So I bought the TRD springs today (got a great deal, and I like the fact that they are a warrantied accessory) and I will be doing the install tomorrow. This will be my first time doing such work.

So, who went and got an alignment after they lowered their car? Is it necessary? I just bought the car last week.

 

It's not always necessary but HIGHLY recommended you get the alignment checked and adjusted after lowering. Give it a couple weeks on the new springs before you do, though, since they need time to settle down to their final height.

 

Ah, ok. I was going to do it tomorrow, but that makes sense to wait. If I understand correctly, there is no alignment adjustment for the rear? Will I see unven wear on the rear tires due to the lowering?

Thanks for your help.

 

Lowering a car will make camber a little bit different. To offset the lowering springs (TRD's) that I put on, I bought Nitto NeoGen tires, which are engineered to counteract negative camber (tops of tires lean towards center of car, thus putting more pressure on the inside of the tires). Now, unless you slam the heck out of it, not MUCH of a difference is going to be made, but it will definitely wear a bit differently. Maybe not noticeable to you, but to a trained eye I am sure it would be. Did you install the springs yet? Have any trouble? If you have questions, don't be afraid to e-mail or PM me I installed them myself. Great little car, glad you got SW. It looks great. Click on the link in my signature to view my pictures. What percent tint did you get on yours?

 

^^ pretty much hit the nail on the head there. You can align the wheels but there is no camber adjustment (which adjust how much the tire "leans" in or out). Do we have any aftermarket camber links available yet?

BTW tmrepp, how is the ride noise with those NeoGen's?

 

Oops, I haven't aligned mine at all since I got them put on. Then again I don't really care since I'm getting new wheels+tires soon..

How is the ride with those NeoGen tires? I'm thinking of the Nitto Invos myself.

 

Thanks for the help guys. My primary concern is uneven tire wear. I went with the TRD's specifically because the dealerships in this area sell lots of them with lowering kits installed. I was hoping that becasue they are desgined by Toyota, and being sold by the dealership with full warranties that the tire wear issue was mute.

I am a conservatuve driver, and getting the most from my tires is important to me. I rotate my tires every 5k miles.

I am now wondering if I should return the springs and leave it alone.

 

NeoGens are so amazing. Road noise isn't as low as a Lexus or bimmer, but the trade off is being able to take a turn at 50mph. :D Puts a big grin on your face. I have tried to brake them loose in a parking lot and I can't.

Don't return the springs, put them on!