I've lurked on these boards for a few years now, but never got around to throwing some shocks onto my box.

I installed some 5987's on my stock height xb, and man, what a difference.

I'm a believer now...

Later.

 

For earlier in this post, 2 to 3cm = 20 to 30mm....1" = about 25mm or 2.5cm.
I agree that shocks can not lower but remember, "believing is seeing"!
Also, I have been wrong before...yeah, really!
So I am looking for LOW in the front and like the idea of Echo struts. Problem is that I want to see the comparisons and Monroe does not publish specs for xB struts, only echo. I definitely do not want a softer ride as soft=roll in my experience so will probably go with the monroe struts on the front and 5601's for the rear (stock #).
I would like feedback and explainations on the Koni's too. Coil overs is what I like but can not afford. Thanks everybody!
Socks

 

Just wait till you upgrade the front struts with Monroe 72245. The difference is night and day.

 

I've got some df210's on my xb but my shocks and struts are out. way too bouncy. what do you guys think will be good to replace them with?

 

i got a used set of rear 5987 shocks if any one wants em..i will let em go for cheap, prolly has like at least 2000 miles on them...pm me if interested

 

how much are you willing to let them go for? What about the fronts?

 

i only have the rears, i prolly let them go for idk $45? without shipping.

 

ahh....its okay thanks though.

 

i could sell em for cheap if you really want them...

 

Hotsauce, Have you priced the struts and shocks at your local NAPA yet? Or online?

 

I thought about getting stock ones but they seem more xpensive than aftermarket ones so I'm thinking about getting something else. Like monroes. I heard they're pretty good.

 

Not to mention the stock ones are WAY too stiff.

 

yeah that too. I've had my xb for awhile now but never really did my research until now. Alot of very good info that I shoulda known all along.

 

are these 72245 better than the 71575's? if so whats the difference? I also had a question about the monroe strut mate mounting kit. do the ones for the echo fit well on the xb too if I plan on getting 71575's or should I get strut mate mounting kit made for the xb?

 

Now, this is the first that I have heard of strut plate kits and such. I want to get the box down without bagging. Stiff is NOT a problem. Coil-overs are desired but not afforded. There appears to be looser and less information here than in years past. Is there a "sticky" or a site or an "expert" (retailer or otherwise) that compares and contrasts various combinations and options re suspension?
I would like my box a tad lower (f & R) but just the front would be OK too. I now run.....
17" with Nittos 40 series. DF 210's, TRD lowering struts and shocks.
Socks

 

Cheapest route I could think of to lower your box more:

Front: Pull the coils and cut one half coil. Change the struts out for echos (2002) going with Monroe or whatever you prefer.

Back: Swap out the TRD shocks for some airshocks like jbo uses (not sure what they are, but the drop the back by a half inch or more iirc).

Judging by your profile pic, that's before the DF210s. Got a recent pic with the drop?

 

okay, so who here has a dropped xb with df210's and all around monroe struts and shocks made for the xb? How's the ride and comfort?

 

I just got my monroe struts and shocks and my struts didnt come with bump stops/bushings. Are we just to use the old ones from the stocks? Also is it a good idea to cut the bump stops on the struts shocks?

 

Sorry, but in the rear the ride height is completely reliant on the spring unless you were trying to raise it with airshocks. You could remove the shocks altogether and the car would not drop so unless you were to put the airshocks on a vacuum.....

 

Just did mine today as well as the energy suspension bushings. I didnt go with Monroe's shocks and struts but i did install Gabriel Ultras from Autozone. I got the ones to fit a 2001 Echo for front and rear and MAAANNN what a difference. For a second I almost had to get out of the car to make sure I had gotten into my xB. Would like them a bit stiffer for handling but a very comfortable ride. I advise everyone to put these on your car especially if your lowered. Went from covered wagon to Cadillac!