SketchyRollin564]

Not everybody has money to blow on coils. Im considering these because they are mad cheap and i just want to get my car running and driving

[OutToWinPAHC]

They are designed for stock ride height, so they "can" blow out.

[Darkness and Light]

What part of not more then 1.5" drop do you not understand?

If you insist on lowering the car on a budget buy KYB AGXs, drop springs, and follow KYB's recommendations on damping settings. You'll probably be spending at least $400 on dampers, $180 on springs, and another $140 replacing the shock boots and front upper mounts for a total of about $720.

If you're on a budget you can just buy KYB GR-2s for $200, $140 on the shock boots and upper mounts, and stick with stock ride height for about $340.

[ZX88]

i had kyb gr2 on sportlines about 3 years ago and they blew in about 6 months in the rear.

[S13JDM]

i have the same right now with a set of tien springs,blown in the rear also!!

[xX RB Xx]

I had a set of gr-2s with espilier springs, and had no problems with until I replaced them with coilovers.

[Lev_96_240sx]

GR-2's are an OEM replacement shock, they are not meant to be lowered and they will blow. If you insist on going with shocks spend a bit more and get the AGX's like some people have said. You're replacing blown shocks, it would be stupid and a waste of money to replace them with shocks that will blow again.

[S13JDM]

very good point!!!

[SketchyRollin564]

Hmm... I and numerous others have had tein lowering springs on the stock struts without any problems. Quick google search said they give approximatley a 1.5 inch drop, so il probably just go with this route, and i should have no problems.

Should i be worried that the GR2's are near blown since they are on cut stock springs? Is there any real way to check without them being on the car?

and no im not going to spend 300+ to get AGX and lowering springs, this is just a temporary setup to get my car running, but since i have 17's, im not going to ride stock monster truck height.

Eventually ill get D2s. Maybe stance if i make good money by then, which is not likely lol

[Darkness and Light]

To check the shocks you need to buy, borrow or rent a spring compressor and remove the spring. Move the shaft to check for dead spots where it moves without resistance during compression and coming out.

I wouldn't take the chance on the used shocks, even if they are good you have to waste time (and money if you need to rent a compressor) to check them out. Furthermore even if you go with mild drop springs you won't save much, $200 GR-2s, $150 drop springs, $80 shock boots for a total of $430. Thats assuming you skip replacing the upper mounts and do the alignment yourself manually with a bubble level, string, and a calculator.

Its your choice but it doesn't cost that much more to do the job right the first time.

[S14toRPS13]

I had Eibach sportlines on a brand new set of KYB GR2's up front and Eibach sportlines on a brand new set of oem struts outback back in 2001 on one of my old S14's. I sold the car to my nephew and he been dailying this car since. I checked out his car back in 2007 and all four struts were still fine. I'd say it's a great temporary set up for now.

[nifares240]

if you're interested I can sell you a complete set off KYB AGX (adjustable shocks way better than GR2) with EIBACH SPORTLINES fully assembled with brand new top bearing, dust boots ( a bit torn), and bump stops. just slap them on and you're good to go. no assembly required for 650 shipped. I have only put about 4000 miles on them.
Modified by nifares240 at 10:30 AM 12/29/2009

[Armstec_S13]

Well, I have some gr2's on my S13, bought them from a guy used for $200 with eibach proline springs, been driving on them everyday since 07 and no problems, feels nice too, im getting rid of them because coilovers are best, well you already bought the struts so might as well use them and see what happens.

[Gabes13]

My mother has GR-2s on her Camry.They're blown.

Just save for what you really want.

[Salem240]

I have 20k mi. on my GR2's with Tein S tech springs, they haven't blown yet. But if you want your car lowered get some used coilovers. Lowering springs SUCK, they barely lower the car, the spring rate is about twice the rate of stock. If you have stock eqivalent shocks then the damping is set for stock springs. Lowering springs with stock type shocks is not an ideal combo. But if you don't have the extra $$$ to buy coils and want to get your car back on the road..... then yes, buy some GR2's and springs.

[240ChukiSX]

Okay here it goes. I bought the KYB GR2 shocks for my 92 240sx hatchback. The springs I used were TEIN lowering springs with a 1.5 drop in the front and 1.2 in the rear. It drives like a champ. No problems whatsoever. KYB GR2's are great with lowering springs. Not sure to what extent, but they work for my car. All of the GR2 reviews that I've read, admits that they are great with lowering springs. Mine worked great. Yours should too my friend. Best wishes!