Rebuild wet-legs or aftermarket inserts?

[Tj]

So I'm researching suspension options for my 2+2 and I've come across quite a few differing opinions.

 

Firstly, it's a road car. There's the odd chance that it might make it out to the occasional supersprint (it's got a loooong way to go before it's anywhere near worth entering it mind you) but at my current average it'll only be one every couple of years so I really don't think it's worth focusing on track capabilities.

That said, I'd like good road handling as I do on occasions go for trips up twisty back roads.

I've written off coilovers as out of my price range and too much work at the moment. I'm aware of the advantages but they really aren't necessary at the moment.

 

I'm starting to settle on lowered King springs (I've read the arguments about spring rates and I think the lowered Kings and a decent sway bar will be suffice for me at this point in time) and I'm now looking at inserts.

 

Koni's sound nice, but having not got prices yet I don't think they're within budget. KYB's seem popular so if Koni's are too pricey I'll look at that option.

 

What has been coming up though, leading me to this question is a few people keep talking about rebuilding the original wet legs.

In the past when I've done suspensions in other cars they've been the first things to hit the bin, but I keep hearing about them here, so;

 

 

• Are there any advantages to rebuilding wet legs? I figure they'd be cheaper but how do they perform?
  

• Can you still buy parts for them? like seals and bits and pieces? I'm pretty sure at least one of mine is stuffed as theres oil running down the strut leg  :-\
  

• How do they compare to replacement inserts or even gas inserts?
  

 

 

I'm trying to avoid all the newb questions but I am curious to why the wet legs gain a mention and if there is an advantage to them. Other communities I'm part of would probably look at you like a sped if you talked about them 

[NZeder]

Wet legs have the advantage of the stock tube size = can get a big piston setup in there + they run cooler I am told + you valve to suit your application. Ie is a custom setup

[chris240]

the best option is Tokico illuminas from the U.S. ....I went thru the same exercise earlier this year.. (mind you I settled for Konis  )

dont waste your time & money trying to rebuild the ol sleeves when the aussie dollar is at $1.07 to the U.S.

[Zedman240®]

I managed to get good results by changing oil in the original shocks and using heavier springs.. If you have a limited budget, probably the best thing to do.

[Enzo]

Hi TJ,

      I agree with Chris240. I got Tokico Illumina's from the USA about six months ago. These are 5 way adjustable and cost about $600 delivered. Now the Aussie dollar is better they will be cheaper. I fitted mine inserted in oil for better heat dispersion. I also have lowered King Springs. I would not have done 100 klm since fitting them but they are a thousand percent better than the monroe gas shocks I took out. I run the on the No 2 setting.

David.

[Tj]

I started researching the Tokico Illuminas tonight after getting prices on the King lows and Gabriel inserts (KYBs were more or less the same price but they were unsure if they could still get rears) and that came up to $760 for the set of 4 coils and 4 inserts supply only.

I got a quote on Koni yellows and they wanted nearly $550 a pair.

Looking at the Tokicos on Lightning Motorsport's website I can get this kit of shocks and springs for $634 USD (or $592 AUD at today's rate) before shipping. I've emailed them for a shipping quote.

 

So are the Tokico's better? do they bolt straight in? (like, are they an insert or a complete strut replacement?) because if they are I'd be happy to pay a bit more for shipping if they're a better product.