Hi, I am debating on getting an xb. I enjoyed the test drive but I am concerned about how low the thing sits. I would like to be able to take this thing off on a bumpy dirt road without worrying about damaging anything. Is there any way to remove the stock ground effects without making it look bad? Thanks

it's not too low....it's too high IMO you can easily drive on a decent bumpy road with it and not worry about a think....i'm lowered 1.5" all around and i have no problems....now when i get my 2.2"'s THEN i'll have a problem :-D

Jeff

i was wondering the same thing. i want to put little bit biger tires, ad a roof rack and take off the ground effects so i can take it to my favorite hiking spots, slightly off road.

IMO it just looks really low. It's the front and back lips that do it. If you look at ground clearence for the xB it's not too far off from other cars. The things that really help is that the bumpers don't stick out far and the short wheel base. So it handles inclines and declines very well. It surely is no off road vehicle but dirt roads with pot holes (not running 18 inch rims if you like your kidneys) are fine. I've never bottomed out on mine and I live in Vermont. In the spring the frost heaves are awful and I know I'm exaggerating when I say Vermont is only 1/2 paved but sometimes it seems it.... Heck I've been on dirt roads that are smoother than some of the asphalt around here!!! :P If you stay out of the corn fields after heavy rains... you're all set.

I remembered a post someone had written on here about wanting to take the front lip off during the winter. I did a search and couldn't find it so I'll sum up what I can remember..... When you take the lip off part of the radiator and/or AC componets are exposed. The plastic belly piece might also be attached to the front lip and would need to come off exposing your engine compartment to all kinds of grim.

Sorry.... 3rd post but I found that topic.... Looks like you will need to remove the bumper to get the front lip... 10 minute job.. It's in the tech section Here's the comments on removing lip for winter.

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=37496&highlight=lip+winter

The front lip is only 1.5-2" lower than the the front subframe. But with a stock suspension, it will just barely touch the top of a curb in a parking lot. of course I weigh like 260lbs so your results will vary. :lalala: