Hi folks!

I'm new here, and a totally ignorant guy when it comes to modding cars. Everyone seems friendly here, so maybe you can all help.

I just got a Black XA the other day. I tinted the windows, and the next step is to put some black 18" wheels on and maybe drop it some. How much can I drop it without trouble?

I've been poking through the posts for a bit now, and have noticed a huge number of people who know alot of stuff about these cars. Any help or advice you have would be fabulous. I'm a total noob, so help me out! My car will be super sweet with advice from you all!

I'll post pics when I take some! :silly:

Welcome to the ScionLife family!

The most important thing i can tell you right now its learn to navigate the site, and to make use of the search button!

Enjoy your new xA!

Look into Tein S-Techs, they are very popular and I know a lot of people who are happy with them. You can get them for a good price brand new off of ebay too. Tehy'll give you a good 2" drop.

Welcome!!! And I agree with quiet above.. there are a TON of posts about dropping your xA, there are a bunch of opinions on this, so read thru andd take what you like...

Welcome!

Tein S-techs are great springs. They do make the ride just a tad stiffer, but the ride sucks stock anyways, so no biggie. 18 inchers will also make the ride a little harsher as well.

Good luck on your xA!

Thanks so much for being patient. I'll use the search feature for sure. As for dropping the xA, someone mentioned that the Tein S springs can drop about 2 inches, which would probably be nice, though a little rougher ride. But that sounds workable.

I guess all of this knowledge is accumulated slowly over time. Trying to digest it all at once is overwhelming (wheels, spacers, tire sizes, dropping, springs, etc) but fun to learn!

Yeah! I started to learn about cars with this one. I'm still brain dead about most things. But everybody has to start learning somewhere.

Also, try xAtuner.com. It's a nice, xA-focused forum and site. For the most part, the active xA owners here are active there as well.

Nice! Thanks folks. Anyone know of some peeps within 100 miles of DC that could help drop an xa for a reasonable price?

I don't know of any places... but don't pay anymore than $125...

If at all possible, do it yourself. It seems frightening at first, but it's really easy to do.

Cool. I'm pretty sure that doing it myself is out of the question right now, but $125 seems reasonable. You have the S Tech springs, I see, and they seem to be pretty popular. Do you think a 2" drop is plenty, GoodGreek? And do you think that'll be a problem with 18" wheels?

Thanks again for the help!

I believe S Techs claim a 1.7" drop. I like the drop. It's pretty mild. It isn't too high up and it's not slammed.

As far as 18" wheels, I went with low profile. The diameter of the wheel is closer to that of stock. If you go with a larger diameter wheel, then 18" will probably fill in the gap really nice! I've seen 19" and 20" on this forum... but those rims are too big for my tastes. You shouldn't have a problem though. You might run into some rubbing issues if you get high offset rims. Stay at around +38mm offset and you should be okay.

So, with a 1.7" drop and 18" 35 series tires. I like it. I could use more of a drop... but since my car is a daily driver, I don't think I can go much lower without ruining my body kit.

By the way, I'm considering selling my springs if you need some. I'm going to go with something less stiff. PM me and I'll see. But I have to get some springs in before I can take these off.

Is your heart set on 18's? I think huge wheels look really goofy on the xA..but that's just my own oppinion.

As everyone else says "To each his own."

Personally though, I think that 18" rims are a nice touch to the car. That's what I'm running now. They look good, and I haven't ran into any problems with them.

I agree.. with some cars.. the 17's look almost perfect or lacking.. and with other cars the 18's look perfect or lacking... 18's with a 2.2" drop have looked very well.. but good greek said it best "To each his own"

Well, great opinions! I don't necessarily have my heart set on anything, but I think that the stock wheels are small, and the wheel wells are HUGE!

Macster, you mentioned a 2.2" drop. What springs are cost-effective and capable of this?

GoodGreek, I don't plan on a body kit, but I do use the car as a daily driver. Do you think a deeper drop will be a problem? Will it require any other important hradware modifications?

And finally, is there a site that any of you could recommend that explains all of this stuff pictorally and succinctly? There's just so much information right now, I'm on overload!

Thanks again, folks, from a total newbie!

I think that a 2.2" drop would be fine... if you live in an area like mine. Not a lot of bumps, potholes, etc. If you have a steep driveway or have to get into a steep driveway every now and then, a 2" or more drop won't be that good of an idea. Then again, you can probably pull off a drop like that if you drive *careful* and slowly into steep areas.

If you put lowering springs on, then you won't have to have any other types of modifications. If you drop your xA and you're happy with it and the comfort level of the car, then you can just leave it alone. You will probably wear out your shocks faster... but not for miles and years. That wouldn't be anything I worried about.

The best site for Scion-related stuff is probably this site. If you look long and hard enough, you'd probably find something about everything. As far as springs, the only thing that you can gain from a picture is the amount of visible drop. So, I don't know if that'll benefit you.

I don't know what other "stuff" you needed to have explained, but I'm sure that someone on ScionLife can help you out.

-- gg (I shutter when I see goodgreek or even ____geek, my original screenname. Use gg! Or call me Anthony!)

do any of you guys know of any place who will change the TRD springs here closer to Los Angeles? I already have them i just need somebody to put them on the car.

If you have a floor jack you can do it yourself ... if you have a couple of hours to kill.

I don't that's the problem.

I have the gold lines sitting waiting to be installed, but i'm ordering the DCSports Front Strut and Progressive Rear sway so I haven't installed the springs yet. Users that have used them (springs) say it's awesome.

Would I need special strut if I got those gold lines, or can I get a 2.2" drop with just those springs, avoiding further hassle? Thanks!

there is a walkthru on the spring install under suspension and handling, its for the xB but works the same for the xA except that you have to remove the wiper cowling to make it easier to reach the top bolts for the front springs, also, remember, the lower the drop, and the larger the rims, makes for a harsher ride.

Cool. Thanks. I checked it out, and I'm definitely inspired to get some goldlines and try to do it myself! Anybody know where to get them cheaply?