[kostonjohn]

So I finally got around to buying & installing my suspension upgrade this past weekend, and all I can say is.. Why the hell didn't I do this since the beginning?? :ranting: . Wow, what a dramatic difference in looks & handling. There were other problems I've had with the Xb2(gearbox :thumbdown: ) but by far, the rear fender gap & the horrid body roll were my # 1 concerns. I've been researching suspension upgrades for the Xb2 for about 6 months & went back & forth for the setup I wanted. Finally, last week I pulled the trigger & bought all my parts & installed them myself(first time doing anything like this . I have to say doing your install is hard & tedious for a noob, but it is damn rewarding in the end knowing you accomplished something most people are afraid to do & that you didn't have to pay somebody to do a half arse job to do it for you. So here is my setup.

1. Tein h-tech
2. Hotchkis sway bar kit
3. Tanabe strut bar

Install took about, brace for it.... 6 hrs. This mostly attributes to me doing this for the first time/by myself, but also because most of the big bolts feels like they were welded on. I would suggest anyone to have a very powerful impact wrench, and if that fails, witch it will on the knuckle bolts, have a wrench & breaker bar handy. Cowl cover removal made my life a lot easier so I recommend it.

After about a day of driving 50/50 freeway/city, I must say I enjoy driving this car 10 fold. The handling is the first thing I noticed. I can actually make a sharp turn w/o bracing myself like I did before the swaybar/ strut bar. It keeps the car soo level during turns, and I would say about 95% of the old body roll is gone :clapping: . Unfortunately the other noticeable difference is the mild rubbing I get in the front when I go over medium bumps( I have 20"s). It is not horrid, but if it does I just might roll my fenders. But the springs ride beautifully, way better than the stock springs, stiffer during the corners & smooth over the straights, a perfect combo due to the progressive spring rate.

Now some pics.

Don't mind the filthfy engine bay

Before

After

Front( does rub a little over medium sized bumps)

Rear(I really hope it it settles down a bit more)

I will be posting the height specs at the Tein h-tech thread in about 300 miles & yes I will do the alignment then.

 

[ocotillo]

Looks great, I really like the wheels...a lot.

 

[steven]

congrats on doing the job yourself.

can you please let me know what type of tires you are running on those wheels?
I am on the fence between purchasing 19s or 20 for my Xb2 (same color as yours) and doing a 1inch drop.
I really want to avoid any type of rubbing.

Thank you.

 

[flee]

Great job. Looking good.

Next thing you need to get the CAI, then you will say you should have done it in the first place too.

 

[Fast_Toaster]

looks good and congrats on doing it yourself. I want those sway bars. Who did you get them from and how much if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Aljay]

Nice I need the strut bar and the rear sway .I am lowered on Tanabe df210s I like it but it needs alittle more .

 

[Sparks_Scion_TRD_Parts]

Great looking xB! I love the stance you have now and the wheels really set yours off! A+++