I recently installed a set of Tanabe DF210 springs in my 2nd generation xB. In order to gat an accurate read on the actual amount of drop, I parked the car on a flat level surface and marked the location by putting masking tape on the ground next to each tire so I could park it in exactly the same spot after changing the springs. I took measurements from the ground to the top of each wheelwell arch and also from the ground to the lowest point in the center of the front and rear bumpers. I drove about 20 miles to my friend's house where we changed the springs, drove the 20 miles back, parked in the same spot and took the new measurements. Here's what I got:

............ .............. Before, After, Drop
Front bumper .... . 8.5" 7.25" 1.25"
Front wheel arch . 26.5" 25.0" 1.5"
Rear wheel arch . 28.0" 25.5" 2.5"
Rear bumper...... 12.75" 10.0" 2.75"

That was 3 weeks ago. I re-measured it today in the same spot to check for "settling". The numbers were the same as the "After" numbers above. If there was any settling, I guess it happened in those first 20 miles.

These numbers are a bit different from Tanabe's "advertised" specs. I believe they say the DFs will yield a 1.7" drop in the front and a 2.1" drop in the rear. Personally, I'm happy with a little less drop in the front and a little more drop in the rear. But I do find it strange that their figure for the rear drop would be 0.4" different from my reality.

 

Interesting results... my NF210's are going on next Saturday, I'll do the same measurement check.

 

Were these measurements with the stock 16 inche wheels?

 

Yes, and stock Goodyear allseason tires.

 

Same air pressure each time? ;)

Just messing with ya! Good measuring.

 

hows the ride compared to stock set up?.. Im still debating,dont want to destroy the ride quality

 

I have trd springs installed for 6 weeks not much of a drop F 5/8” R 1-3/8”
------------------- stock / trd's
Front wheel arch 26.750" / 26.125"
Rear wheel arch 28.375" / 27.000"

I’m going to install the DF210’s this week end

 

Good plan. Looks like your car sat a tad higher than mine in stock form.. It would be nice to get measurements from you after the DFs are in.

 

The ride is just fine, better than stock IMO. The Tanabe springs are said to be 10-15% stiffer than stock. They don't feel too harsh or stiff at all - the small amount of additional stiffness is good, not bad. Also, lowering the car a bit yields less body roll in corners, so you get both a better ride and better handling. I'd recommend them.

 

sounds what im looking for ,,,thanks for the info, i had eibachs on my accord and hated them , bounced continously on highway, hoping that isnt the case with the tanabes

 

I finally got some free time to install my df210’s ( 18 x 7.5 +40 w/ 225-40-18 )
I also installed the trd struts/shocks w/ the df210’s very nice ride
imo the df210’s are a little softer ride then the trd springs

---------------------stock / trd's / df210
Front wheel arch 26.750" / 26.125" / 25.500”
Rear wheel arch 28.375" / 27.000" / 26.000”