Is it practical to install stiffer shocks without also installing lowering springs? - Toyota Yaris Forums

03Z33 · 01-12-2007, 04:45 AM

If you replace you shocks/struts with stiffer ones without increasing the spring rates, you may see a slight improvement in roll stiffness but the trade-off will be a much harsher ride and less control at the limit. You may look into some height adjustable coilovers which will allow you to run the car at stock height and you can also benefit from a stiffer front sway bar and adding a rear sway bar.

St_G · 01-12-2007, 10:14 AM

I can see how the higher ride height could mean less control at the limit (which is fine, since I don't drive the Yaris at the limit), but can you explain why stiffer shocks and stock springs would lead to a harsher ride than stiffer shocks and lower springs?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03Z33

If you replace you shocks/struts with stiffer ones without increasing the spring rates, you may see a slight improvement in roll stiffness but the trade-off will be a much harsher ride and less control at the limit.

03Z33 · 01-12-2007, 10:51 AM

The ride height won't affect the control, it's the mismatched spring/shock combination. Just like having a worn out shock that's too soft will cause bouncing and dangerous driving, a shock that's too stiff can cause undesired affects also. The spring won't be able to go through the proper travel because the shock will over dampen the motion. Little bumps in the road will feel much bigger and more pronounced.

*Chris07LB* · 01-12-2007, 11:14 AM

Any idea why I can't get some shorter (energy suspension) sway bar end links, since going a little over 2" lower in the front, I would have thought Tanabe would have recomended this with their DF's.

Ive changed them on trucks that i've had where we went lower then 2".

03Z33 · 01-12-2007, 11:20 AM

My Silk Road coilovers came with new adjustable sway bar links. Even at the longest setting they are much shorter than stock. I'll take some pics of them for you when I get a chance (they're already on the car). They should be real easy to duplicate, or you can try to buy them separate from any SK dealer (I got mine from John at Bulletproof).

Here's a pic of the end link:

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01-12-2007, 04:45 AM	#1
03Z33 View User's Garage Drives: TCR10 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,132	If you replace you shocks/struts with stiffer ones without increasing the spring rates, you may see a slight improvement in roll stiffness but the trade-off will be a much harsher ride and less control at the limit. You may look into some height adjustable coilovers which will allow you to run the car at stock height and you can also benefit from a stiffer front sway bar and adding a rear sway bar.

01-12-2007, 10:51 AM	#3
03Z33 View User's Garage Drives: TCR10 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,132	The ride height won't affect the control, it's the mismatched spring/shock combination. Just like having a worn out shock that's too soft will cause bouncing and dangerous driving, a shock that's too stiff can cause undesired affects also. The spring won't be able to go through the proper travel because the shock will over dampen the motion. Little bumps in the road will feel much bigger and more pronounced.

01-12-2007, 11:14 AM	#4
Chris07LB Super Moderator View User's Garage Drives: Yaris Liftback Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 3,174	Any idea why I can't get some shorter (energy suspension) sway bar end links, since going a little over 2" lower in the front, I would have thought Tanabe would have recomended this with their DF's. Ive changed them on trucks that i've had where we went lower then 2".

01-12-2007, 11:20 AM	#5
03Z33 View User's Garage Drives: TCR10 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,132	My Silk Road coilovers came with new adjustable sway bar links. Even at the longest setting they are much shorter than stock. I'll take some pics of them for you when I get a chance (they're already on the car). They should be real easy to duplicate, or you can try to buy them separate from any SK dealer (I got mine from John at Bulletproof). Here's a pic of the end link: