Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC Reviews > Car Part Reviews

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-03-2008, 11:22 PM   #1
Subydude81
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (23)
 
Member#: 118266
Join Date: Jun 2006
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY, Middletown
Vehicle:
2007 Lexus IS250 RWD
6MT

Default Tokico D-Spec

Well I thought I would make myself useful and give a review of my experience with the Tokico D-Spec Struts on my 06' impreza 2.5i. I currently have them paired with Tanabe GF210 springs(04' version).

Included in the box is the instruction manual, 4 d-spec struts, 4 adjuster caps and 1 adjuster tool.

Installation is straight forward and just like any other strut install for the Impreza. One thing to note if you have a 2004+ Impreza you will need to purchase a spacer for the rear struts (Turn in Concepts sells them) because Tokico only manufactured the struts for the 02-03' Impreza and as most of us know Subaru changed the rear top hat design in 2004. Personally its not a big deal and the spacer is not expensive. On each strut top you will notice a screw on cap that comes off so you can use the adjuster tool to stiffen or soften the dampening. In the instruction manual I believe it states to keep it at 4 full turns from full stiff and work from their so thats where I started.

Now to the important stuff. First driving impressions.....wow, huge improvement over the stock suspension. Of course I have a 2.5i so anything is gonna be an improvement over stock. Car feels a lot more stable, solid and planted to the ground. I took the car for a few miles around town and then parked and took out my handy adjuster tool and began to turn the dial and stiffen her up a bit. This is where I think these things rock. Unlike the KYB AGX Struts which only have 4/front and 12/rear settings for dampening the Tokico's are more or less infinite. There is no selected setting, you adjust them as much as you want so you can make very small adjustments. I think i'm set at 3.75/f and 4.00/r from full stiff and I like it. I have put about 26,000 miles on them and they seem just as good as the day I first put them on.

I have 1 minor gripe which really is knit-picking but I wish they sold the struts with the rear extended adjusters that way you wouldn't have to take your backseat out every time you want to make an adjustment. I do not auto-cross so i'm not changing the dampening often but if you do and need to pull out the backseats it can become a pain in the ass. But this is minor and honestly its nothing.

Overall I give them a 9.5 out of 10 only because they didn't make an individual kit for 2004+ Imprezas. This summer i'm gonna be installing Group N top hats which will only make these things better. Get the Group N top hats there worth it. I got them in my closet and they are made of harder rubber so they will help with handling and road feedback.

If you want a new struts to work with the aftermarket springs out there get the Tokico D-specs you will not be disappointed.

I'm sure i'm leaving something out but its late and if I think of anything I will edit it in later.
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Subydude81 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 02-04-2008, 08:48 PM   #2
r0nzar
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (13)
 
Member#: 78957
Join Date: Jan 2005
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: SLC, UT
Vehicle:
'06 Evo IX RS
White on white on salt

Default

I'm looking into these...are you getting any clunk in the rear?
r0nzar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-04-2008, 09:05 PM   #3
Subydude81
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (23)
 
Member#: 118266
Join Date: Jun 2006
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY, Middletown
Vehicle:
2007 Lexus IS250 RWD
6MT

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by r0nzar View Post
I'm looking into these...are you getting any clunk in the rear?
a tiny clunk in the rear but not always and it does not effect performance. Turn in Concepts is looking into a solution. But honestly its not a huge deal if any. I don't even notice it anymore.
Subydude81 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2008, 03:39 PM   #4
simon021
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (10)
 
Member#: 157532
Join Date: Aug 2007
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Iowa
Vehicle:
2002 MY03 EJ207 E85
Dom 1.5XTR Twinscroll!

Default

http://www.mazdatrix.com/8shocks.htm

bottom of the page you can buy the extenders for the rear adjustment.
simon021 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2008, 02:38 PM   #5
Sko
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (17)
 
Member#: 90396
Join Date: Jul 2005
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle:
2005 Legacy 2.5i
Brilliant Silver Metallic

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Subydude81 View Post
a tiny clunk in the rear but not always and it does not effect performance. Turn in Concepts is looking into a solution. But honestly its not a huge deal if any. I don't even notice it anymore.
Damn... my stock STi Struts give me a clunk in the rear... I'd like to buy a strut that won't clunk...
Sko is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2008, 02:54 PM   #6
litowrx
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (6)
 
Member#: 132418
Join Date: Nov 2006
Chapter/Region: International
Location: #502 GT
Vehicle:
2004 EJ207

Default

do this struts fit 04 sti?
litowrx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2008, 08:10 PM   #7
Subydude81
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (23)
 
Member#: 118266
Join Date: Jun 2006
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY, Middletown
Vehicle:
2007 Lexus IS250 RWD
6MT

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by litowrx View Post
do this struts fit 04 sti?
Yes, they will fit the 2004 STI.
Subydude81 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2008, 12:47 PM   #8
litowrx
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (6)
 
Member#: 132418
Join Date: Nov 2006
Chapter/Region: International
Location: #502 GT
Vehicle:
2004 EJ207

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Subydude81 View Post
Yes, they will fit the 2004 STI.
i cant seem to find then anywhere with 04 sti specific availability
litowrx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2008, 01:54 PM   #9
flyboymike
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (9)
 
Member#: 83765
Join Date: Mar 2005
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Four Fans of Freedom
Vehicle:
2018 WRX PR
WR Blue Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by litowrx View Post
i cant seem to find then anywhere with 04 sti specific availability
Nope, you won't. They only made them to fit the 02/03 WRX, but the 2004 STi parts all fit 04-07 WRX's. So, you're in the same camp as the guys who need spacers, but it should fit. If you were an 05+ STi, it wouldn't work at all.
flyboymike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2008, 11:58 PM   #10
ownnij
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (17)
 
Member#: 70459
Join Date: Sep 2004
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: Las colinas, TX
Vehicle:
2002 AW Bugeye ej257
6spd, GT3076R, Alky & EWG

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Subydude81 View Post
a tiny clunk in the rear but not always and it does not effect performance. Turn in Concepts is looking into a solution. But honestly its not a huge deal if any. I don't even notice it anymore.
thats weird.. i have these and i get no clunking.
ownnij is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2008, 07:02 PM   #11
Blown95ImpalaSS
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (25)
 
Member#: 87629
Join Date: May 2005
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Los Angeles
Default

I have this exact setup on my 04 sti and love it. I bought the struts used and they did not come with the adjuster tool...can I just use a pair of plyers or something? the guy I bought them from told me they were already all adjusted to match the gf210s, but now I want to play around with the settings..? tia

ben
Blown95ImpalaSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2008, 10:06 PM   #12
Subydude81
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (23)
 
Member#: 118266
Join Date: Jun 2006
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY, Middletown
Vehicle:
2007 Lexus IS250 RWD
6MT

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blown95ImpalaSS View Post
I have this exact setup on my 04 sti and love it. I bought the struts used and they did not come with the adjuster tool...can I just use a pair of plyers or something? the guy I bought them from told me they were already all adjusted to match the gf210s, but now I want to play around with the settings..? tia

ben
Use little allen wrenches(hex keys).
Subydude81 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2008, 09:44 AM   #13
Alan l.
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (3)
 
Member#: 90085
Join Date: Jun 2005
Vehicle:
2009

Default

How do these feel if you have them set at full soft? Smoother than stock or just way too much bounce as if your riding in a caddy?

I want to be able to have a car that rides super smooth for daily driving and also be able to firm things up if i'm in the mood for spirited driving.
Alan l. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-05-2008, 07:59 PM   #14
tubbytreats
Scooby Newbie
Member Sales Rating: (4)
 
Member#: 35104
Join Date: Apr 2003
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: Denver, CO
Vehicle:
02 WRX TD0518G 7cm

Default

You can buy extenders for the rear from Turn In Concepts. I got 2 of them for $30 and love the ability to adjust them whenever I'd like!
tubbytreats is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2008, 11:44 PM   #15
jason.g
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (32)
 
Member#: 88467
Join Date: Jun 2005
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Super 88
Vehicle:
2005 WRX
All black everything.

Default

tubbytreats - when the adjusters are installed, where exactly are they placed? Are they something that a passenger could just mess around with in your backseat or are they kind of tucked away out of reach?
jason.g is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2008, 03:32 AM   #16
Stg2GDNür
Scooby Newbie
Member Sales Rating: (0)
 
Member#: 177350
Join Date: Apr 2008
Chapter/Region: SWIC
Location: Pacific
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX Sed
Blue

Default

I drove my pal's rex around the other day, and although there is a subtle clunk, it's a good improvement over stock!
Stg2GDNür is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2008, 08:00 AM   #17
tubbytreats
Scooby Newbie
Member Sales Rating: (4)
 
Member#: 35104
Join Date: Apr 2003
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: Denver, CO
Vehicle:
02 WRX TD0518G 7cm

Default

1) Adjusters "poke" up through the seam that separates the foam seat from the metal divider between trunk and cabin area. Yes, passengers (or small kids or crafty pet monkeys) could play with the adjustments back there, but it is a cinch to fix back if it happened.

2) No clunks yet with the D-Specs on my 2002 WRX. I think alot of the clunking has to do with proper torque on the top 19mm bolt on the tophat/strut...as well as using the Scooby921 spacers to snug up the rear tophats.
tubbytreats is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2008, 12:11 PM   #18
Shmeebaru
Scooby Newbie
Member Sales Rating: (0)
 
Member#: 121263
Join Date: Jul 2006
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Vehicle:
02 WRX
PSM

Default Clarifaction

So the clunk happens to newer model wrx only or all? I have a bugeye and am looking at a set. Sorry just getting mixed messages. Oh and are the d-spec the same as hp?
Shmeebaru is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2008, 01:10 PM   #19
QuikWgn
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (7)
 
Member#: 108557
Join Date: Feb 2006
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: King County
Vehicle:
2003 PSM WRXWgn STG2
05 OBM LEGACY SDN

Default

(Partial CrossPost from the Suspension Forum)

2003 WRX wagon 61k
4 turns front/3.5 turns rear for DD
Tokico springs from DSK-513 kit 205f/170r
Rideheight = 14 1/8" front - 13 5/8" rear
Stock 03 WRX hats
All stock for now except for dbl camber bolts in front/single camber bolt rear 3/8" PF rear strut shims
18x8x45mm w/225/40/18 Bridgestone S-03 Pole Positions
-2.2 deg camber f/0 cross camber/1/32" toe in f/3.9 deg caster/0 cross caster
-1.7 deg camber r/0 cross camber/0 toe

The rear drop on the wagon w/ the Tokico springs is a little more than I was figuring on. Even with the rear set pretty firm if I hit a good sized undulating bump in the road @ speed I will get a little rub in the rear even with a major roll on the rear fenders. Part of this is due to the offset of the wheels as well as the wide section width of the tires. Wife does not complain about the ride on these settings except for the occasional rubbing. I have a 3/8" set of Paranoid Fabrication spacers that corrected the rear ride height. I will soon be adding a 20mm sedan rear sway poly bushings and Kartboy links to try and decrease body roll.

Handling is vastly improved over stock. Suspension feels much tighter, and I have none of the reported clunking some had reported with D-Specs. Absorbs bumps well without being bouncy, and on these settings is not breaking teeth or hurting kidneys. I'm looking forward to my alignment on Wednesday so I can see what it feels like with the camber maxed in front and zero toe. I would recommend this upgrade to anyone wanting better handling, a more controlled ride, and the ability to adjust settings as driver skills improve.

I added the alignment specs, and between the alignment and the shims there is no longer a rubbing issue. For the first time in the 3 years I've had the car it now longer tramlines in the Semi wheel tracks on the concrete freeway and I no longer feel like I am wrestling for control of the car. After the alignment the D-Specs really came to life. I drive the same on-ramp to work every day and I can hit it a good 10-15 miles an hour on the exit/merging speed than I could previously. So far I've got about 1k on them and tomorrow I'm taking a 300mile trip on the mountain passes and as long as there is no snow FUN,FUN,FUN!

Last edited by QuikWgn; 04-13-2008 at 02:40 PM.
QuikWgn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2008, 08:15 AM   #20
Subydude81
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (23)
 
Member#: 118266
Join Date: Jun 2006
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY, Middletown
Vehicle:
2007 Lexus IS250 RWD
6MT

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shmeebaru View Post
So the clunk happens to newer model wrx only or all? I have a bugeye and am looking at a set. Sorry just getting mixed messages. Oh and are the d-spec the same as hp?
The clunk does not seem to happen to every impreza. No, the HPs are non adjustable.
Subydude81 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2008, 01:28 PM   #21
VA07WRX
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (1)
 
Member#: 153781
Join Date: Jul 2007
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Chesapeake, Va
Vehicle:
2007 WRX (Sold)
2000 4Runner

Default

I have no clunking in my 07...I've had them on for about 10k miles now and I love them.

tubbytreats - thanks for that link...That was my biggest complaint about the struts was how much of a PIA it was to adjust the rears.
VA07WRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2008, 01:38 PM   #22
Blown95ImpalaSS
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (25)
 
Member#: 87629
Join Date: May 2005
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Los Angeles
Default

I just want to add, no more clunking from my set of d-specs. the clunk is impossible to replicate now? weird, because the setup is exactly the same. great bang for the buck with these struts.
Blown95ImpalaSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2008, 01:53 PM   #23
QuikWgn
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (7)
 
Member#: 108557
Join Date: Feb 2006
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: King County
Vehicle:
2003 PSM WRXWgn STG2
05 OBM LEGACY SDN

Default

Now close to 6k on mine and not a peep from them. i couldn't be happier with the setup.
QuikWgn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2008, 02:58 PM   #24
Tahoe SC
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (22)
 
Member#: 131996
Join Date: Nov 2006
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Lago forestal
Vehicle:
2006 CGM WRX Wagon
Yimi Tuned 296AWP/322TQ

Default

wagon guys...as for adjusting...do you remove the metal caps that go over the strut tops or do drill a hole in it? i know these will reduce camber, but will these be ok as DD and spirited driving without extra camber bolts?


imma get these soon! real soon!
Tahoe SC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2008, 03:27 PM   #25
VA07WRX
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (1)
 
Member#: 153781
Join Date: Jul 2007
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Chesapeake, Va
Vehicle:
2007 WRX (Sold)
2000 4Runner

Default

I tried drilling the holes on my sedan but it just looked sloppy so I left them off. Now on the front i did make a hole in the little rubber cap so that dirt and grime didn't get in there.
VA07WRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Gauging interest: Tokico D-spec + new Swift R-spec springs Turn in Concepts Vendor 'Group Buy' Classifieds 45 03-09-2008 10:55 PM
New Tokico D-spec strut kit masterrch Brakes, Steering & Suspension 30 02-16-2005 01:36 AM
Just installed: Tokico D-specs and Progress Springs anthonyrb98 Brakes, Steering & Suspension 24 02-11-2005 06:06 PM
Tokico D-Specs? BAC5.2 Brakes, Steering & Suspension 2 11-02-2004 06:28 PM
Tokico d-spec struts pyropretz Brakes, Steering & Suspension 12 09-22-2004 03:32 PM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:30 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.