Lowering an '05 xB

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Feb 4, 2008 | 08:51 PM
  #1  
I've wanted to drop my box since I bought it but could never justify the cost for something purely aesthetic. Also, I am a complete noob when it comes to car mods, save for simple eletrical wiring on interior lighting projects.

My question is, is it possible/efficient/cost effective to swap springs by yourself or is that better left for the shop? Any comments/suggestions?

Thanks.
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Feb 4, 2008 | 08:57 PM
  #2  
yourself... takes 45min... very easy.
look in the tech section for the spring install...
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Feb 4, 2008 | 08:58 PM
  #3  
super easy to do it yourself with little or no help. My buddy Adam did mine b/c I have ZERO experience with struts. He did one side and I did the other after watching him. The back was even easier. Total working time from start to finish was about 45 minutes. I am using stock struts and goldline springs and got right @ 2 inches from it.

And it is not PURELY aesthetic. I actually prefer the ride and responsiveness i gained from lowering my xb. Much more fun to drive now and for about @200 bones you cannot go wrong. Good luck
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Feb 4, 2008 | 09:01 PM
  #4  
DIY, FTW!
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Feb 4, 2008 | 09:06 PM
  #5  
...and you get that little tickly feeling of "I DID SOMETHING MYSELF!"...
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Feb 4, 2008 | 09:07 PM
  #6  
Wow. Ridiculously fast response time.

I'm by no means a gearhead, but it sounds like it's a simple enough fix to do myself. Thanks for the headsup. Now, specifically, all I'd need to swap, ultimately, is the springs for a roughly 2" drop? That's what I'm going for, so it seems like the only part I'd need to source would be the springs. They've got buttloads on eBay for $130ish shipped. Any real reason to steer away from those? I know Goldlines are the name brand of choice, but is there significant degrees in ride/performance between off brands and the real deal?

Also, my apologies for not searching for the spring install before posting. It's been a while since I posted and I regressed back to breaking the cardinal rule.
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Feb 4, 2008 | 09:18 PM
  #7  
DO NOT BUY OFF BRAND SPRINGS!

Buy reputable springs... I run Goldlines... 2" drop. I like em.

Oh, and springs aren't purely aesthetic... there is a performance boost that goes hand in hand.
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Feb 4, 2008 | 10:14 PM
  #8  
^---+10 do NOT buy off brand springs! you don't know what you are getting, you don't know the spring rates, average drop, etc... go with a trusted name when it comes to ride quality.... goldlines, tein, progress tech, tanabe are all great names.. you can look and probobly score a sweet deal in the private party sales section on this forum.. for an extra 15$ get a brand name you can count on.. and yes, basically all you need are springs. later you may want to change our your shocks / struts if you feel the new lower ride is to harsh, depending on what springs you get... personally, i use the progress tech springs, 1.75 drop, slight rake in the front, cadillac ride... better then stock but not street scrapin like some of the other springs...
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Feb 4, 2008 | 10:55 PM
  #9  
Quote: ^---+10 do NOT buy off brand springs! you don't know what you are getting, you don't know the spring rates, average drop, etc... go with a trusted name when it comes to ride quality.... goldlines, tein, progress tech, tanabe are all great names.. you can look and probobly score a sweet deal in the private party sales section on this forum.. for an extra 15$ get a brand name you can count on.. and yes, basically all you need are springs. later you may want to change our your shocks / struts if you feel the new lower ride is to harsh, depending on what springs you get... personally, i use the progress tech springs, 1.75 drop, slight rake in the front, cadillac ride... better then stock but not street scrapin like some of the other springs...
cadillac ride? wow. hmm..i dont want a ride that good. i might fall asleep behind the wheel lol
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Feb 4, 2008 | 11:16 PM
  #10  
the two i would say to get the 2" drop would be goldlines of the tanabe df210 springs.
like everyone said it is pretty simple to do.
Just remember to go and get the front end aligned after you are done to save your tires.
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Feb 4, 2008 | 11:28 PM
  #11  
hold up here guys...he's going to need a spring compressor....just to make sure his face does not get taken off...you can rent one from Autozone.....also if you want to drop on springs get the tenabe df 210's you won't regret it
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Feb 5, 2008 | 12:21 AM
  #12  
Haha, I just put my stock springs back in. I grew tired of riding down low and worried about what I might not be able to clear that might be laying in the road. When I removed the rear spring by removing the upper shock bolts as I jacked it up the springs litterally fell out at a certain spot. Springs that remove themselves: I Love It! hahaha
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Feb 5, 2008 | 01:57 AM
  #13  
^ Say it ain't so Jeff!
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Feb 5, 2008 | 02:06 AM
  #14  
Quote: ^ Say it ain't so Jeff!
Yeah for awhile. I think I'll trade the hotchkis springs later for some TRDs that only drop an inch.
Anybody got some TRDs or Htechs they don't want anymore?
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Feb 5, 2008 | 02:21 AM
  #15  
The H.Techs are decent... don't bother with the TRDs though...
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Feb 5, 2008 | 03:25 AM
  #16  
Quote: The H.Techs are decent... don't bother with the TRDs though...
OK, good to know. I'll edit my add now.
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Feb 5, 2008 | 03:47 AM
  #17  
what about road magnet springs?
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Feb 5, 2008 | 03:52 AM
  #18  
Quote: hold up here guys...he's going to need a spring compressor....
I got tired of renting them so I just bought a new set for 35 bucks from AZ. They work real nice and now I'll have them for whenever someone stops by to get some springs installed.
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Feb 5, 2008 | 04:47 AM
  #19  
i have megan springs on my 05 xb & i love them highly reccomend them if your gonna swap your springs you should upgrade you end link bushings there under 15 bucks & youl really fell a difference

i now have 44000 miles on my box and im gonna be getting some new struts GR-2's cant wait happy modding
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Feb 5, 2008 | 05:08 AM
  #20  
why the bushings?
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