whats up all. Hey, for those of you who installed your own trd shocks, do you have to cut the bump stops if your riding on lower springs, like you do with the stock shocks? Can I install these with the standard tools (jack/wrenches) or will I need a spring compressor etc...? Also, are there any aftermarket options for performance shocks or am I stuck with TRD? Thanks.

:ponder:

I'm lowered 2" and I didn't have to cut my bump stops (although I've heard many people suggest cutting them in half). I didn't use a spring compressor, I just held the strut assembly on the ground, loosened the big bolt on the top of the assembly a few turns at a time, and knocked the spring with a rubber mallet to decompress it slowly that way. I had a friend hold the spring in a compressed state with the strut cap on top while I tightened the bolt down when I put it all back together. I heard Koni is making shocks for the xB now, but I haven't confirmed that. The TRDs have a good feel to them; much better handling than stock, but a bit stiffer ride. I found my set for about $290 shipped. Hope this helps.

I installed Koni Yellows into my xA. I didn't cut my bump stocks and install H&R Race Springs (2.0"F/1.8"R).

I didn't use a spring conpressor for the install as the springs were already shorter.. went in really well. I haven't ridden on TRD springs before, but the Koni's are adjustable so it's nice to be able to go super stiff to super soft in a matter of seconds.

I installed Koni Yellows into my xA. I didn't cut my bump stocks and install H&R Race Springs (2.0"F/1.8"R).

I didn't use a spring conpressor for the install as the springs were already shorter.. went in really well. I haven't ridden on TRD springs before, but the Koni's are adjustable so it's nice to be able to go super stiff to super soft in a matter of seconds.

Do you have a link for the Koni's? Thanks for the info!

Fronts: http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?autoMake=Toyota&autoModel=Echo+Sedan&autoYear=2004&autoModClar=&make=Koni&model=Sport+Strut&group=Sport&partNum=8710-1403SPORT&perfCode=S

Rear:
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?autoMake=Toyota&autoModel=Echo+Sedan&autoYear=2004&autoModClar=&make=Koni&model=Sport+Shock&group=Sport&partNum=80-2827SPORT&perfCode=S

The Koni's are for Echo application, but they are a perfect fit onto the xA. I would think it'd also be a perfect fit on the xB. I didn't have to fabricate anything at all. So Koni's for Scion's shouldn't be too difficult for Koni to make. Maybe slight modifications, but I didn't need to do any.

i haven't gotten the shocks and struts in yet but i'll be using the tanabe df210s for my springs. i don't know if i'll be cutting any bump stops but i will be using a spring compresser...its the safe way to go. anyway i do believe tokico and kyb sell aftermarket shocks and struts if your not satisfied with TRD. hope this helps

-X

Spring compressor is not needed on the xB or xA. I would reccomend one on the tC though. The springs aren't totally loose in the x series application when uncompressed, but they only hold about 100 pounds of pressure. Not even enough to make a clanging noise when the nut comes off. You can recompress the strut and spring one handed, by yourself, unless you weigh 75 pounds dripping wet. In the tC application you should use the spring compressor as they hold about 350 pounds of pressure when uncompressed and that is enough to bruise your finger if it gets caught someplace where it shouldn't be.

alright well don't complain if something pops off in your face because of spring pressure. just my professional opinion in safety. but oh well do what you want.

^^ I agree

If you know what you're doing, I think you'll be fine w/o spring compressor.