Hi guys,

I am new here. I just installed hotchkis on my xb2. I am wondering what best suspension for hotchkis spring. I am looking for comfortable ride. I am a bit disappointed with the ride though, it is too stiff. Anyway, I really appreciate your input. Thanks.

 

Any lowering springs are going to stiffen the ride compared to stock. Their intention is more for handling than comfort (in most cases anyway).

 

@ack154: thank you for your input. Is there anyway to soften the ride a bit though?

 

As already stated, there's going to be a tradeoff. Lowering springs need to be stiffer in order to compensate for the reduced suspension travel that results from lowering. This allows the car to have the same load carrying capability and a lower ride height simultaneously.

I think any aftermarket shock absorber is going to make things even stiffer. There are no adjustable shocks out there for the xb2. I would be really interested if there was.

One thing that does help smooth out the ride is to load up the trunk with weight. I had mine filled with cases of water and beer recently and noticed a smoother ride. A very large speaker box could help too.

 

@rockthebeef: thank you! did you happen to know what the best suspension that fits perfect with hotchkis spring? as you know, hotchkis spring is very stiff compared to the other brands. I really appreciate your input

 

Lowering the vehicle will stiffen the ride a bit. Some lowering spring have a greater spring rate that allow more up and down movement, thus making the ride more comfortable.

Here is my story. Had originally TRD springs they were good. ride was comfortable and was still pretty stiff, but I did not like the ride height. I went with some Sprint Springs, these were extremely stiff and way too low in the front which caused my driver side original shocks to blow ( which I did not know until later). Then I "Upgraded" to some Tanabe DF's these were really comfortable they felt even better than my TRD's, but the ride height was Ok in the rear still slightly high in the rear but slightly lower than my TRD's. After further research i went with Hotchkis TVS and I could not be more happier, I eventually switched my oem shocks/struts to some Tokico HP shocks/Struts, which completed the suspension. for me the rear could still be lower but Im happy with my setup, it does provide a more level drop between the front and the rear.

You have some great springs in MY opinion.They give and produce the performance, I was looking for. good luck hope that helps.

 

@Digon: Thanks a lot for the explanation.

I am wondering though which one is better the Tanabe DF or NF. I heard people like NF better, the ride is not too bumpy. To be honest, I really like the drop on Hotchkis. Right now, I am still having the oem shocks on the box. Do you think that I should change the shock? I was thinking to switch to Tanabe NF right now. And looking at the rate, Hotchkis is a lot stiffer than the other brands. Here is my circumstances, I drive a lot on highway; 80 miles round trip. When it comes to highway, the ride is so bumpy; which I am not expecting it. Maybe you have some more inputs for me. I really appreciate. Thank you.

 

This thread will tell you everything you could possibly want to know about the NF springs. I drive 75+ miles each day also, and absolutely love them.
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=124875

 

@Cionide: Have you ride one with Hotchkis? I am considering it right now. Otherwise, I am going to put my stock back for now and decide it later. thanks bunch.

 

I haven't ridden in an xB with Hotchkis springs, but I do know that the Hotchkis rear spring rate is considerably stiffer than the NF's. I went with the NF's because I wanted to lower it a bit, even out the ride height a lot, and still maintain a nice compliant ride quality. I'm sure the softer rear NF springs allow a bit more body roll in turns, but I will be fixing that soon with the set of Hotchkis sway bars that are sitting in my garage.

 

Hotchkis springs aren't even remotely close to stiff, in my opinion... And I have the Hotchkis sways. I love the way my car handles and rides.

Exactly like what everyone has stated, there is a trade off to being low. If you don't want to be as low and want a more comfortable ride, I suggest the NF210's. If you still want to be relatively low and possibly ride better, the DF210's are for you.

I've installed 4 sets of DF210's and my one set of Hotchkis. My friends love their DF's. :D

 

Thanks guys for the input. I do have Hotchkis sway bars installed. I DO LOVE THEM so much. Do you guys happen to know where the cheapest place I can get for NF210? I found one place, they charge me $220 including installation. Do you think that's a little bit high for it? I am considering to switch to NF210 now. If one of you want to trade with my Hotchkis, that would be perfect. Thanks

 

Okay. I am switching to Tanabe and selling my Hotchkis. Anybody interested buying it? It has only been 3 weeks and less than 500 miles. I barely drive my car. Just let me know. Thanks guys.

 

HOW MUCH???