After researching this topic alot on SL and talking to a variety of people in the "ride" business I did the following step-by-step:

a) Put Tein H springs - dramatic improvement - hated the drop ($150.00)

b) Put Koni's all around - softest setting in the rear and 1/4 stiff in the front (the softest setting was even too soft for me) - another dramatic difference ($530.00)

c) Put Goodyear Comfortred 205-60-15 tires with 15" alloys (14 lbs.) on - less dramatic but could tell a difference for sure ($360.00 + $300 for wheels)

d) put the washers on the front of the seat to tilt bottom part backwards and had an upholsterer put 2" of tempurpedic memory foam into the bottom seat (removing the original standard foam) and this was a dramatic difference - much better than before

The theory was deal with all the variables between my body and the road...and it worked!!! It is truly a substantially different riding car. Now my bias is obviously comfort, but the car is still a go-cart and handles extremely well. I was lowered almost 2" (springs) and raised back 1" (tires) and re: looks?

There is zero wheel gap and I love the fat tire look and ,most importantly, I am not hitting every driveway, clipping every single bump and wiping out every snake crossing the road because I was 2mm off the surface. I really don't get the obsession with the drop - might look cool, but you pay dearly for that detail....for better handling? c'mon...@ 114 hp - where you racing to? whatever...it is an age thang....to each his own...

and now I have the perfect box for me - Damn - I love that car!!! Just disliked the ride, but not anymore...smooth firm and ever so comfortable..and looks good too....rollin' in Santa Barbara,,,,,,,

 

Another SB xB!

Just picked one up a couple weeks ago, love it. The stock ride doesn't bother me at all, I'd actually like it to be a bit firmer. I come from a 4x4 background, though, so I guess I'm just used to the bumps. Also don't see the point in willfully giving up ground clearance. To each their own, however--that's the beauty of the box!

Steve

 

 

You live in southern California. Why are you complaining about road hazards?

Come to Rhode Island, where we have winter and corrupt government. A 2 foot deep, 3 foot round pothole next to the highway is a road hazard.

 

 

I would like to know where you got your xB. Mine probably only has maybe 95hp to the ground right now

 

he also lightened his wallet too which made it even softer i just hate when that happens