Hey, i've had my xB for about 3 months now, and i'm thinking it's time to better it's looks and it's ride. So I was wondering some advice from every who has lowered there's. See i wunna keep my 15" steelies for a bit longer, till i save the money for 18". Heres what i want, i like to see a wheel fit perfectly in the wheel well (i know theres going to be differences between a 15" and 18" wheel) I want the tire to have the same space from the lip of the wheel well all the way around the tire. Plus i want something with a little more stiffer ride, i want something that wont roll and lift tires under hard driving. I was wondering the best things to to do and see what ppl like the most! My budget is around $200-$400 ($500 pushin it). So can anyone help me on what will give the best look and best cornering?

Thanx

I think Hotchkis has a kit that includes springs and the sway bars. Check them out @ http://www.hotchkistuning.com/cgi-bin/EDCstore.pl?user_action=list&category=Shop%20by%20Make%3BScion%3B04%2B%20xB

But does anyone accually have these? i want to know peoples first hand opinion on these products.

Hotchkis is the way to go, but I'd better say that they're one of my sponsors. You have to make a decision if you want lowering springs or competition springs. Sounds like you'll need the comp springs. And there is a difference in ride and performance. Contact: jwhatley@hotchkis.net for more info :lol: KDawg

Based on what you said, I'd go shopping on eBay for lowering springs and a front STB. You'll save some bucks compared to buying these items from the dealer. You can install the STB yourself, and shop around for a place to install the springs and do a 4-wheel alignment. The prices the Scion dealers want (parts + labor) for the STB and lowering springs are obscene.

You can get a front STB for about $125 shipped, and springs should run no more than $150 shipped. I ordered the DC Sports dual-tube STB, and installed it myself. Also got the TRD lowering springs, and paid a local shop $180 for installation and alignment. That'll just about take care of your budget.

Regarding the springs, if you want your xB to be "comfortable" for everyday street driving, I wouldn't recommend competition springs. They drop the car too much and are too stiff for the street. Sure they'll look cool, practically eliminating the wheel well gap, but you'll pay a price for it (MUCH stiffer ride, shorter life on the stock struts and shocks, etc). I got the TRDs, which lowered the car just a little over an inch. Tein S springs will lower the car more, without the bouncy ride you'd get from competition springs. Here's a pic of mine with 18" wheels and TRD springs:

http://www.njsr.org/pics/displayimage.php?pid=29062&fullsize=1

FWIW, the overall diameter of my 18" 215/35 package is about .2" taller than the stock 15" 185/60 wheel/tire combo. That pic will give you an idea of how much lower your car will be with the TRD springs and keeping the stock wheel/tire combo. I'm guessing that you'll still have a wheel well gap of about 2".

Goldlines here for 189.00 shipped to your door, two inch front and rear. www.scionspecialties.com