I am really new to the Scion scene and even newer to the boards. I want to lower my xA. I have looked at the TRD kit and some other springs/struts, nothing has jumped at me yet. So id like to get some recommendations form the pros here. I don't need my xA to be a race car but a more aggressive suspension is a must .

On a 1 - 10 scale how hard is the installation of the struts/springs? I have a bit of knowledge about cars but ive never attempted a project such as this much less on my new xA. and just a side note what's the installation of springs/struts run ballpark?

I saw a note of a local San Diego scion night. wed at the Fusion cafe? I have the address and all taken down so I just might show up. About what time do you guys gather ect ect. Hope to see some local guys and gals on wed.

Thanks

I had my springs installed by a homie, so i wouldn't know myself on a scale from 1-10.

The scion meets in San Diego are @ fusion cafe on wed nights. It starts at around 8:30-8:45pm. It goes on till about 10:30pm or whenever.

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20769
that is a DIY guide on spring installation

the dealer will charge anywhere about $150-$300 for installation (total ripoff)
the only benefit from the dealer install is that it won't void your warranty(but that is only if they can prove that the springs caused the problem)

i asked that awhile ago and here's the answers i got...they say $60-$120 for a shop to install 'em:
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33004&highlight=

hope this helps some!

I'm really happy with my TRD's. . . they are exactly what I wanted. I wanted to be lowered without ever having the possibility of scraping or rubbing. You see I constantly load this thing with too much weight. Handling gains are huge, and the ride isn't too much worse, but you do notice it on bad pavement. One thing is for sure, once you swap the springs, you will want new tires bad. The suspension is great, but now that it is lowered you definitely notice how crappy the OEM tires are.
If you want the "slammed" look, I'd stay away from TRD's. They make the car look better and handle better, but it is a subtle drop. Most lowering kits make a car look obviously lowered, and this is NOT the case with TRD's. . . which is again what I wanted.

a friend of mine installed tanabe df210's with trd struts and the ride looks nice...he said the install is cake, very easy...he also said the the struts aren't really needed cause the trds are athe same as the stock ones...maybe with a little more resistance. but as far as install you can do it yourself and save yourself some money.

Awsome thx guys i plan to get the tanabe df210's springs and do the install myself.

Is the spring all thats needed or should i add some aftermarket struts to the car? struts just make that car handle better correct?

again thanks in advanced.

hold off on the struts because i will be installing my springs this weekend...so ill let you know if you should buy the struts as well...the struts help eliminate bounce of the car caused by the springs, just for info.

I'm installing my TRD springs tonight once I get off work! So I'll let you know once I get them done.. and hopefully pics too!

hey dj will i need a spring compressor to install trds? or can it be done with a slight pressure? and dont ya mean i'll be lowering it? lol. j/k u get to learn my main man

I'm back! Thanks to Darren for lowering my xA for me. Man, let me tell you, these TRD springs make a huge difference. I personally don't like the slammed look so these give it a nice lookin drop! Not to mention the immediate notiable improvement in cornering! I drive a nice S curve street on the way back home and I was pulling through those turns at least 10mph faster with no worry of loss of traction.. even in the rain! I would definietly recommend you put in TRD Springs if your looking for a small drop and improvement in your cornering! I'll post pictures tomorrow when the sun is out and rain clears up a bit.

Props to Darren (hotbox05) for dropping my xA! Super nice guy! He'll work for xB!

sweet jeremy i was hopin youd love em. great stuff man. and thanx for tha plug. sorry it took a lil longer but all is good for good conversation , a lil bit of learning , good work and a cheap price right?

I'm back! Thanks to Darren for lowering my xA for me. Man, let me tell you, these TRD springs make a huge difference.

Are you still using the stock shocks/struts?

Yep, still on stock shocks/struts.

Yep, still on stock shocks/struts.

Cool! Please post a pic.

I will indeed! Seems like it's still raining and all, but I will definitely try to get pics up later today after class!

Please keep us updated, I would be interested know how your O.E. dampers hold out. Thanks!

oe will hold out till normal discard with any springs with less than a 2.0 inch drop

oe will hold out till normal discard with any springs with less than a 2.0 inch drop

Regardless of spring rate?

As requested, here are the pictures: http://www.pbase.com/itzjere/lowered&page=all

I also used a water bottle so you can get the relative idea of how low the drop is and the wheel gap as well. Enjoy.

Nice! ...and thanks too!

staypuft, i installed my springs this weekend and the ride quality without aftermarket struts is ok...you can ride like that for awhile, not that much bounce...i will be installing trd shocks in the near future, but if you just want to lower the stance of the car because you cant afford both then go right ahead and buy the springs...but if you can afford both then apply the struts as well since youll only have to do the install once.

oe will hold out till normal discard with any springs with less than a 2.0 inch drop

Regardless of spring rate?
for the most part yes. even if a radical spring rate it'll still last like 20k plus