single_dad_73

I recently purchased a full set of Stagg shocks and they failed in a matter of a few minutes after installation. They have changed the design of the front units that instead of having a stop ring that allows the shock to seat properly in the wishbone, they only have a small lineup tab with 2-3/16" spot welds and the shock housings are sklightly smaller than stock. Even though I torqued the pinch bolts to factory torque and the 4 spot welds sheared off when I hit the first bump and the car INSTANTLY dropped 2+ inches and slammed the shocks into the CV axles shredding the boots and ejecting grease onto the wheels and suspension parts. I have already ordered new CV axles and corrected the design flaw (shocks were not damaged) to get it back on the road until I can get the KYB units I should have ordered in the first place. I don't want anyone to have to go through what I have with these cheap Chinese POS.

BigPZ

Holy Shit!! That sounds like an experience and a half. I've never heard of that brand before...where did you find them? And lastly, how much did you pay?? Was it a ridiculously cheap price?? Should you have known better??

single_dad_73

Yeah man I should have just bought the KYB made in America. I am a former Certified Acura Technician and I should have known better. I paid less than $200 from Ebay but I did quite a bit of research on them but the design changed from what they pictured in the auction. What I ended up doing was machining a spacer sleeve (I have access to a full machine shop) that has a positive stop that puts a chamfer where the shock body tapers and machined perfectly flat on the end that butts against the wishbone. Luckily I was only going 25 when it happened or it could have been much worse.

veggiemonster

iTrader: (1)

op that sucks

but really, let's be honest with ourselves, the majority of material things we touch daily were made in china

single_dad_73

You are right, I was trying to save a little money. I replaced the shocks, springs and all 4 rotors all at the same time. I love my Acura but that was a very costly mistake (not to mention the stitches) that I hope I can save at least one person from!

veggiemonster

iTrader: (1)

no one can knock you for saving a dollar here or there, but we all need to thank you for the heads up!

single_dad_73

Anything I can do to save even one person a hard time it will have been worth it! I am new to Acurazine but I hope to become an active member of the community. I installed new shocks, springs and slotted and drilled brakes over the weekend and I was very happy with it (for about 20 minutes)! I am picking up my axles on the way home and I should have the suspension all back together tonight, wish me luck!

single_dad_73

I got the TL back together last night and all seems well. The ride is tight without being punishing and it handles WAY better than stock with the Tein 1" springs. I also added slotted and drilled rotors with Powerstop performance ceramic pads and it stops on a dime! I will post pics once my account is fully active. Thanks for the feedback!

veggiemonster

iTrader: (1)

how much were the pads? if you could, please report back your findings on brake dust. i'm in the market for this myself

combat mediC

iTrader: (1)

Sucks that youre out the cash, but even worse all the time installing the shocks... now you have to do it again.

Thanks for the headsup tho bro.

single_dad_73

I got a SMOKIN' DEAL on the pads and rotors from Ebay. I paid $150 with free shipping for 4 drilled and slotted rotors and front and rear pads. My factory rotors had that 'brake shake' that plagued early 3G TL's that people would do high speed stops and the rotors would warp easily. We even had a recall on the 04 and 05 models and the rotors have to be turned on the car with a special lathe that attached at the brake mounting locations and used the power from the car in drive on one side and reverse on the other.

After a break in and seating process the new brakes stop quicker and with zero shake compared to stock. I also painted the hardware red while I was at it. Not quite Brembos but that will be a planned addition in the future. Brake dust seems to be a little more than stock but i wipe the rims pretty often so i will post some pics when my account levels up. Hope the info helps guys.

Rich Fulano

I'm gonna buy a set and let everyone know how they go, if gotta do a little welding to them to reinforce them then that's still a good deal.