I just got a new 2006 tC and am looking to start tuning the suspension. I have the front Hotchkis strut bar already and am going to purchase the Hotchkis sway bar set. I was wondering, however, if I purchase the TRD shocks/struts, do I need to change out my springs to the TRD lowering springs for example? I really don't want to since I'm in Massachusetts and driving in the snow tends to happen and with a lower car this can be a burden. Also the city's streets aren't always so driver friendly. My only concern is that the TRD shocks might negatively impact the OEM springs. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I think you have about the exact opposie question as most people on here.

 

Haha, exactly. I couldn't find an answer. Everyone else is the other way around.

 

Using TRD struts with stock springs is totally fine but there is really no point because its is barly stiffer then stock. Hopefully someone will come out with a good set of shocks but we will have to wait and see. The koni sport shocks that are availiable are a great set of ajustable dampner rate shocks but unfortunatle are NOT direct replacement and require hacking up suspension parts.

 

So, basically the TRD shocks won't make a difference unless I have sport springs? In that case would sport springs make driving in the snow impossible? I know that's not a typical question, but being in New England it makes sense. I'm just worried that my car won't be able to drive in bad weather unless the streets are snow-free.

 

I would have to say that I don't think you could even use the TRD shocks with the stock springs, due to the TRD shock rod legnth is much shorter than the stock shock rod lengnth. I have a link below to my TRD shock and spring install and there is a comparison picture of the stock and trd suspension to explain my point.

http://www.club-tc.com/Article/29.html

 

Thanks for the pic alex. It does look to me like my stock springs would be too big for the TRD shocks. That leaves me to the snow dilemma. Anyone? I'm antsy to get going.

 

Anybody?

 

"In that case would sport springs make driving in the snow impossible?"

I would probably hazard a guess that if a 1" lower car causes issues in the snow, the fact that it's a light powerful front wheel drive car will cripple you well before that point.

That comes from the fun and games I had this winter driving in NJ in a 4wd Grand Cherokee (I do not look forward to the winter with the TC).

 

Not that it is the same with the tC, but my old 99 Cavalier Z24 lowered 2" made it through the nasty Pittsburgh winter 3 times. Never had any real problems. Just did not drive if it was more than 6-8" deep.