Lowering springs.. need input!

[treefrog99]

Hey guys and gals,

I am considering putting some new springs on my 'lara.. car has just over 240,000 km on it, suspension feels a little saggy.. Just want to tighten it up (and of course lower it)

Has anyone tried these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lowering ... ccessories

I am in Canada, so i would prefer to buy these.. cheeper price, cheeper shipping, and dont have to pay customs tax..

BUT it says that chamber adjustments might be necessary, could that be done by just getting an alignment done?

Thanks

[Ruski]

Garbage, waste of your money. To be honest do it right the first time or dont do it at all. For that price you can find a good set of Springs. look for Tein or Eibach

[treefrog99]

Really? hey now dont diss canadian auto parts haha jk jk

Your sure they are "crap" though? I completely agree with doing it right the first time, if I didnt, i wouldnt be asking for help haha

So these?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Tein-99-03-TOYOTA-SO ... 1c105d3073

[Ruski]

yes those are much better, you also need new struts

[Bluesolaradude11]

I have never heard of those springs n for 130 bucks ON EBAY I wouldn't think their that good.....go with TRD, tein, or ebiach springs....like Ruski said u will need struts as well n i would recommend getting the trd strut bar n trd rear sway bar as well if u can find them...they both have been discontuned

[tooshorty]

Just from my own experience....the Tein springs and Tokico struts have been smooth and perform well. Coilovers are great for looks

[DriDed]

Some of my friends say not to get coilovers because the ride would be super rough on the streets.

I would just get lowering springs and stiffer struts made by well-known companies. Watch out for those Tein Springs on ebay, I have read that there are fake versions of it.

Be cautious about what you get for your ride.

[treefrog99]

Well then I just learnt something new. I didnt know I would need to replace the struts as well, thought I would just need new springs..

So the tokico/tein combo is good? Any other struts you would suggest, in case I happen to see something at a good price? I've noticed there is alot of KYB on ebay

[ToyoSolV6]

Tokico is actually really stiff and would help out the set up better than the kyb. Unless you find the TRD struts then go for those but those are pretty hard to find.

Imo the tokico is pretty good. If not just go with KYB's.

Right now im running stock struts with tein springs.

but the ride is crappy so i have a set of kyb's sitting at home, im going to throw those on with eibach springs next.

[treefrog99]

Technically I could run stock struts with tein springs?

How is the ride "crappy"... if you wouldnt mind explaining, please and thank you

['_']

I have Eibach/KYB GR-2's on mine. By crappy, I think he means that the ride is underdampened (excessive bouncing and the car doesn't settle down). Usually it's recommended to get stiffer aftermarket struts with a drop of 1" or more. For us, there aren't many choice for struts. Only ones I'm aware of are from softest to stiffest: KYB GR-2, Tokico Blue, and TRD struts.
BTW, Tokico Blues have Lifetime warranty so I'd definitely get those. As long as you have a receipt when you purchase them, Tokico will send you brand new replacements.

For springs, anything mentioned previously would be good: Eibach Pro-Kit, Tein S-Tech, H-Tech, etc.

Coilovers are nice because they give you full adjustability. Some sets can be stiff depending on the spring rates, but Tein SS are known to be pretty soft and tolerable. Only problem is that they probably won't last as long as a spring/strut setup, but there are advantages with having them too (ie. no need for extra suspension parts like top mounts and stuff). If you want stiff, get higher spring rates. Alternatively, get lower spring rates for a softer ride. Dampening, suspension travel, ride height etc. can be tweaked which is why I really really want a set of coilovers.

[treefrog99]

Ok, i get ya now. Right now i find the car a little bouncy/a little "floaty" over dips and whatnot at about 40mpg+ probably due to longer wheel base and soft springs/struts? Considering I am use to a Prelude that I had for 3 year... (Yes, i cam over from the dark side )

So I certainly appreciate the information. Looks like a new suspension setup is going to run me around $1000 unless a good deal comes up, but until then I will hold off. I am a broke a$$ student..

What about new Tokico or KYB struts but keeping the stock springs (for now) ???? I am starting to think its my struts that dont have sufficent dampening, not my springs... Therefore its bouncy..

[ToyoSolV6]

yeah your struts are pretty much gone. I would suggest dont lower until you have the full set up, that way you dont have to get back in there and do it all over again.

[CamryOnBronze]

Depending on your needs, coilovers might be a better option. If you are going to spend $1000 on struts and springs, I would just get a set of coilovers. K-Sport has an application for the Solara and they are decent coilovers for the money.

With coilovers, you will have total control over the height of your car. Adjustments can be made whenever you want to change your ride height. Not to mention the fact that you can go a lot lower with coilovers than with aftermarket struts and springs.

Most coilovers, including K-Sport, can be ordered with custom spring rates. If you give them a call and let them know that you are looking for a softer ride on a daily driven car, I'm sure they could hook you up with some springs that wouldn't be too harsh. Not to mention the fact the dampers are 36 way adjustable, so you can change how hard/soft your struts feel with the twist of a dial.

When I first got into modifying cars, I did the same thing you are considering. I spent a great deal of money on H&R Springs with Tokico struts, and I wasn't even close to happy with the drop. In the end, I ended up just selling that stuff to buy coilovers. Sure, the ride was stiffer, but I could adjust the car to the exact stance I wanted.

I am a big fan of doing it right the first time. There are still times to this day that I cheap out or buy something that isn't totally what I want. It never lasts long, though- I always end up spending more later to get what I want. Taht's my two cents, good luck with your decision!

Damon

[treefrog99]

Thanks so much for the input guys!

Adjustability isnt a huge factor for me, I am really not doing anything serious. I like the fact the tein springs are a 1.7 drop in front/1.4 in rear.. I like the front to sit a little lower. I am definitely going to get both struts and springs, certainly dont want my ride to be worse than it is. I really just need to replace the struts, so i figured I might as well upgade.

So as a daily driver, would the tein/tokico setup be alright? I like it alittle stiff, but not to much.. Keep in mind I am in NS, Canada so some of the roads are terrible here!

Thanks again!