Buying Guide: DSM Shocks, Struts, Springs, & Coilovers

In the DSM world, suspension has never been the top priority for the majority of DSMers, it's usually an afterthought. The average DSMer is mainly interested in bigger horsepower on a budget, and the aftermarket suspension options tend to reflect the demand. We don't have as many high end options as other vehicle platforms. This guide is meant to serve as an aid in your research when deciding on a solution. The sad reality is that more options are getting discontinued as years go by. If you find out that something listed below is no longer in production, report the post and let us know so we can update the guide.

DSM Shocks & Struts
One of the most overlooked and skimped on components in the DSM world is shocks. There is really only one quality shock made for the DSM and very few in our community buy that shock because it's a little more expensive than the others, and since the priority in the DSM world has long been bigger power, the average DSMer will buy the inferior product and take a massive short cut on handling.

A few years ago, a member here used a shock dyno to test a handful of shocks for our cars. He found that most of the shocks available for the DSM were valved badly and inconsistently, adjusters didn't work correctly, and that the results simply varied by a wide margin on the same shock throughout testing (see the write-up here). We'd love to get someone with access to a shock dyno do more testing so that we can post additional results here.

Koni - Best Option for 1g and 2g
Simply put, this is the shock every DSMer should buy when replacing what is on the car. It's the best option out there and it's only slightly more expensive than the cheaper, inferior options. It will outperform all of the others at the limits and it will be a lot more compliant on the street in daily driving conditions, and has rebound adjustment, which will be handy for the track. The Koni is the only shock that has a shorter body, which means it can handle a lowered ride height (to a degree) without premature wear - a common trait among the rest of the shocks on the market. And if you need to lower the car even more, Konis can be shortened by an inch by shops like True Choice Racing Services. Any other shock you get will fail sooner on a lowered car, which makes Koni the best value in the long run.

1g Special Note - the rear Konis for the 1g have been discontinued. However, some people have found that the 2g rears mount up without any modification when used with 1g Ground Control kit. The valving is a little different but not enough to notice a major difference.

Konis are available at ExtremePSI and STMtuned.

Other Shocks Available for the DSM
Understand that choosing most of the other shock options on the market is essentially the same as buying stock replacements. They are designed for the factory ride height and often wear prematurely when used on a lowered vehicle. The ride quality is typically harsh, but don’t mistake a stiff ride for better handling.

Many inexpensive "performance" shocks achieve that firm feel simply by using stiffer damping - often excessive rebound damping. Increased rebound damping can help control bouncing and floating over bumps, and it can make the car feel more responsive during quick weight transfers. However, too much rebound damping can prevent the suspension from extending quickly enough after compression. When this happens, the suspension begins to "pack down", losing available travel and eventually causing the suspension to bottom out over repeated bumps.

Shocks generally do not determine how much body roll a car has - that is primarily controlled by spring rates and sway bars. What shocks do control is the rate at which the suspension moves and how the chassis responds to bumps and weight transfer. A well-designed performance shock should remain compliant during normal driving conditions while providing improved control and stability when the car is driven aggressively.

KYB AGX
The AGX has long been the most popular option for 1g DSMers due to the fact that it has been the cheapest adjustable shock made for the platform - with Koni being the only other adjustable option. Don't be fooled into thinking that it's a poor man's Koni - it's not. The AGX is nothing more than a stock replacement that rides stiffer and can rattle your teeth loose when set to full stiff - people equate stiffer valving with "sporty". If your car is lowered, the life expectancy of the shock can drop dramatically - failures have been seen within 1 year in some cases with Eibach Prokit springs. Search the forums for these stories. Because of this alone, the Koni proves to be a better value than replacing a blown set of KYB AGX shocks.

KYB AGXs are available at ExtremePSI and STMtuned.

Tokico Illumina
Labeled as a performance shock, these are considered by some to be a slight upgrade over the AGX and have been favored in the 2g world for quite some time, mainly because they've been around the longest and were cheaper than Koni. Though they're only slightly cheaper, the Koni outperforms the Tokico in all areas. Just as with the AGX, most DSMers get tricked into thinking the Tokico is a cheaper version of the Koni with all of the same adjustability and a slight drop off in performance that they won't miss. When in reality, the difference in quality and performance is substantial. And just like the AGX, these are designed for stock travel, so they will wear prematurely on a lowered car.

Tokico Illuminas are available at ExtremePSI.

KYB GR-2
These are nothing more than a stock replacement. The were not designed for a lowered car and will wear prematurely - only use for stock ride height cars with factory spring rates. If you feel an improved ride quality after installing, it only means the shocks you replaced were in really bad shape.

KYB GR-2s are available at ExtremePSI and STMtuned.

Tokico HP
A slight step up from the GR-2 in terms of damping. A decent stock replacement to be used on stock height vehicles with stock spring rates. Anything else will result in premature wear.

Tokico HP are available at ExtremePSI.


DSM Lowering Springs
Lowering springs have been one of the most common suspension upgrades for DSM owners since the 1990s. Over the years, a handful of brands became the most widely used options for both the 1G DSM (1990-1994) and 2G DSM (1995-1999) platforms. Below is a breakdown of the most common spring kits, including their typical lowering specifications and where they can still be purchased today.

Eibach Pro-Kit​

The Eibach Pro-Kit is one of the most popular and widely used lowering spring options for DSMs. Designed as a performance street spring, the Pro-Kit offers a modest drop intended to improve handling while maintaining close-to-OEM ride quality.

Typical drop specifications:

• 1G DSM: approximately 1.0" front / 1.0" rear
• 2G DSM: approximately 1.2" front / 1.2" rear

Spring characteristics:

• Type: Progressive
• Approximate spring rate range:
  • Front: ~150-260 lb/in
  • Rear: ~120-210 lb/in

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/store/Eibach-Pro-Kit-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-FWD-95-99-Turbo.html

Eibach Sportline​

The Eibach Sportline springs are designed for a more aggressive stance than the Pro-Kit. These springs significantly reduce ride height and are intended for enthusiasts looking for a more aggressive appearance and firmer handling characteristics.

Typical drop specifications:

• 1G DSM: approximately 1.7" front / 1.7" rear
• 2G DSM: approximately 1.7" front / 1.7" rear

Spring characteristics:

• Type: Progressive
• Approximate spring rate range:
  • Front: ~200-350 lb/in
  • Rear: ~180-320 lb/in

The Sportline springs have been discontinued but used sets can sometimes be found in online marketplaces.

H&R Sport Springs​

H&R Sport Springs have long been known for their relatively higher spring rates compared to many other street springs. They provide a moderate drop and are typically chosen by drivers looking for improved handling without an extreme reduction in ride height.

Typical drop specifications:

• 1G DSM: approximately 1.5" front / 1.4" rear
• 2G DSM: approximately 1.5" front / 1.4" rear

Spring characteristics:

• Type: Progressive
• Approximate spring rate range:
  • Front: ~220-300 lb/in
  • Rear: ~200-260 lb/in

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/H-and-R-Sport-Springs-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-FWD-1989-94.html

Tein S-Tech​

The Tein S-Tech springs are designed to provide a noticeably lower ride height than many traditional street springs. They are commonly used by DSM owners looking for a more aggressive stance while still retaining a conventional spring and shock setup.

Typical drop specifications:

• 1G DSM: approximately 2.0" front / 1.8" rear
• 2G DSM: approximately 2.0" front / 1.8" rear

Spring characteristics:

• Type: Progressive
• Approximate spring rate range:
  • Front: ~230-340 lb/in
  • Rear: ~200-310 lb/in

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/Tein-S.Tech-Springs-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-1990-94-AWD.html

STM Tuned
https://stmtuned.com/collections/1g-2g-dsm-eclipse-talon-laser-4g63-lowering-springs

Tein H-Tech​

The Tein H-Tech springs are designed as a more conservative lowering option compared to the S-Tech line. They provide a mild drop and are often chosen by owners looking for improved aesthetics without significantly affecting ride quality.

Typical drop specifications:

• 1G DSM: approximately 1.2" front / 1.1" rear
• 2G DSM: approximately 1.2" front / 1.1" rear

Spring characteristics:

• Type: Progressive
• Approximate spring rate range:
  • Front: ~170-250 lb/in
  • Rear: ~150-220 lb/in

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/store/search.php?mode=search&search_query=tein+h-tech+dsm

STM Tuned
https://stmtuned.com/collections/1g-2g-dsm-eclipse-talon-laser-4g63-lowering-springs

Megan Racing Lowering Springs​

Megan Racing lowering springs have been a popular budget-friendly option within the DSM community for many years. They offer a substantial drop and are typically chosen by owners looking for a lower stance at an affordable price point.

Typical drop specifications:

• 1G DSM: approximately 2.0" front / 2.0" rear
• 2G DSM: approximately 2.0" front / 2.0" rear

Spring characteristics:

• Type: Progressive
• Approximate spring rate range:
  • Front: ~250-350 lb/in
  • Rear: ~230-320 lb/in

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/store/Megan-Racing-Lowering-Springs-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-90-94.html

STM Tuned
https://stmtuned.com/collections/1g-2g-dsm-eclipse-talon-laser-4g63-lowering-springs

Skunk2 Lowering Springs​

Skunk2 lowering springs became a popular option in the DSM aftermarket in the mid-2000s. They offer one of the more aggressive ride height reductions available for the platform.

Typical drop specifications:

• 2G DSM: approximately 2.25" front / 2.0" rear

Spring characteristics:

• Type: Progressive
• Approximate spring rate range:
  • Front: ~260-380 lb/in
  • Rear: ~240-350 lb/in

Swift Sport Springs​

Swift Sport Springs are a premium spring option designed with high-quality materials and precise spring rates. They are less common than some of the other brands but are known for consistent ride height and performance.

Typical drop specifications:

• 2G DSM: approximately 1.0" front / 1.0" rear

Swift Sport Springs​

Swift Sport Springs are a higher-end spring option that emphasizes precision manufacturing and consistent spring rates.

Typical drop specifications:

• 2G DSM: approximately 1.0" front / 1.0" rear

Spring characteristics:

• Type: Progressive (very mild progression)
• Approximate spring rate range:
  • Front: ~180-260 lb/in
  • Rear: ~160-240 lb/in

Intrax Lowering Springs​

Intrax springs were very popular in the DSM scene during the late 1990s and early 2000s. While they are no longer widely produced, they remain a well-known option among older DSM builds.

Typical drop specifications:

• 1G DSM: approximately 1.7" front / 1.7" rear
• 2G DSM: approximately 1.7" front / 1.7" rear

Spring characteristics:

• Type: Progressive
• Approximate spring rate range:
  • Front: ~220-320 lb/in
  • Rear: ~200-300 lb/in

These springs are generally no longer sold by major DSM vendors but may still appear occasionally on used marketplaces.

Sprint Lowering Springs​

Sprint springs were another early DSM aftermarket option that offered a substantial drop and firmer ride characteristics.

Typical drop specifications:

• 1G DSM: approximately 2.0" front / 2.0" rear
• 2G DSM: approximately 2.0" front / 2.0" rear

Spring characteristics:

• Type: Progressive
• Approximate spring rate range:
  • Front: ~250-360 lb/in
  • Rear: ~230-340 lb/in

These springs are now largely discontinued and typically only found on older builds or through second-hand markets.


DSM Coilovers
Coilover systems replace the factory shock and spring with an integrated adjustable assembly that allows changes to ride height, spring rate, and damping. Over the years, DSM owners have used a wide range of coilover systems ranging from basic street kits to higher-end performance dampers.


Feal Coilovers (441 / 441+ Series)
Feal Suspension produces a coilover system for the 1995-1999 Eclipse / Talon platform that is built around their revalved monotube dampers. Feal coilovers are assembled and valved in the United States and are commonly used in drift and road racing applications because they can be custom-valved and rebuilt.

Typical features:

• Damper type: Monotube
• Damping adjustment:
  • 441 Series: 30-way adjustable
  • 441+ Series: single adjuster affecting compression and rebound
• Ride height adjustment: Independent ride height and spring preload adjustment
• Rebuildable / revalvable: Yes (serviceable by Feal)

Typical spring rates (street configuration):

• Front: ~8k (448 lb/in)
• Rear: ~6k (336 lb/in)

Higher rates are commonly used for track setups and can be specified when ordering.

Front mount design (2G):

• Includes coaxial bearing mount: Yes

Flatout Suspension Coilovers (SR / CS / CS-R Series)​

Flatout Suspension offers several coilover kits for the 1995-1999 Eclipse / Talon (2G DSM) platform. Their systems are designed to cover a wide range of applications from daily street driving to motorsport use. All Flatout coilovers are serviceable and allow buyers to select spring rates depending on intended use.

The three DSM kits currently offered are the CS, CS-R, and SR series, which mainly differ in damper design and performance capability.

Typical features:

• Damper type:
  • CS: Twin-tube damper
  • CS-R: Monotube damper
  • SR: Monotube performance damper
• Damping adjustment:
  • CS: 16-way adjustable
  • CS-R: 30-way adjustable
  • SR: 30-way adjustable
• Ride height adjustment: Independent ride height and spring preload adjustment
• Rebuildable / serviceable: Yes

Typical spring rates (street configuration):

• Front: ~8k (448 lb/in)
• Rear: ~6k (336 lb/in)

Spring rates can be customized when ordering depending on intended use (street, autocross, road racing, etc.).

Front mount design (2G):

• Includes coaxial bearing mount: Yes

Fortune Auto 500 Series Coilovers​

The Fortune Auto 500 Series coilovers are a popular modern option for DSM owners seeking a high-quality monotube coilover with customizable spring rates and rebuildable dampers. These coilovers are assembled in the United States and can be revalved to match different driving styles.

Typical features:

• Damper type: Monotube
• Damping adjustment: 24-way adjustable
• Ride height adjustment: Independent ride height and preload adjustment
• Spring rates (typical):
  • Front: ~8k (448 lb/in)
  • Rear: ~6k (336 lb/in)

Front mount design (2G):

• Includes coaxial bearing mount: Yes

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/store/search.php?mode=search&search_query=fortune+auto+dsm

STM Tuned
https://stmtuned.com/search?q=fortune+auto+dsm

BC Racing BR Series Coilovers​

The BC Racing BR Series coilovers are one of the most widely used coilover kits for DSMs due to their relatively affordable price and wide availability. They offer adjustable ride height and damping and include camber plates on the front.

Typical features:

• Damper type: Monotube
• Damping adjustment: 30-way adjustable
• Ride height adjustment: Independent ride height and preload
• Spring rates (typical):
  • Front: ~8k (448 lb/in)
  • Rear: ~6k (336 lb/in)

Front mount design (2G):

• Includes coaxial bearing mount: Yes

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/store/search.php?mode=search&search_query=bc+racing+dsm

STM Tuned
https://stmtuned.com/search?q=bc+racing+dsm

Tein Flex Z Coilovers​

The Tein Flex Z coilover kit is a popular entry-level option that provides adjustable damping and ride height. These coilovers use twin-tube dampers and are designed primarily for street driving.

Typical features:

• Damper type: Twin-tube
• Damping adjustment: 16-way adjustable
• Ride height adjustment: Yes
• Spring rates (typical):
  • Front: ~7k (392 lb/in)
  • Rear: ~5k (280 lb/in)

Front mount design (2G):

• Includes coaxial bearing mount: No

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/store/search.php?mode=search&search_query=tein+flex+z+dsm

STM Tuned
https://stmtuned.com/search?q=tein+flex+z+dsm

Megan Racing Street Series Coilovers​

The Megan Racing Street Series coilovers are a budget-friendly coilover option often chosen by DSM owners looking for an affordable fully adjustable suspension system.

Typical features:

• Damper type: Monotube
• Damping adjustment: 32-way adjustable
• Ride height adjustment: Yes
• Spring rates (typical):
  • Front: ~8k (448 lb/in)
  • Rear: ~6k (336 lb/in)

Front mount design (2G):

• Includes coaxial bearing mount: No

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/store/search.php?mode=search&search_query=megan+racing+coilovers+dsm

STM Tuned
https://stmtuned.com/search?q=megan+coilovers+dsm

KSport Kontrol Pro Coilovers​

The KSport Kontrol Pro coilovers are another entry-level coilover system designed primarily for street use. They provide adjustable ride height and damping with camber plates included for the front suspension.

Typical features:

• Damper type: Monotube
• Damping adjustment: 36-way adjustable
• Ride height adjustment: Yes
• Spring rates (typical):
  • Front: ~8k (448 lb/in)
  • Rear: ~6k (336 lb/in)

Front mount design (2G):

• Includes coaxial bearing mount: No

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/store/search.php?mode=search&search_query=ksport+dsm+coilovers

STM Tuned
https://stmtuned.com/search?q=ksport+dsm+coilovers

D2 Racing RS Coilovers​

The D2 Racing RS coilovers provide adjustable damping and ride height with a monotube damper design. They are similar in design and performance level to many other mid-range coilover kits on the market.

Typical features:

• Damper type: Monotube
• Damping adjustment: 36-way adjustable
• Ride height adjustment: Yes
• Spring rates (typical):
  • Front: ~8k (448 lb/in)
  • Rear: ~6k (336 lb/in)

Front mount design (2G):

• Includes coaxial bearing mount: No

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/store/search.php?mode=search&search_query=d2+racing+dsm+coilovers

STM Tuned
https://stmtuned.com/search?q=d2+dsm+coilovers

Ground Control Coilover Conversion (Koni Based)​

The Ground Control coilover conversion kit is a popular solution for DSM owners seeking adjustable spring rates while using high-quality dampers such as Koni Sport (Yellow) shocks.

Typical features:

• Damper type: Depends on damper used (typically Koni Sport)
• Damping adjustment: Adjustable via Koni dampers
• Ride height adjustment: Yes (threaded sleeve)
• Spring rates: User-selected (typically 350-600 lb/in)

Front mount design (2G):

• Coaxial bearing mount: Depends on camber plate used

ExtremePSI
https://www.extremepsi.com/store/search.php?mode=search&search_query=ground+control+dsm

STM Tuned
https://stmtuned.com/search?q=ground+control+dsm

Muellerized Öhlins Coilovers (1G DSM)​

The Muellerized Öhlins suspension kit is one of the highest-performance suspension systems ever developed specifically for the 1G DSM platform. Designed by John Mueller, these kits combine Öhlins motorsport dampers with custom spring rates and valving optimized for the DSM chassis.

Typical features:

• Damper type: Öhlins monotube motorsport damper
• Damping adjustment: Adjustable
• Ride height adjustment: Yes
• Spring rates: Custom tuned for application

These kits are designed primarily for track and motorsport applications and are typically sold through specialty suspension tuners rather than general DSM parts vendors.

DIY DG Koni Coilover System (Farnorth Racing)​

The DIY DG coilover system described by Dennis Grant at Farnorth Racing is a well-known, economical DIY suspension setup within the DSM autocross and road racing community, and is one of the best performing coilover setups available for the 2g.

Rather than using a prebuilt coilover kit, this system uses:

• Koni Sport dampers
• Ground Control threaded sleeves
• Custom linear racing springs

Typical features:

• Damper type: Koni Sport (twin-tube)
• Spring type: Linear racing springs
• Spring rates:
  • Front: typically 450-650 lb/in
  • Rear: typically 350-550 lb/in

Front mount design (2G):

• Includes coaxial bearing mount: Yes, if built as specified

This setup allows DSM owners to tune spring rates precisely for motorsport use.

More information on what's needed to build these kits:
http://farnorthracing.com/autocross/konis.html

 

[Ludachris]

I just updated this guide to be more relevant with modern offerings. Reply here with any feedback or edits needed.