Lowering - Springs Options

[Payne]

Had a quick search but couldn't find anything, looking to lower my celica I was wondering if someone with experience could give some advice/recommend some springs, also how hard of a job is it to install them yourself?
Thanks

[b22ri22an]

I have these on my celica


and this is what the drop looks like


no noticeable change in ride comfort but huge difference in cornering I give them a +1


i wouldn't recommend doing it yourself unless your comfortable with using a spring compressor, the rears don't need to be compressed but the fronts do

This post has been edited by b22ri22an: May 4, 2013 - 2:14 AM

[soulshadow]

I actually used a set off ebay that ran $100 pretty darn good around cornering and the drop was about 1.5 - 1.7"
Also installed on some KYB Gr-2 struts at the same time.

[Payne]

Thanks guys, anyone else have recommendations?

[RabidTRD]

Best setup to compliment each other is the Eibach Sportline's and Koni Yellow strut inserts (Special D). Gives you a modest drop with allowing you to fine tune your suspension stiffness. Perfect for daily driving for any enthusiast.

[Payne]

Best setup to compliment each other is the Eibach Sportline's and Koni Yellow strut inserts (Special D). Gives you a modest drop with allowing you to fine tune your suspension stiffness. Perfect for daily driving for any enthusiast.

Is doing the springs but leaving the stock struts a bad idea?

[b22ri22an]

depends on the condition of the struts, but i highly suggest new struts with the springs

[Box]

I have Tein springs with KYB struts. The handling ability it gives the car is phenomenal, you do trade off on comfort though. Stiff bitch gets a whole other meaning. Though if you want handling over ride, then Tein would be a good way to go.

Also running lowering springs on old stock struts is never a good idea. More often than not the struts blow out shortly and now you're paying more for labour than you would had you just replaced them with the springs.

This post has been edited by Box: May 5, 2013 - 2:43 AM

[Payne]

I have Tein springs with KYB struts. The handling ability it gives the car is phenomenal, you do trade off on comfort though. Stiff bitch gets a whole other meaning. Though if you want handling over ride, then Tein would be a good way to go.

Also running lowering springs on old stock struts is never a good idea. More often than not the struts blow out shortly and now you're paying more for labour than you would had you just replaced them with the springs.

Makes sense to do it all at the same time then I suppose, thanks mate!

[Nihil]

How about these?

SIX adjustable coilover kit

Never seen anybody here mention these springs/coilovers.

Another question regarding adjustable springs - Is it possible to rise your car before winter and lower it after? What else would you need to adjust with it?
We usually have a lot of snow on our roads during the winter, and lowered car could be problematic in such conditions...

[Syaoran]

How about these?

SIX adjustable coilover kit

Never seen anybody here mention these springs/coilovers.

Another question regarding adjustable springs - Is it possible to rise your car before winter and lower it after? What else would you need to adjust with it?
We usually have a lot of snow on our roads during the winter, and lowered car could be problematic in such conditions...

The thing about those is that aside from the fact that the spring rates are all wrong (way too stiff for oem-spec struts) they effectively shorten the stroke on the struts when you use them to lower the car (just like lowering springs do, however lowering springs only lower a certain amount, while these allow you to drop your car stupid amounts)

[rave2n]

I"ve used the coilover sleeves before.

If you do not plan on driving this car often or hard...go for it. Cheap and can lower.

But, expect it to slam. Mounting the sleeve itself can be troublesome, and difficult.

They really are just for lowering without driving IMO. I argued their value a long time ago, but after doing it right. They are a waste of dough.

[jordisonjr]

Coilovers.
Coil over sleeves are a waste of money IMO.
Once oyu've done springs, and everything else required, it will be close to the cost of coilovers.

[Box]

Once you've done springs, and everything else required, it will be close to the cost of coilovers.

Springs and struts only cost a little under $400, while coil-overs are $1,000 or more. Though at that point you have to decide on how low do you want to go and how much do you want to spend. If you want to drop 2" or more go ahead and get coil-overs.

[aldizzurp]

Don't do the sleeves. You're gonna hate driving your car that you really wanted to lower & enjoy more imo. I had the coilover sleeves on a Nissan 200sx to lower it & such and ended up putting back the stock springs within 2 weeks! Plus I felt every rock, every pebble, every piece of gum on the road

[RabidTRD]

Once you've done springs, and everything else required, it will be close to the cost of coilovers.

Springs and struts only cost a little under $400, while coil-overs are $1,000 or more. Though at that point you have to decide on how low do you want to go and how much do you want to spend. If you want to drop 2" or more go ahead and get coil-overs.

How do you figure?

Each KYB strut is over $100, then you have a spring setup that's over $200, then there are new mounts, hardware and whatnot that usually run around $150... by the time you're done replacing everything new, you might as well have bought coilovers for the extra few hundred.

Springs on stock struts is a no-no. They WILL fail and you'll be bottoming out constantly after that point. I've run the less aggressive Eibach Pro kit on a Monroe Gas Matic setup and it worked fine for a couple years... but that's a 1- 1.5" drop. Sportlines are 1.5 to 2"

Honestly, just save a bit more money and get a set of Megans for $800.

[Box]

How do you figure?

Each KYB strut is over $100, then you have a spring setup that's over $200, then there are new mounts, hardware and whatnot that usually run around $150... by the time you're done replacing everything new, you might as well have bought coilovers for the extra few hundred.

Springs on stock struts is a no-no. They WILL fail and you'll be bottoming out constantly after that point. I've run the less aggressive Eibach Pro kit on a Monroe Gas Matic setup and it worked fine for a couple years... but that's a 1- 1.5" drop. Sportlines are 1.5 to 2"

Honestly, just save a bit more money and get a set of Megans for $800.

You don't know how to shop then. You can get the front KYB struts for $48 each and the rears for $50 each. A set of Tein springs is $165. Even with buying a new set of mounts it's still cheaper than the Chinese parts bin coil-overs by a few hundred dollars.

[jordisonjr]

Once you've done springs, and everything else required, it will be close to the cost of coilovers.

Springs and struts only cost a little under $400, while coil-overs are $1,000 or more. Though at that point you have to decide on how low do you want to go and how much do you want to spend. If you want to drop 2" or more go ahead and get coil-overs.

How do you figure?

Each KYB strut is over $100, then you have a spring setup that's over $200, then there are new mounts, hardware and whatnot that usually run around $150... by the time you're done replacing everything new, you might as well have bought coilovers for the extra few hundred.

Springs on stock struts is a no-no. They WILL fail and you'll be bottoming out constantly after that point. I've run the less aggressive Eibach Pro kit on a Monroe Gas Matic setup and it worked fine for a couple years... but that's a 1- 1.5" drop. Sportlines are 1.5 to 2"

Honestly, just save a bit more money and get a set of Megans for $800.

Exactly this.
This is the route I went, and I spent just aobut that by the time all was said and done, except i ran on stock struts for a bit.
If i would do it again i would go coilovers, and yes I did shop arpound for the cheapest prices i could find.

[RabidTRD]

How do you figure?

Each KYB strut is over $100, then you have a spring setup that's over $200, then there are new mounts, hardware and whatnot that usually run around $150... by the time you're done replacing everything new, you might as well have bought coilovers for the extra few hundred.

Springs on stock struts is a no-no. They WILL fail and you'll be bottoming out constantly after that point. I've run the less aggressive Eibach Pro kit on a Monroe Gas Matic setup and it worked fine for a couple years... but that's a 1- 1.5" drop. Sportlines are 1.5 to 2"

Honestly, just save a bit more money and get a set of Megans for $800.

You don't know how to shop then. You can get the front KYB struts for $48 each and the rears for $50 each. A set of Tein springs is $165. Even with buying a new set of mounts it's still cheaper than the Chinese parts bin coil-overs by a few hundred dollars.

Megan coil over's are not Chinese parts bin.

Here are prices directly from MY store: (Which mind you, do not have to be shipped... hmm)

KYB GR-2 Excel-G Front struts: $80.99 per side (Part numbers: 334379, 334378)

KYB GR-2 Excel-G Rear struts: $92.99 RIGHT, $77.99 LEFT (Part numbers: 334125, 334126)

KYB Strut Mount - Rear: $69.99 Per side (Part Number: SM5087 x2)

KYB Strut Mount - Front: $52.99 Per side (Part number: SM5372 x2)

Moog Strut Bellow - Rear - Incl. bumper: $26.59 Per side (Part number: K90460 x2)

Moog Strut Bellow - Front - Inclu. bumper: $26.59 Per side (Part number: K90460 x2)

Total before tax: $703.28

This is BEFORE the Eibach, Tien's or w.e. else you want to use for springs. So it's ACTUALLY CHEAPER to go with a set of Megans if you were to order everything from in store. Even online, you're looking at close to $700 total from reputable shops and after taxes/shipping. Never will I ever recommend lowering springs again after I've run a set of good quality coil overs.

One thing I'd also like to note. You're going to have to assemble all of this yourself. That means you're going to have to rent a spring compressor. Or, if you bought coil overs, you can just unbolt the top three bolts of your factory struts - unbolt the bottom two to the spindles - take the brake hose clip off - take the links off and just slide the coil over in and spin everything back together. It cuts the labor time in half. So if you're going to do it yourself, you can do other stuff with your day, or if you're bringing it to a shop, this will save you more money on installation. Even if you manage to save the money on buying everything online from the middle of no-where, if you're having it installed, it'll run you more than it would have for a set of quality coil overs.

This post has been edited by RabidTRD: May 16, 2013 - 10:15 PM

[Box]

Your store is ripping people off then, everything was bought for under $500 for all new parts. That included all four KYB GR-2 struts, KYB strut mounts, and Tein springs. Megan=China parts bin, I believe the "MADE IN TAIWAN" on all of their products kind of gave that one away. That's just fancy talk for "MADE IN DEMOCRATIC CHINA" in case you didn't know.

[Box]

Oh that's your problem, you live in New York. Everything is more expensive up there. Not to mention physical stores are just more expensive to begin with. Anyhow, apparently Megan has a "Street Series" for our car now. Coilover set for $689 OBO shipped. Not bad, even if they are made in Taiwan.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Megan-Racing-EZ-St...6a7&vxp=mtr

This post has been edited by Box: May 16, 2013 - 10:54 PM

[RabidTRD]

They have had the "Street Series." The EZ is the new one.

Why does it matter where something is made? I've seen Moog parts get made in India and come out better than what's made here.

[Box]

Ah, I thought the original was a racing series. Especially after looking at the kg rates the EZ series are a lot softer than the other set that sells for $880? or so new. The only difference quality wise I could see between the two is the EZ series has 15 damper settings, where as the more expensive set has 32. Being that the EZ series has a softer kg rate I'm sure the 15 settings is more than enough for street use. Also I went and checked between Rock Auto and eBay and everything I mentioned would cost $532 shipped to my door today. Mine was done almost 2 years ago and then it was closer to mid $400, still much cheaper than buying from a physical store. Then again I can see the allure for most people if they don't have the tools and ability to do everything by themselves, that $160 difference is easily made up.

It's not so much an issue of where it's made, but in the manner as to how it was done. I don't have a problem with a Chinese owned and operated company and buying their products. What I do have a problem with is American companies exploiting Chinese people for cheap labour, while the fat asses over here get all of the money. That's any company no matter where labour is done, but they could pay more to the workers. Then again if they were willing to do that they would have never left production here to begin with... A lot of it it also that the Chinese make it to spec to whatever company tells them to, which is why we have the notion that "Chinese made=garbage". I used some Chinese(from a Chinese company) made microscopes back in school and they were top notch and had a sense of pride in how they were made. I want my money to go to the people that made it as much as possible, not to slavers.

[jordisonjr]

Thaats close to what I paid for my set up, however, the prices list for the front and rear strut mounts, were for a pair not per side.
What exactly is that moog part? I didn't require that.

[RabidTRD]

Thaats close to what I paid for my set up, however, the prices list for the front and rear strut mounts, were for a pair not per side.
What exactly is that moog part? I didn't require that.

No, that's per side. Says "2 Required"

The rubber urethane protector and bumper that keeps the strut from bottoming out.

[SwissFerdi]

Box is correct, a spring-and-strut setup can be done for half of the $800 Megan set. Mounts and bellows aren't necessary.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: May 19, 2013 - 3:27 AM

[Box]

Box is correct, a spring-and-strut setup can be done for half of the $800 Megan set. Mounts and bellows aren't necessary.

Even with mounts you can get it all for $530 shipped right now by using eBay and Rock Auto. Without mounts it comes out to around $370 shipped. That's with using KYB struts/mounts and Tein springs. Though Megan has this new EZ Street coilover for $680 OBO, so if you need it all and you don't care about origin then that might be the way to go. Especially if you're wanting to drop 2" or more. I have the KYB and Tein combination and have been happy with it. I don't think I'd really want it any lower anyway due to the crap they pass off as roads around here. It's up to you though, depending on what you want looks and performance wise.

[SwissFerdi]

If I were to do it again, I'd go with that EZ setup indeed, seems like a fair deal. I'd have to do more research on damping and whatnot, they're quite softly sprung (7kg/mm - 4kg/mm; 420lbs/in - 280lbs/in, front and rear respectively).

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: May 19, 2013 - 7:58 AM

[RabidTRD]

If I were to do it again, I'd go with that EZ setup indeed, seems like a fair deal. I'd have to do more research on damping and whatnot, they're quite softly sprung (7kg/mm - 4kg/mm; 420lbs/in - 280lbs/in, front and rear respectively).

Holy crap. My D2's are 11 and 10 lmao. That is quite a bit softer

[smkr3w]

Box is correct, a spring-and-strut setup can be done for half of the $800 Megan set. Mounts and bellows aren't necessary.

Even with mounts you can get it all for $530 shipped right now by using eBay and Rock Auto. Without mounts it comes out to around $370 shipped. That's with using KYB struts/mounts and Tein springs.

I spent ~$295.xx for my Stagg strut/ megan spring combo best bang for your buck for lowering without coilovers.
Re-used top mounts and no bellows.

I've had em for over a year now with no problems, other than a lil' fender rubbin' in the rear after spacers

edit: also, liking that megan has cheaper coilovers available now

This post has been edited by smkr3w: May 20, 2013 - 2:31 AM

[Red123]

I have one question.
The gap between wheels and fenders on my car is about 2cm, so if I installed tein or trd lowering springs ,will the fenders rub on the wheels? cause as I know that springs drops the car approx. 35mm.

Thanks

[Red123]

anybody?

[jordisonjr]

You'll probably rub, depending on how flush the wheels are with the fenders.
In the rear, you may be able to solve that with a fender roll, however, the front is pre rolled from factory, so you cant gain a whole lot of clearance there.
If you want, I can take measurements on the gap I have on my stech/gr2 set up, and let you know.
I rub the slightest bit in the rear, not in the front

Also, the wheel fitment thread may be a good place to look for an answer, it may have been covered in there.

[k-weaver]

So when I did mine I kept my existing mounts, saw no reason to swap those. Same for the bump stops. I did buy new lower insulators as mine were pretty beat up. I got my stuff at the same price someone else mentioned $165 Tein springs and about 50 bucks per corner on the struts. Most of this was free shipping aswell. So yeah, $400-$500 is easily achievable.