Struts/Shocks? who makes the best? HELP

[clsixspeed]

I have a 2001 LX 4WD and i'm in search of new struts/shocks...

my question is which brand is best and what are the part numbers..
i've searched here and online, but i've come up with no solid answers.
I've found:
KYB GR-2
Koni shocks
BILSTEIN (2 different sets of part numbers)
I've found a set of each on ebay, and other various discount internet companies... but no one will tell me the differences. I hope someone on this site has some personal first hand experience they can share with me.

thanks in advance for the help!

[connermt]

I have a 2001 LX 4WD and i'm in search of new struts/shocks...

my question is which brand is best and what are the part numbers..
i've searched here and online, but i've come up with no solid answers.
I've found:
KYB GR-2
Koni shocks
BILSTEIN (2 different sets of part numbers)
I've found a set of each on ebay, and other various discount internet companies... but no one will tell me the differences. I hope someone on this site has some personal first hand experience they can share with me.

thanks in advance for the help!

Bilsteins have been known to be quite good; Koni seemed to be liked more with the "import" set; but it all depends on what you want out of them. Not all struts/shocks are the same. Some are geared more towards performance, while others more towards cruising, some for off-roading, etc.
In my experience, many liked the adjustable coil-overs, but not sure if they would be of benefit for a CUV. But again, it all depends on what you are looking for.
Best bet to get an honest opinion, find a local tuner &/or SUV shop and ask them their opinions for comparison.

[2RedV's]

KYB GR-2
Koni shocks
BILSTEIN (2 different sets of part numbers)

Any of these will do you quite well. The Bilstein may have 2 part numbers due to 2 different types that are available. The fronts will be different than the rears for any brand/model as they are not interchangeable.

[clsixspeed]

for the Bilsteins i have these part numbers to choose from...
FRONT BE5-2338-H0 , REAR BE5-2339-H
and
FRONT L4000-86499 , REAR L4000-86498

any ideas on the best set?

My dad has a set of GR-2's on his subaru and it raised the ride height about .5 inch or so. Its a nicer feel then stock, but are they suited to a taller SUV like the honda?

I do alot of city/highway driving... but i also like a spirited drive here and there. In the future i could do some towing of a very light boat or trailer.

thanks for your assistance!!

[connermt]

for the Bilsteins i have these part numbers to choose from...
FRONT BE5-2338-H0 , REAR BE5-2339-H
and
FRONT L4000-86499 , REAR L4000-86498

any ideas on the best set?

My dad has a set of GR-2's on his subaru and it raised the ride height about .5 inch or so. Its a nicer feel then stock, but are they suited to a taller SUV like the honda?

I do alot of city/highway driving... but i also like a spirited drive here and there. In the future i could do some towing of a very light boat or trailer.

thanks for your assistance!!

If you like "a spirited drive here and there." I would save some $ & opt for upgraded sway bars. Spent $300 or nice sways on my last car & it made a world of difference in handling & control. That way you don't have to worry about ride height or towing as much

[2RedV's]

Upgraded sway bars would be nice, but they only make them for the front on the 1st gen. Better than that, order a Neuspeed front strut bar. It really makes a world of difference that you can feel the first time you turn the car.

[clsixspeed]

Alright guys... we're getting outta control here.. pardon the pun.

2redv's- are you running a stock suspension on your '99?

[2RedV's]

Alright guys... we're getting outta control here.. pardon the pun.

2redv's- are you running a stock suspension on your '99?I am one of the many converts to a Neuspeed front strut bar. I have not purchased a rear bar because others who have bought one said they couldn't notice a difference.
You can really feel the Neuspeed when you are hard into a curve and hit a bump. It just feels solid now. Best $100 I ever spent for a performance mod.

[clsixspeed]

So it the strut bar the same as a civic? or do i really have to drop $130 for the one from the Neuspeed website...

[2RedV's]

So it the strut bar the same as a civic? or do i really have to drop $130 for the one from the Neuspeed website...Not the same as the Civic. Wow. They have gone way up in price. I got the chrome one shipped, for right at $100. I bought it from a company in Atlanta whose name escapes me right now. Big tuner parts company though...

[norsseman]

Had a look at the rear shocks and they look doable for a " at home do it yourself mechanic", but aren't the front shocks really more like struts and not for the do it yourselfer? and better left to the shop for installation of the front struts?
I have access to a full lift and plan on putting in synthetic Redline gear oil in the differentials and trasfercase(if there is one), any pointers or hints for these lube jobs?

[2RedV's]

Had a look at the rear shocks and they look doable for a " at home do it yourself mechanic", but aren't the front shocks really more like struts and not for the do it yourselfer? and better left to the shop for installation of the front struts?
I have access to a full lift and plan on putting in synthetic Redline gear oil in the differentials and trasfercase(if there is one), any pointers or hints for these lube jobs?REDLINE gear oil NOOOOOOOO !!!!!!
There is no transfer case. The rear differential fluid is a HYDRAULIC FLUID, not conventional gear oil and you will KILL IT in short order. Use ONLY official Honda Dual-Pump fluid. It is easy to DIY, but remember to get new crush washers and loosen the fill bolt (top one) FIRST. They tended to be put on super-tight from the factory and if you drain the fluid, then can't get the fill bolt loosened... well.... oooops.