ELKA

Toytec has Elka build their aluma series coilovers.

The Elka labeled ones are slightly more expensive.

 

I think they are using these 2 with their springs and market them as Aluma 2.0 & 2.5? Maybe?

 

They have a 2.5 reservoir version as well. Doesn't look like they have a dual adjuster version, however.

 

They should incorporate dual adjusters on them.

 

What do you think about the new price? They have increase the price about $800.
I don't know if people bought before me had a much cheaper price than that?

$4040 just front coil overs and rear shock. Customers have to buy rear springs + diff drop + UCA + extended break lines, etc vs you can buy complete kit from Kings for almost same amount of money.

 

Maybe due to material increase? I've been noticing cost rising. Elka's (for some reason) has always been a tad bit more than the others though, I never really found a reason why? From my research and the info's I've gathered tells me I'd be ok with other less expensive systems. I have ICONs, others may not like it but I have no complaints.

 

The main difference with Elka (as far as I can tell) is that they're made of aluminum.......which is really nice since they won't corrode as quickly as other brands and they dissipate heat more quickly, I believe.

Other than that, you can essentially get the same (or better) from other manufacturers. ADS is known for using beefy race quality components. Bilstein 8112's have a crazy amount of adjustability with their internal bypass system, Fox has dual adjusters just as Elka does, ect..... All these shocks can be re-valved to accommodate whatever ride you're looking to achieve.

 

Thread revival, as I am kicking the Elka can around again. So, if you are replacing the UCA anyway, and need to disconnect the upper ball joint in order to replace the UCA, wouldn't doing that allow you to replace the entire coilover at the same time, without having to mess with anything KDSS related? My thinking is that would allow you to be able to drop the LCA enough to remove the coil assembly...

 

It sounds like it would work to me, but I don't have KDSS so I could be missing something.

 

I’ve seen people use a pry bar to force the LCA lower. The KDSS swaybar is attached to the LCA so it limits downward travel

 

How often do Elka 2.5’s need to be serviced or rebuilt vs say Fox 2.5’s or Bilstein 8112’s?

Or is maintenance/rebuild schedule pretty much the same for all the high end shocks with reservoirs depending on how hard you use them?

wondering what the most maintenance free higher performance shock with reservoirs may be? I’m thinking probably stock Pro Fox shocks maybe.

 

These Elkas look sweet. When lifting a Pro model, are the lift heights different since the pro is supposed to be an inch higher stick?

 

Yes. When Elka says you can achieve 2-3" of lift, that is based off the stock height of a SR5 or Offroad model (which is roughly 1" lower in the front than a Pro).

 

Ok that makes sense. Is the rear of the Pro higher than an Sr5 as well? Does it differ by year? Mine is a 2019 with the fox shocks on it.

 

No. The rear of the Pro is the same height as the SR5 and Offroad. Only the front of the Pro is higher.

 

Nice. Thanks for that info. I’m am debating between Elka 2.5’s and the Eibach TRD lift springs. My fox shocks have almost 70k on them so I’m unsure if it’s worth putting springs on higher mileage shocks vs going to the Elkas. I’ve noticed you posting on both so hoped you’d have some input on this.

 

That's a tough one.

From what I've heard, people really tend to like the ride of the Fox Pro Shocks with the Eibach coil upgrade. Those shocks should have more life in them if they haven't been beaten. Maybe up to 120,000? And coils are a pretty cheap option.

I have to say I really don't know what to think about Elka. I've heard some really hot and cold reviews. Some people love them and others have had some catastrophic failures with shocks that Elka made for ToyTech. I'm not sure if that's been resolved yet of it's still an ongoing issue. If you're really leaning towards Elka, I would do a bit more research just to make sure.

 

Thanks for that input. I’ve read a lot of the same about the eibachs. And for $500 it’s a pretty solid set up. Do you happen to know if the TRD Fox shocks are rebuildable?

I was actually just reading posts this AM about toytec shock shafts breaking. That would be insane to experience. Definitely something that had me thinking.

 

Tandem in DFW runs Elka on their rigs and really likes them. 2 years 20k on mine and very happy with them.

Any of the high end racing shocks that can adjust high/low speed are going to be good. If worth the cost is an individual decision. Tandem works closely with Elka to valve for the build similar to other places like Accutune. Adjusting and tuning to the actual user helps alot with fine tuning the ride. Mine rides like a Cadillac with 2.5" lift.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMQNQ0iIszV/?igsh=aG1jcHJoaHl6cnhy

 

The Fox Pro shocks are rebuildable but there aren't many shops that do it. Fox doesn't sell a rebuild kit for them since they are OEM but a place called ANSO suspension sells a compatible seal kit. Getting the nitrogen recharged also requires a special tool. For these reasons, many people just end up buying replacements.

But check around and see if there's someone close that can do it......... or you could alway ship them somewhere if you have something else you can drive daily and it isn't too cost prohibitive.