Suspension Question/Tips/HELP!!!

14875 Views 28 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Chris-Garage, Sep 25, 2013

xB'd

Discussion Starter · Aug 17, 2013

3

All,

Im new to this forum and was wanting some advice. I have 19" on my stock 2012 xB and was NEEDING to lower it. I'm not looking to SLAM it, but this wheel gap has to go. I'm ok with the TRD struts and springs, but don't have that much drop (1" in front and 1.5" rear). The whole point is to eliminate the wheel gap... I've found a set of Raceland Coilovers that are priced VERY good and are fully adjustable, so I can go right to the tires (well a inch above). But, I have read mixed reviews on the Raceland's though about all 4 shocks blowing out in 6 months. I'm 36 years old with kids and I don't drive like I did 15 years ago. I'm looking for something that rides good, nothing bouncy or obnoxious. Is there a better brand out there to get? I've seen some TEIN or Megan's that seem good but are $1000. Do I have to get Lowered springs with any of these. Looks like they come with coils already. I want a good ride and to completely eliminate the wheel gap in the rear, but don't want to roll the fenders for clearance. I was originally thinking about Springs ONLY (Tanabe DF210), but after installation they are $500+ and for a bit more, I can get better struts and can install them myself (well, my Toyota mechanic buddy in his garage at home) WITHOUT a spring compressor. Any tips are GREATLY appreciated and if you have pictures to post so I can get an idea of how they look on your 19" wheels, that would be awesome.....

The pictures below are from when I had the accessories installed at the dealership right after I bought it 8 months ago..

Jason :cheers:

See less See more

1 - 20 of 29 Posts

2010xb808

· #2 · Aug 17, 2013 (Edited)

For what its worth , i have an 2010 and just installed TRD springs with stock shocks/struts. I also have 18" Scion TC wheels (2011) and it rides way better man. The front wheel gap is eliminated with a little gap left over in the rear. I know you want to eliminate the rear completely but the trd springs ride very well compared to stock setup. It feels more solid and just rides more flat if that makes sense. Turning is improved, braking feels more direct and the acceleration feels better because of less squat with the stock springs. Now im not saying you are faster with the springs but it feels more crisp if you may. Im totally satisfied with the setup. Now i just need to retint the car.

Any coilover setup you buy will come with springs also. You dont need to buy extra ones unless you want to change the characteristics of the setup. I would think DF210 springs are low enough for you but lack the exact adjustability of coilovers. Also , please let us know if you have had problems with rear toe alignment after the drop.

See less See more

xB'd

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 17, 2013

2010xb808 said:
For what its worth , i have an 2010 and just installed TRD springs with stock shocks/struts. I also have 18" Scion TC wheels (2011) and it rides way better man. The front wheel gap is eliminated with a little gap left over in the rear.

Got any Pictures? I've seen 19" with the TRD and it looked good (much better than mine does). Can I install the spring/Struts myself, or do I have to pay the shop to do it? Obviously I need the alignment done after I lower it. It's looking like $900 installed for the TRD Springs/Struts!! Is that about what you paid? Im trying to spend as little as possible... :cheers:

Chris-Garage

· #4 · Aug 17, 2013

2

you can install everything your self with the proper tools, with air tools even better. i ran df210 with 18' tc2 wheels it filled up the gap in the front and only rubbed when i hit a deep bump and in the rear it was a perfect just needed a spacer to push the wheels out.

tc2 wheels on DF210

See less See more

xB'd

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 18, 2013

Chris-Garage said:
i ran df210 with 18' tc2

So you went with the Springs ONLY? How does it ride? Do I really need the Struts?

That xB look bad with the tC Wheels. Mine are the same overall size as those are. My Wheels are the same exact size as the TRD 19" set is. I was told they were the same overall height as the stock 17", the 18 tC Wheels are. I LOVE your height, not to high, but low enough to eat up the wheel gap..

Chris-Garage

· #6 · Aug 18, 2013

you dont need struts, stock will do fine. back in 2008 i had another 2gen xb and it only had 1k miles when i installed DF210 and the ride was the same on that car as it was on this used 2gen xb with 70k miles.

Chris-Garage

· #7 · Aug 18, 2013

back in 2008 19" wheels and DF210

See less See more

xB'd

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 18, 2013

Chris-Garage said:
back in 2008 19" wheels and DF210

That is EXACTLY what i'm looking for. Im assuming you had the 235/35ZR 19 tire on those 19"s?? Thanks for sharing the pictures. That looks good. Any problems with the install?

Meeko

· #9 · Aug 18, 2013

I'm also running DF210's on 18x8 +30mm 225/40/18 tires. No rubbing whatsoever. stock struts. it's good for my daily and cruising around with my wife and 3 kids

See less See more

xB'd

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 18, 2013

Meeko said:
I'm also running DF210's on 18x8 +30mm 225/40/18 tires. No rubbing whatsoever. stock struts. it's good for my daily and cruising around with my wife and 3 kids

Thanks!! I love the way your xB sits and want mine the same..... The kiddos really love the B's don't they!!!8)8)8) I cant wait till I get my rack now. I had no idea they looked so bad *** with them..

Thanks again everyone for all your advise!! I'll post some pictures once I get it lowered (and maybe racked).. :cheers:

Chris-Garage

· #11 · Aug 18, 2013

xB'd said:
That is EXACTLY what i'm looking for. Im assuming you had the 235/35ZR 19 tire on those 19"s?? Thanks for sharing the pictures. That looks good. Any problems with the install?

you are correct on the tire size only bad part was that to replace a tire i paid 160 per tire since they were FALKENS 452. i have been helping scion owners with installs since 2006 and i have never had a problem with any spring installed i have the proper tools which helps a lot.

xB'd

Discussion Starter · #12 · Aug 18, 2013

Chris-Garage said:
you are correct on the tire size only bad part was that to replace a tire i paid 160 per tire since they were FALKENS 452.

I have the Goodyear Eagles.. I was able to get them for about $160 each also. Goodyear says they are a 50K tire :lmfao: NO 35 Series ZR rates tire will last 50K..

But I wont complain if they do... 8)

2010xb808

· #13 · Aug 19, 2013

i rented a spring compressor and torque wrench at autozone. The spring compressor was ok but the torque wrench was complete crap. It would help speed up the process if you had a impact gun for the spring compressor alot or else u will be wrenching away for a while. Also, i had a hard time with the top center nylon locknut . I dont know if i was able to tighten it all the way , i thought we were suppose to tighten it on the car so i only tightened it a little while i had it off the car.. big mistake. MAKE sure to tighten it off the car because u wont be able to get to it while its on the car. i attempted to tighten it on the car by undoing the top 3 nuts and the strut dropped down and i was able to fit a 19mm socket on there but u definitely need a vise grip or something to hold that top part while u tighten. Two people will definitely help alot with the install.

xB'd

Discussion Starter · #14 · Aug 24, 2013

Chris-Garage said:
back in 2008 19" wheels and DF210

I was just told I would have to modify the wheel well splash guard if I want 19" with these springs. Apparently it is a easy modification with a heat gun, but it will rub if I don't. Did you experience this with this set up??

Chris-Garage

· #15 · Aug 25, 2013

Mine did rub cause I cut the bump stop a 1/4" more then the instructions said so the strut traveled more than it had to. Rubing only on deep bumps and it didn't bug me at all .

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

xB'd

Discussion Starter · #16 · Aug 25, 2013

Chris-Garage said:
Mine did rub cause I cut the bump stop a 1/4" more then the instructions said so the strut traveled more than it had to. Rubing only on deep bumps and it didn't bug me at all .

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

Thanks, Mine rub now on deep bumps at stock height.

Did you cut the bump stops for more travel? Were you sitting on the bump stops before? I don't want a bouncy ride at all. I had a mini truck years ago that was slammed and bouncy as all ****. Once I changed out the bump stops to smaller ones, It was much smoother under normal driving with an occasional bottom out (bump stop hit). Will I have to do this with these springs to have more travel?

Chris-Garage

· #17 · Aug 25, 2013

if you purchase DF210 per there instruction, bumpstop cutting is required to accomplish the drop height.

xB'd

Discussion Starter · #18 · Aug 25, 2013

Chris-Garage said:
if you purchase DF210 per there instruction, bumpstop cutting is required to accomplish the drop height.

Lame. Do the Eibach or TRD springs require bump stop modification?? How much bump stop do I have to cut off?? How do they ride once installed? Thanks again for your advise and tips.

Chris-Garage

· #19 · Aug 25, 2013

xB'd said:
Lame. Do the Eibach or TRD springs require bump stop modification?? How much bump stop do I have to cut off?? How do they ride once installed? Thanks again for your advise and tips.

eibach and trd dont need to cut cause they dont go as low as the DF210. if i remember all you need to cut is 1/2". i love the ride it feels smooth and not bouncy.

xB'd

Discussion Starter · #20 · Aug 29, 2013

Chris-Garage said:
eibach and trd dont need to cut cause they dont go as low as the DF210. if i remember all you need to cut is 1/2". i love the ride it feels smooth and not bouncy.

Good, that's what I needed to hear. :cheers: I'll be ordering them next week!!:biggrin:

1 - 20 of 29 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.