I've been looking and seeing that some people have put lowering springs with stock shocks/struts. Is it possible to use the stock springs with TRD shocks/struts. I've noticed that there's a difference in height of the rod on the front strut http://www.club-tc.com/forums/suspension/75-front-spring-shock-install.html (see pic above step 14). I've already got the TRD shocks and struts but was curious if I had to install them with lowering springs.

You don't absolutely HAVE to, but it'd be best. It's not just the height, but also the valving, as they're designed to work with higher spring rates than stock. They'll work great with the TRD springs, which are relatively inexpensive, and shouldn't result in any additional installation charges over the struts alone (same amount of work to do both concurrently).

Thanks. That's what I was thinking and heard. Just wanted to confirm. I'm already planning on replacing brakes at the same time. Going to have a friend who knows much more about cars help with the install. Might as well do everything while the wheels are off.

I've been looking and seeing that some people have put lowering springs with stock shocks/struts. Is it possible to use the stock springs with TRD shocks/struts. I've noticed that there's a difference in height of the rod on the front strut http://www.club-tc.com/forums/suspension/75-front-spring-shock-install.html (see pic above step 14). I've already got the TRD shocks and struts but was curious if I had to install them with lowering springs.

I'm wondering about this as well.

Just had TRD springs/struts installed yesterday. This is my first drop and I'm just shocked at how awful the ride quality is. 180 degree difference from stock. I bought parts off eBay and wondering if there's something wrong with them. I read a lot before buying these and consensus seemed to be that these were the best balance between performance and stock's smoothness. This is not what I'm feeling at all.

Ordered TRD springs yesterday. All parts for the suspension were ordered from trdsparks. They had better pricing than what I saw on ebay. The parts I have so far all seem good. Won't be doing the install till I get the springs and the time.

I've been looking and seeing that some people have put lowering springs with stock shocks/struts. Is it possible to use the stock springs with TRD shocks/struts. I've noticed that there's a difference in height of the rod on the front strut http://www.club-tc.com/forums/suspension/75-front-spring-shock-install.html (see pic above step 14). I've already got the TRD shocks and struts but was curious if I had to install them with lowering springs.

I'm wondering about this as well.

Just had TRD springs/struts installed yesterday. This is my first drop and I'm just shocked at how awful the ride quality is. 180 degree difference from stock. I bought parts off eBay and wondering if there's something wrong with them. I read a lot before buying these and consensus seemed to be that these were the best balance between performance and stock's smoothness. This is not what I'm feeling at all.
I doubt it'd due to purchasing them off Ebay, they're likely legit. Sorry to inform you, but yes, there is a "night & day" difference in ride comfort, but there's also the same type of difference in handling. This being your "first drop", I guess you didn't know what to expect.

So what can you do? There are some companies that make shorter springs which maintain the stock spring rates, such as Eibach's SportLine (not their ProKit, which has higher spring rates), but the drop is a lot more than TRD. With stock struts and shorter springs that maintain the stock spring rates, your ride quality would be about the same as stock, but you'd lose the handling ability you have now.

The choice is yours: 1) go back to stock, 2) find drop springs with stock spring rates, or 3) get used to the harsher ride and enjoy the increased handling abilities.

Anything will be an upgrade from my worn out stock suspension with close to 90k. Especially driving through the Bronx. Is there that much of a difference between stock and TRD?

dont get why you would want to have trd struts and stock springs...
most people do trd springs and stock struts and use it until the struts blow

ofcourse the ideal thing would be to install both at the same time.

*you will notice the difference when you switch to trd. it is the best balance between something like tein h techs and stock.

Doing both now. Originally I was looking just to replace worn shocks/struts. About 89k miles on the original suspension and starting to feel the difference and hear creaking when going out of the driveway and over speed bumps.

89k?
damn
i wonder when mine will start wearing out too
then there would be the question, should i just buy a new car and trade in or...

In 89k the most expensive thing so far was new tires...now the suspension. For that many miles in a little over 3 years it's running real good. I wouldn't look for a new car unless I hit the lottery or something really goes wrong.