What's up everyone. I just bought my 2006 scion xb at the end of Christmas. I put some 18's on it, but there is still a nice gap between the frame and the tire. I want to lower my car so the wheel and the fender can be almost flush, but I'm scared of losing the ride quality. I lowered my old nissan and the ride quality sucked!!!! Does anyone have any advice?

 

lower springs like eibachs(moonray had some that sat lower than 2 inches) or airbags! yeah baby!

 

So eibachs have good ride quality? I don't know about those airbags...lol...I hear you feel every bump in the road and it's like riding on balloons!!!!

 

http://www.randode.com Randode has lowered 90+ Scions and is the king when it comes to this kind of work. He will set you up right.

 

COILOVERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hehehe

 

Anytime you lower a vehicle, you loose ride quality. I do not care what anyone else says. If quality means you will feel every bump in the road, you will get it.

I do hear that bags ride a lot smoother, but then you have other issues. What happens when a bag rips or your compressor goes out?

Like I said, I hear bags have a smooth ride, but if you use lowering springs, you will loose ride quality. Not that stock springs are any better. But if you use lowering springs, you will feel every bump. JMHO

Some people do like the feel of a lowered ride, but I know my wife does not. I personally do not mind the ride, but my wife hates it.

 

everyone I know that has the Eibach sportlines loves them. I have gold-lines and so do a lot of others. I think ride quality is pretty close to stock with gold-lines, but I don't know about the Eibachs since we didn't do the "trade cars and race in a parking lot" meet.

 

The xB does look better lower, but in my wife's opinion, the ride quality sucks when it is lowered (women with a big chest will hate the ride!). I have not tried riding on bags, but I hear it is smoother.

 

I think what Dagarhart said is right on target. If you like to feel connected to the road and every little bump hits and is over instantly, lowering springs are good. If you like to not feel every bump, but drag out the experience (smoother, but longer) then they are not. The scion springs are pretty stiff already, so a lot of people say there is no difference from stock to lowering springs.

At least that's how I interpret my experience and what I've heard from others.

 

I would have to agree with dudehitt. I really didn't notice much of a difference with lowering springs.

 

My vote is for Eibach Sportlines for springs. I have them on my ride and love them.

Hey Brent at one of the next meets if you want to drive mine to feel how Eibach's ride....Let me know....

 

No, You Eibach guys love them so much I'm afraid I would want to switch. I've got other things to do with my money than change springs.

 

I agree. I have other things to spend my money on, but goldline does offer close to a stock feel and Randy (randode) can do it for a resonable price. http://www.randode.com/

 

I have the Goldlines on my xB and love the look. One thing you need to keep in mind is while the springs will make the ride a little bit rougher, it's the tire sidewall height that will make the biggest difference in the ride. (IMHO)

 

Ok, i'll toss my input in here as much as its worth.. and this is IMO.

Bags.. neat to own, if you want to be adjustable very low.. but very $$1500+

Coilovers great for that fine tune adjustment for spring rates and ride staqbility and right hieght (pending manufacture) but still $$ 700+ depending on brand.

Springs.. Easy solution in lowering your ride and getting rid of that gap in the wheel wells. depending on springs brand anywhere between 100-300$
Ride quality here is going to be based off manufacture (me personally I like Eibach)
Anytime you lower a vehicle your going to stiffen up the ride. BUT if you do it right you will have a smooth ride if you do it right.

Same will apply with lower profile tires.. less sidewall to take up the beating.

any more questions feel free to msg me on AIM.. I dont mind..

again everyone is going to have thier own opinion.. but think it out what you want to achieve.

 

Hey everyone thanks for the advice!!! I really appreciate it!!!

 

Heck, screw the ride quality just give me a woman with a big chest!

Anywayz, hit Randode up! He's the man when it comes to Scion suspension. He'll hook you up.

 

Honestly, you don't need coilovers or anything that "special".

I have just simple Tein S-techs (Don't get the H-techs, they don't look as good). Just springs. Cheap and nice. My car is DUMPED, and it rides like stock, as long as you cut the bump stops. If you don't, then yes, you WILL feel the difference.

Also, they are super easy to instal, I did it myself. Honestly, the hardest part was lifting the tire!!! I did it in my garage with the factory jack. Easy.

But it's all up to you...I just figured I would give you my opinion, because I love when people give me theirs!


~Stephanie

 

Oh ya, what ever you do DON'T HAVE A DEALER INSTALL IT! They installed my TRD's for $550, um ya. last time they ever installed anything for me.

 

I have the Gold-Lines and loved them, that was ntil I drove Chris's car...I like the Eibach Sportlines better, plus you get a little more than a 2" drop...