So, there are many postings on this board about how when you replace the stock xD springs with lowered springs you should also replace the shocks because of decrease travel, etc. However, except for the TRD replacement shocks for over 400 bucks from Sparks I don't see any short strut/shock options. Not only that, but the TRD set-up is supposed to work with either stock or short springs, so other than a high price tag and slightly different damping how are they different form the stock strut/shocks? Looking here and at Yaris World seems to reveal that both the stock and after market TRD shocks are merely KYB products after all and how these may differ from the after market branded KYB GR2 made for the Yaris is anyone's guess. Even those are replacement for the "stock" ride height in a Yaris.
So, if I'm replacing the springs and I DO NOT want to spend $415+shipping for rebranded KYB's (don't even start in with coil-over banter), what is the solution?
Do I have to crack the gland nut on the xD front strut housing, pull the strut cartridge (if this is even possible on this car) and custom order a replacement cartridge from Koni?

 

im with you man, ive been doing some research and NO one except KYB has shocks/struts. and the KYB's arent even released yet..so..as you said, its just rebranded TRD's for now. i was hoping tokico or koni would have something but doesnt look like much. Fortunately the TRD's are shock rated for a lowered car, but it depends on what springs you go with. I've heard that both the TRD springs (obviously) and Tanabe NF's will work fine. I haven't heard anything about DF's but im assuming TRD's will still be better than stockers. in my honest opinion coilovers seems pointless with the macpherson strut set up we have. but...most would call me stupid for that ideology so w/e.

can you explain what you mean by crack the gland nut and pull the strut cartidge? I'm not sure what you mean haha..sorry

 

The TRD have different specifications over the stock ones even though they're made by KYB. They'll support a stiffer suspension better while sacrificing a bit of comfort in ride quality. While they arent aggressively tuned they fit the need of people who want better performace.

 

does that include DF's? because DF"s are supposed to be softer springs. comfort isn't too important to me, i can stand all the bumps, etc.

 

overall stiffness is going to lie within ur choice of springs. the shocks are only going to bring it to its full potential basically.

 

ah makes sense. i think im just going to go with TRDs...but MAN its a steep price tag..

 

hmmm, I've been looking around and found RS-R suspension kits. cost as much as TRD and tucks tire. gotta look harder.

 

hmmm, I've been looking around and found RS-R springs. they are super low too. as usual tho, aftermarket is draggin it's feet thee days. well, so is the economy. rogue lenders FTL!

 

You don't need Upgraded shocks to install the lowering springs. Most aftermarket springs like the Tanabe / Tein were designed to ride with stock shocks. That's why the ride is very similar to stock and they don't go very low 1.0"-1.9" (depending on the brand/model)

Yes, the installation of lowering springs might affect a little the overall life of the OE shocks but depending on yor driving style and your roads... a shock failure could happen after 1 year or after 3 years. So buy the new shocks when your stock ones are gone!

If you are really interested in improving the handling an upgraded shock will make a difference for you... but as you mention that the ride confort is your priority then you don't really need / want upgraded shocks.

Also, tokico recently released a set of blues for the Yaris that should fit the xD. This are a little better priced than the TRD's but ot by much.

Then again... There are hundreds of Yaris running on lowered springs and stock shock with no problems...

just my 2cents

 

nah i know you dont NEED shocks to install springs, ive already installed em. but i plan on entering auto-x so im planning on at least basics in terms of suspension *sways/shocks/springs at least* Due to the weight difference between the xD and yaris im a little worried about sticking anything suspension related from one on the xD..400 lbs doesnt seem like much but..Id like to stay safe haha. maybe im just paranoid but thats how i see it. for now i just need to save up and let my springs settle since theyre literally 3 days old..we'll see

 

If i'm not mistaken xD should only be 100 lbs, 200 at most more then the Yaris.
I think some manufacturers actually sell their Yaris springs for the xD.

 

higher performance shocks are neccessary when upgrading springs. aftermarket springs are stiffer which in turn get the car bouncing more. this tends to make the shock fluid/gas get foamy for a lack of better words as well as the shock is intended to have certain amount of throw. high performance shocks resist that effect. so upgrading struts/shocks is what I always recommend when changing springs. this arguement happened in the tC and xB forums

 

haha for sure..i think it happens everywhere, but i agree, shocks are a must (regardless of your intentions when lowering the car). btw, since i didnt get a response from anyone by starting my own thread maybe someone here can help. i recently lowered my xD on DF210's, and it looks like the front of the car is sitting higher than the rear of the car (at least half an inch) its noticeable, and im wondering if
1) this was due to a mistake during the install or
2) it's because of the design of the fenders. Front quarter panels flare out and rears are flat along the rest of the body

so is it just an illusion? or did anyone else have this probelm.

 

Usually takes a week for the springs to settle to get the full drop. If your referring to the main difference in height, the front is always going to be higher since its carrying your engine there. And if you drive an automatic, the front suspension lowers/drops when you put it in drive, etc.

 

hrm well, i drive manual, but from what youre saying that makes sense, i was starting to think the same thing..maybe the springs have a stiffer construction since, as you said, its holding the engine. but i wasnt too sure if i was right, thanks for your help :D

 

settle shmettle. my TRD's are just as low as they were 5600 miles ago. no settling here. noticed the same thing on an xD here. back end is draggin like he's on Hydro's or there is a 1000lb box in back. My car is actualy raked higher in the back which I like anyway. So it's not just you

 

hmm alright. well ill just come to the conclusion that its the way the springs themselves, and how theyre manufactured/engineered. thanks for your imput as well thankfully mine isnt as dramatic as the xD you referred to haha..because THEN i would have problems with it..

 

Tanabe springs offered for the xD are the same as the Yaris. Do you wonder how they came up with a kit for the xD so fast? They already had it.

Same with Tein. Check the part number of their Basics coilover kit for the Yaris and the xD is the same!

Oh... and regarding the DF's they are like that. Lower on the back. Many people don't like this.

Do a search of Yaris pictures with DF's installed. This is more noticeble on a Yaris Sedan.

I use to have a sedan with DF's and it was like that.

 

Uh I thought it takes longer than a week for the springs to actually settle on the car. Heck, I think my springs have finally settled, or something is wrong lol, since the rear is much lower than it was 6mos after having the springs put on.

 

yay! finally cleared up haha. I'll trust what youre saying about yaris/xD. i know its the same chassis as the vitz, so it makes sense...but the thing is the vitz and the yaris ARE different in size (vitz is four door..yaris is 2 door) which means that yaris chassis SHOULD be slightly different..i might be wrong im just speculating..but hey, im not trying to argue haha just my thoughts