TRD lowering springs' and/or shocks' Ride Quality??

[static808]

greetings everyone. my wife and i have decided to purchase a liftback, but are undecided on whether to lower the car or not. the biggest concern is that she will use the car mainly for everyday commuting. although lowering the car makes it look sweet, does the ride quality suffer that much, or will the lowered yaris still be good for everyday commuting on a good combination of city and highway?? any input would be greatly appreciated from those who have the TRD lowering springs and/or shocks. THANK YOU!

[bigsky2]

Congratulations on the decision. You will fall in love with the Yaris very quickly (if not already)!

The ride quality is improved after lowering it with the Eibach Pro Kit springs, which are provided by Toyota, named as "Lowering Springs" on their catalogue.

There is a lower center of gravity, and your vehicle will feel better during general commuting, and the turns will feel more solid.

I vigorously test drove a stock Yaris, and I did not like the feeling I got from it during exits and entrances to highways and ramps. You will feel much more comfortable with a lower ride height on the highway.

It's worth noting that the stock ride height is 4", and the Eibach Pro Kit will lower the vehicle approximately 1.5".

Hope this helps your decision.
Good luck!

[Chris07LB]

I am lowered with Tanbe DF210's with stock shocks. My overall loss was 2" lower all around, still with the stock 15" steel wheels.

My car is my everyday commuter only, and it still drives like stock. Once pushed in tight turns, on/off ramps, quick lane changes etc., the car is a whole new animal! Very firm, very flat, and very controlled.

[OxyG3nE]

i can say the same as christ i have the df210.. think im going to make lapping with the car to really feel it ;p

[static808]

thanks for the quick responses everyone! after reading some more threads on this forum, i think we will definitely get the lowering springs. we would love to get the shocks as well, but then this car wouldn't be as "economical" as we'd like (pretty BIG reason for getting the car!), since we want the power package and the side airbags as well. once again, thanks everyone for the input!

--B

[johnnyfive]

Originally Posted by OxyG3nE

i can say the same as christ i have the df210.. think im going to make lapping with the car to really feel it ;p

when did chris get the holy status :)

by the way, my sedan with the DF210's is much noticably ruffer over poor road surfaces, as will be the side effect of any suspension work that gives you more stability and controle of the car. It is all about acceptable comprimise with both aspects of driving.

for me the slightly rougher ride of the DF210 is more than acceptable for the controle it gives, but i can not speak for the TRD springs, but a general rule of thumb, the less the drop(less change from stock spring rates) the less you will notice the changes in handeling, and driving comfort :)

[Chris07LB]

Originally Posted by johnnyfive

when did chris get the holy status :)

You didn't hear?

[Carvin'07]

I think the TRD springs are 'ok'. They are fine for comfortable sport cruising and the occasional fast turn, but don't expect racecar-like handling. There is still some bodyroll. It is quite comfortable.

The stock struts/shocks are 'ok' as well. The rears handle the lowering much better than the fronts. IMHO, the stock front struts are underdamped for the TRD springs.

[static808]

oh guys...one more question (i know, i know, i'm such a newbie here!). for people who have added aftermarket suspension, whether it be the TRD springs or otherwise, have you guys noticed an increase in cabin noise?? or does that occur only when adding bigger wheels and rubber. once again, thanks for the input everyone!

[Carvin'07]

Tires were the big noise enhancer. No change on the springs only.

[Chris07LB]

Originally Posted by Carvin'07

No change on the springs only.

Same here..

[Violin]

Any problems scraping the ground?

[Carvin'07]

No scraping whatsoever. I live 7 kms/4.7 mi in the country on rutted and bumpy gravel roads. Speedbumps are no problem, but I have a relatively mild drop.

[Chris07LB]

Originally Posted by Violin

Any problems scraping the ground?

Nope, never! I drive some pretty ghetto roads up around North Jersey too..

[JustAnotherAsian]

Originally Posted by Chris07LB

Nope, never! I drive some pretty ghetto roads up around North Jersey too..

with overhangs that barely extend from the wheel, i'd also expect that- especially from the rear. even with a low drop, the departure angle in the rear is still ridiculously high- kudos to yaris liftbacks! lol.

[fnkngrv]

Originally Posted by johnnyfive

when did chris get the holy status :)

by the way, my sedan with the DF210's is much noticably ruffer over poor road surfaces, as will be the side effect of any suspension work that gives you more stability and controle of the car. It is all about acceptable comprimise with both aspects of driving.

Johnny,
Do you notice any issues when pulling over the parking lot blocks since you have dropped? I know that the ones that are around here (which should be the same everywhere) just fit under the front lip with stock suspension.

[Carvin'07]

I know you weren't asking me specifically, but even with the Eibachs, I wouldn't consider getting near one of those parking blocks. The front of the Yaris is pretty low in stock form already.

[jah]

I have the TRD shocks/springs:
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=818
The ride is alot firmer, before when I went over a couple highway expansion joints at 70+MPH it had a couple of bounce oscillations before it settled down. Now its one very firm jolt, not bad, but noticably firmer, no bounce. Still has a bit of body sway, but still have the stock 15" steel rim/tire combo.

As far as clearance, I will scrape at the bottom of my drive, and a couple of places going to work if I don't slow down Additionally, it will scrape some of the parking blocks around here

Bottomline, my hatch is a commuter, mostly highway, and the TRD shock/supsension is a great improvement IMHO