Can someone explain to me, or point me to a definition, example (pics) or something that explains what coilovers are and how they work with/vs other suspension modifications?

Thanks.

Coilovers are manually adjustable, usually with a specific wrench.

do they work in conjunction with springs/struts? or are they a replacement?

please forgive my ignorance on this subject :)

do they work in conjunction with springs/struts? or are they a replacement?

please forgive my ignorance on this subject :)

in conjunction, usually if you are racing you would adjust accordingliy, if you were going to be crusing, adjust again. the springs fit over the coil overs.

so coilovers are just fancy adjustable shocks?

You would either get lowring springs or coilovers. So coilovers are like adjustable springs.

With lowering springs, you usually do not need new shocks.
With coilover, you usually do.

ok let me clear some things up ....

coilovers come in 2 different packages...the high quality coilovers... are shock + spring together....u can adjust height on all of them, and the more expensive ones can adjust damper as well..

the cheap coilovers are just adjustable springs that people put on top of their original shocks. these can adjust height, but aren't engineered to the exacting specifications that the complete coilovers are...
for example: if u go on ebay and search for coilovers, you will see ground control coilovers:

http://i13.ebayimg.com/03/i/02/4f/96/48_1.JPG
now...you see the threaded part? that fits over the shock, and the gold screw part is what adjusts for height, using that wrench...

NOW SPRINGS....springs are just springs they go on top of shocks(dampers) and that's all they do, they either lift or lower... cannot be adjusted... thats about it for springs....

Alex

springs are just springs..there are two basic kinds of coilovers..theres the kind that are height adjustable and are an entire spring/strut assembly..some are even damper adjustable...the second type of coilovers are sleeve type, the ones that would have to be installed onto struts or shocks (depending if your car uses struts or shocks)..and struts are just struts....that pic above are the sleeve type coilover..hope you understand this

If you are debating which to purchase and are asking this question let me answer it for you- Get the springs/shocks. If you are into AutoX then it is worth it, but if you are asking this you know nothing of track racing. Most people who have coilovers do not use/adjust them properly, so they actually have worse handling characteristics then they would obtain with a set spring/shock set up.

Most people who purchase coilovers get them because they cost more, so they are assumed to be superior

"fake" coilovers suck period.

Either do a suddle (sp?) drop and replace the struts or go with a true coilover system.

Doing so will preserve the balance of the car, providing you know how to properly adjust the suspension.

Coilovers are best for racing and if you wanna slam the car for a show... They also have matched spring rates and dampening with the shock, making for a little to no bouncy ride. The car will handle and perform better, without sacraficing as much ride quality.

If you want no more than a 1.5" drop, the springs are fine, and I suggest the TRD schocks as well. If you want more than that, my suggestion is a tru coilover replacement which will give you a lot more room to work with, without making sacrafices to reliability, performance, and ride.

So, since I'm very novice at suspention, I should just go with TRD Lowering Springs and eventually go with an upgraded TRD Shock?

What is the difference in the stock Shocks and the TRD Shocks? Why is there a need to replace them?

So, since I'm very novice at suspention, I should just go with TRD Lowering Springs and eventually go with an upgraded TRD Shock?

What is the difference in the stock Shocks and the TRD Shocks? Why is there a need to replace them?

http://www.trdusa.com/GeneralInformation.asp

Shock Absorbers and Struts - Shocks/Struts work in conjunction with springs to control the interaction between your car's wheels and its chassis and reduce the amount of force that shuttles back and forth between them. The result is a more consistent and comfortable driving experience. Purchasing the right high-performance shock absorber for your vehicle is critical to dampening the forces that impact your car every day - keeping you and your car in control of the road. TRD, together with some of the most highly regarded shock/strut manufacturers in the worked, has engineered the ideal performance suspension system for your Toyota. With more aggressive valving and a higher dampening rate than OE, TRD shocks/struts improve handling, steering response and cornering power. The monotube construction allows the working cylinder direct air exposure which reduces the amount of heat build-up in the shock. Additionally, TRD shocks/struts are nitrogen gas-charged to eliminate oil foaming and provide consistent operation over a wide range of temperatures and conditions. TRD lowering springs are highly recommended for use with our high-performance shocks/struts.