Is it just me or does anyone feel like the xB is really bumpy? Especially when I drive on the 405 or most freeways for that matter it feels like I'm riding a go-kart.

 

405.. 5... 57... Although there's new pavement work done on the two right lanes on the five.. very smooth.. but yea.. you are not alone...

 

Yup it is bumpy...Funny you mentioned the go-cart..lol, I have said that since day one. Crazy as it sounds my lowered springs improved the bumpiness...

 

has anyone here installed the Monroe Sensitrack shocks with lowering springs yet? I here thats a good match.. maybe less bumpy..

 

It's a fairly typical subcompact in this regard, IMO. It rides much like my old '81 Tercel did. The car doesn't have much mass, and therefore less inertia. It would take an inappropriately robust suspension system to compensate.

Personally, it would only be a problem if the harsh ride were accompanied by control problems -- some cars that are rough on bumbs also tend to change directions unpredictably when they hit one. The xB doesn't have that problem -- the bumps do kick the steering wheel out of your hands -- so I'm happy.

I like the ride and handling a lot, in fact.

r

 

Yeah there are too many trucks on the LA freeways and the pavement is pretty rough. One would hope that the windfall the state is getting from gas taxes would be put to use on the freeways---but that is not likely. I have read several posts from owners who put the Monroes on and they all seem pretty happy.

 

Yes, it is a bit rough. I've found that dropping it a bit evens it out, and the Monroes also help.

With the Monroes, for stock height up to 1.5" drop, get the 5987s
Greater than a 1.5" drop, you'll want the 5870s

 

i think lowering springs help. im getting the monroes for the front and back. hopefully it smooths it out even more...

 

I haven't done springs yet so I might try that. How much do the Monroes typically cost?

 

I don't live in CA so I haven't driven too many of the freeways, but the 10 through Pomona is pretty bumpy. The big problem is they can't ever shut down the freeways to fix them... it would cripple the traffic

 

one of the ways to fix the bumpy ride would be to dropp it.. plus it looks sweet lowered i have goldlines 2'' front and back not to low not to high love um..... and i have heard nothing but good comments on the rear monroe sensatrac 5870 's and you can get them at PepBoys for 25.00 a piece .. good luck

 

Monroe Sensatrac. Throw them on the rear immediately. One beer job and dynamically improve the ride. Finish it off with Tein H-techs and Monroe Sensatrac struts.

That's what I'm riding on and it's much better on the road and in curves like going up the entrance ramps.

 

Ok i think I'll do the Monroe Sensitracs. What am I looking to buy exactly and how do I install it?

 

How can taking 2" out of the suspension travel make the ride smoother?

 

You want SensaTracs sold under the Monroe or NAPA labels. For years we have been using P/N #5987 as listed for the Echo, as the xB/xA did not have a listing of their own. They may get their own listing in 2007, but the P/N will not change. The DIY is the same as for the Koni's at:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=76186

 

I haven't figured out how lowering springs give a better ride. There's reduced travel, so the suspension bottoms out sooner, and if they're softer, then the effect is more pronounced... progressive rate springs don't mean much if travel is more limited...

Yeh, sure, I can see how softer or progressive rate shocks can improve ride over many surfaces, that's obvious...

Sometimes, my butt dyno tells me that my box rides like a little lumber wagon, particularly on segmented concrete highways it seems choppy. The firms seats don't help, either. Other times, on uneven or just poor pavement, it doesn't seem so bad...

Realistically, the first place to start is tire pressure. When my alloy wheels were first installed, the little toaster rode really harsh, so I checked the pressure when I got home- the tire guys had it up to 35 psi, rather than the recommended 29 psi... helluva difference in ride quality...

The rear swaybar didn't seem to affect the ride, at all, but it corners really flat...

 

I had the same problem, John. I also got the alloys, and the ride home was painful. I found the tire pressures to be 41-43 psi! Funny how dropping pressures by 50% will improve your ride...

Other than that, running a progressively wound performance spring helps a lot; even at a bit over 2" drop, my InTrax springs and Konis set at their softest setting are actually a bit more comfy than the stockers, and the difference in handling (OK, and looks, too!) is off the chart.

 

You want the Monroe #5987s. Simple install. Just unbolt old one and install new ones. Just remember to transfer the shock boots.

 

I have TRD springs on my xb and the ride was a little toooo bumpy. i'm riding on 215-40-17. the front stock shocks are very firm and when you add the TRD spring with there 10% higher spring rate = a stiffer ride. after reading up on sl about the monroe shocks would smoth out the ride and lower the front another 1/2". last week end I change out the shocks to monroe sensa-trac got them at napa ( front pn# 71575 "2002 echo" ) & ( rear pn# 5987 "2002 echo" ) this mod is well worth the $. now my ride is smother then the day I bought it