Tokico Shock Update

[Blaze86Vic]

I called Tokico today to find out some info on the two different shocks that were specced for our cars.

______________Front____Rear
Panther 92-02 - HE3479 - HE3480
Panther 65-91 - HE3667 - HE3480

________Body Length___Extended Length___Compressed Length
Front
HE3479 - 9.765" - - - - -14.750" - - - - - - - 9.875"
HE3667 - 8.875" - - - - -14.375" - - - - - - - 9.250"
Rear
HE3480 - 10.125" - - - - 20.250" - - - - - - - 12.250"

So for those of you thave have gotten the higher springs rate shocks that resulted in a little lower ride height the HE3667 is the front shock that you want.

I also asked if there was anything else that would work that was stiffer and would fit my aplication. He recommended a GE3346, however he stated that something would have to be done about the mounting setup as they are different from our stock setup.

________Body Length___Extended Length___Compressed Length
GE3346 - 8.625" - - - - -14.125" - - - - - - - 9.000"

[Nathan in MI]

What do they have for shocks intended for use with springs that maintain stock ride height? If/when I change out springs on my CV, I'd prefer not to lose any ground clearance.

Also, what do prices look like for those shocks?

[Blaze86Vic]

Those are designed to replace the stock shocks. There are fine for the cars they are specced for. But for those that are looking for shocks on their slightly lowered 91 and older box panther it's not a good idea to venture up into the 92-02 model range.

[P72Ford]

I was going to start a new thread for this, but I think I'll just post in here as it is relevant.

I just replaced the sway bar bushings and endlinks on my car ('90 P72), and took it for a spin. While driving I noticed that the front tends to "float" a little bit. I'm thinking the original cop shocks have just about had the meat. (The ghetto "jump on the front bumper" shock test doesn't make me think that they're bad though; after the spring compression, it comes up once and thats it).

I'd like to replace at least the front shocks, and perhaps the rear (although I may have to use a hole saw to get at them comfortably). I have looked at three brands; Bilstein, Tokico, and some Monroes (severe service/ SS load assist). I'm not too wild about the Monroe units, but if they're good, I'd use them.

I'm asking for advice; which brand should I use? The Bilstein's are expensive, but I believe they have a lifetime warranty. My suspension is bone stock cop stuff. I'
d like to firm up the ride as much as possible, withiout being grossly uncomfortable. I tend to have some wheel 'rubbage' in the back when loaded, which is why I considered the SS load assist.

Are the monroe units just super heavy duty? Do they last long? Mimick the OEM cop shocks?

Right now I'm leaning towards the tokico units, because they're a little cheaper. However, I'd like to use the best. Anyone have thoughts?

[Grand Marquis GT]

Monroe = junk.

For the best, go with the Bilsteins. They do not disappoint.

[P72Ford]

Monroe = junk.

I had this impression before. KYB's? My brother has though on the front of his car. IMO they are shit, but he may have used cheap ones.

[mrltd]

Best? Koni or Bilstiens. Also happen to be the most expensive.

[turbo2256b]

I think my AFCO shocks after 6 years are starting to give up. Might try some QA1s if they have something stiffer. Otherwisw back to the AFCOs.

Got to love the handling. Ran route 68 today out of Lexington. Was a blast no one to block me. There is a veggie vendor in one corner saw me coming he looked as though he figured his veggies were going to be V8 juice. This road is like shale cliffs on one side a bottomless ravine on the other. Mostly down hill. Samiaritan probably knows the road. Need some serious seats to run the road faster.

[P72Ford]

Best? Koni or Bilstiens. Also happen to be the most expensive.

I'd love to run Koni's. I don't see a part reference for box's though. Is there, or would it require modification (which i don't want to do right now)?

QA1 PN?

[mrltd]

Next time I'm down there we are going to have a meet. There are some fun roads out there.

P72, did you read my FAQ ? Koni numbers are listed.

[DuceAnAHalf]

I'd love to run Koni's. I don't see a part reference for box's though. Is there, or would it require modification (which i don't want to do right now)?

QA1 PN?

check the sticky in the top of this forum

[Archangel]

Need some serious seats to run the road faster.

Hehe, well you know how my Dodge Neon SXT seats feel, but I'd still recommend you the T-bird LX buckets - fully adjustable, including the width of the bottom pillow! Believe some Mark VIIs have them too, but I ain't sure which Mark VIIs exactly.

[gadget73]

LSC's had the butt pincher option, power backs, and a lumbar support.

Also, re the holes, not needed. Just need a long wrench to get in there. I've done it, its a bit annoying but not the end of the world. You'd probably go to more trouble getting a hole cut in the right spot than you would just putting them in normally. If you remove the rear wheel, you can get to the top of the shocks pretty easy if you go through the wheel well.

[GoodSamaritan]

I think my AFCO shocks after 6 years are starting to give up. Might try some QA1s if they have something stiffer. Otherwisw back to the AFCOs.

Got to love the handling. Ran route 68 today out of Lexington. Was a blast no one to block me. There is a veggie vendor in one corner saw me coming he looked as though he figured his veggies were going to be V8 juice. This road is like shale cliffs on one side a bottomless ravine on the other. Mostly down hill. Samiaritan probably knows the road. Need some serious seats to run the road faster.

I know the one. They can't keep the guard rails up on a couple of sections of it. Narrow and a crooked as a politician, and all hills. Not much fun in an overloaded ton truck but a blast in somethning that handles. Pretty country too!

[DuceAnAHalf]

As for seats, kirkey intermediate double rib seats, pretty comfy, and will keep you solidly planted