Shocks & springs

[andylai2k]

Do I have to change both at the same time if I want to lower my yaris?

[staticorex]

Not really. Though it's advised. I've decided to wait to install my springs until I get new shocks. You can ride on shorter springs but it will greatly reduce your shocks life span. :) So I've heard.

[brickhardmeat]

Tanabe stuff was tuned to work with stock. They will be fine and will last a very long time. If you want a truly sportier ride you would want to replace you struts or get coilovers. In my opinion.

[tmyers82]

Also keep in mind unless you are doing the install yourself most places will charge you the same amount for just struts, just springs, or both at the same time.

[staticorex]

True. Even if you're doing it yourself, do you want to do it twice? :)

[doxns]

Hey guys,
I just did the install of Teins. Nice spring with a decent drop. I've found that significantly increased spring rates, struts and whatever, make a ride teeth rattling. I think the boys figured this out for us, mild street tunner vs. way serious, with little in between. By the way, the install would go a lot faster with an impact wrench. Without it it's a struggle.

[cleong]

Originally Posted by staticorex

Not really. Though it's advised. I've decided to wait to install my springs until I get new shocks. You can ride on shorter springs but it will greatly reduce your shocks life span. :) So I've heard.

How I approach this is simple. Shocks take typically probably 40,000 miles/60,000kms to expire. I wouldn't want to wait that long to enjoy my car with lowered springs I like the way it handles and the way it looks. Ok, so I'm impatient......

Lowering springs reputedly reduce shock lifespan and there are sound reasons why this is so, but it has been much exaggerated. If you simply cut your springs, yes, this would be the case, because you'll start bottoming out and riding on your bump stops too much, eventually breaking it. But with a proper set of lowering springs, the spring rate is increased to compensate for the reduced shock travel, and avoid bottoming.

So I figured I'd do the springs first, while waiting for Koni to roll out their replacement shock inserts for the Yaris. I hope that by the time the factory shockies start feeling tired it would be the right time to complete the suspension upgrade with adjustable Koni inserts.

[Motorhead6T5]

Originally Posted by staticorex

True. Even if you're doing it yourself, do you want to do it twice? :)

Its not very hard,I did mine by myself in my driveway in 105* heat. The front is the pain,and if you use a air rachet on the compressors its really not bad.

Getting a jack under the car after you lower it is the real problem lol.

[slvryaris]

Ya I did mine like last July in the heat. What is everyone using for struts and shocks when they are changing them????

[dsc_pat]

do you have to do any cuttings on the OEM parts to install tein basic coilover on a yaris ?

thanks

P

[brickhardmeat]

Originally Posted by dsc_pat

do you have to do any cuttings on the OEM parts to install tein basic coilover on a yaris ?

thanks

P

just the bump stops and dust covers

[kurokoma-kun]

Originally Posted by Motorhead6T5

Getting a jack under the car after you lower it is the real problem lol.

Drive it up onto a board or flat rock first. That's what I have to do with Miata, it's too low for floor jack stock!

[dsc_pat]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

just the bump stops and dust covers

thanks

another good reason to get them

i wish Koni would hurry up

[brickhardmeat]

Originally Posted by dsc_pat

thanks

another good reason to get them

i wish Koni would hurry up

yeah, I'd go with Tein basics, wait I did

I didn't have the patience to wait for strut options and Tein Basics offers a little more drop than the drop spring only options out there and I like that as far as looks go. Eveyone that has purchased the basics has given me positive reviews. I hope to have mine installed tomorrow.

[Jerzidude]

Hmm saw them on ebay... look good...