Yeah so as the subject implies, i want to start upgrading my suspension but I have no idea where to start. I'm kinda on a tight budget so if theres something thats cheap and effective let me know.

 

Rear sway bar. $150 for either TRD or Progress - they're physically identical.

 

sounds good, what all does that do

 

TRD sway bar stiffens up the rear end, i would also lower it and add some monroes to the rear. Also replace the front endlink bushings and it will handle real nice

 

^ Pretty much... it reduces body roll in turns. It's an inexpensive, easy mod but it changes the ride characteristics considerably.

 

bagsssssssss

 

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

I think any car should start off with a decent set of springs, that will lower your center of gravity and help out in the corners. After that the Progress rear sway bar should be your next buy, then get shocks.

 

For as much money as you're going to spend on springs, struts, etc., just save up for coilovers. If you're more into instant gratification just get springs and a rear sway bar.

 

A Progress rear sway should be high on your list.

If you find the ride too punishing, Monroe Sensa-Trac's will help smooth it out a lot.

One side note, there are two different Sensa-Tracs to get:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=164296

5987 from a 2002 Echo is for stock height
5870 is for vehicles lowered 2+ inches, and is not a direct replacement.
(thanks Tomas)

I would only get them once you've decided if you plan on dropping your box, you don't want to buy stuff twice. I changed mine out and they made a drastic difference in the ride quality :D

 

I'll chime in here since i'm n the same situation as x_batman_x .

I purchased a progress rear sway bar and it came by UPS today.. however, I wasn't able to install it as it was late by the time I got back.

From what I read, the most significant and top dollar mod you can do is the TRD or Progress RSB and Monroe Shocks. I have the later on my car already.

On my ride, the Monroe shocks makes the car less "bouncy" over bumps.. (how the OEM should be)..

 

hydros fo sho!

 

id do springs first because your car's new look will get you pumped :D plus the handling improvement. then the rsb affect later will really get you into it. by that time youll want coilovers, and you can easily sell a used set of springs right on this website.

 

what?

 

chiming in again and the Progress RSB difference on the back is night and day! I can really feel the back firmly on the ground when i turn regullary.. no more body roll!

amazing !! :D

 

x2, i noticed a huge difference in handling after putting on s. techs. i got a TRD strut bar coming in the mail, and gonna get a rear sway bar here pretty soon. but springs hands down are the way to go

 

I started with progress springs. They have a nice drop and they don't have a harsh ride. Handling is much improved. I got them from ptuning.com for about 160 bucks shipped. If you click the link that shows up on SL you get 5% off.