Please forgive my ignorance, but how often, if at all would I need to rebuild a coilover kit (JIC FLT-A2) on a street driven car? What does a rebuild involve(replacement of seals, shock valving etc...?) And what factors contribute to the wearing of the components, just the wear and tear over time, spring rates driving style etc..? Thanks a lot!

 

I don't know about JIC....

I have a couple of friends who run JIC's on their WRX's. Both have had to replace inserts on a yearly basis. Both of these individuals mercelessly flog their WRX's in the regional SCCA autocross events, and also on the gratuitous back roads we have available in the bay area.

I ran DMS products on my WRX. The DMS struts were definately better handling than anything from JIC, but it came at a cost. The DMS are a racing strut, period. you can get one hell of a nice ride on the street, but you need to maintain them like racing equipment (more frequent rebuilds) If my EVO were just a track day car, I might consider running DMS again. If I ran a rally car, I would use DMS exclusively. for rally use, DMS is the strut to have.

I just installed some new coilovers. In their manual they have a suggested maintenance tip. Keep them clean and lubricated with WD-40 (or its equivelent)

I guess the moral of this post is "you get what you pay for" JIC's and other coilover struts that are popular upgrades to running lowering springs, are essentially low priced racing equipment. Each will require regular maintenance to keep them running in top form.