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Scion xA/xB 1st-Gen Suspension & Handling Coilovers, Shocks, Airbags, Swaybars...

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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 03:38 AM
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So I have a question. I spend a LOT of time on the highway. I travel from Chicago to Alabama regularly, and I was wondering if there was a way to make my ride a bit more...comfortable. It's not terrible, but I'd like to have a little more give. You know, a smooth ride when I'm on a choppy highway. Everything just feels a bit stiff.

I know very, very little about suspension, so I'm coming to the experts. What should I do?
Old Feb 19, 2009 | 08:40 AM
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new shocks in the rear will help a good amount
Old Feb 19, 2009 | 03:05 PM
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monroe sensatrac shocks in the rear. an easy install to do yourself.
Old Feb 19, 2009 | 03:09 PM
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Yep. If you're not lowered, you want to buy a pair of Monroe Sensatrac (part #5987). They shouldn't be more than about $60 for the pair. That will improve the ride.

The install is quite easy, but if you need a hand, let me know.
Old Feb 20, 2009 | 03:05 PM
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Awesome. Thanks for the help.

Probably buying them very soon.
Old Feb 20, 2009 | 03:16 PM
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Question though: On Monroe's site, and another site I searched, they recommend part number 5601, not 5987. What's the difference? And this is just for curiosity's sake, why only rear shocks?
Old Feb 20, 2009 | 03:40 PM
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Well, the major reason behind that is the rear shocks are valved too stiff. The struts are fine because the weight of the engine helps the rebound. There's not a lot of weight in back, which is why the car seems jumpy.

Previously, Monroe didn't offer Sensatracs specifically for the xA/xB. They do now. There was one guy here who bought the 5601 and he hated em. The 5987 is the way to go.

However, if you plan on lowering your car more than 2", you'll want to get the 5870s.
Old Feb 20, 2009 | 03:48 PM
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I'm assuming the 5987 was made for the Echo? According to amazon.com it won't fit my car, but if it was made for the Echo, then it will, right? I can grab a pair for about $55 shipped.

Should I go for it? If I was on the fence about it...I'm leaning way towards doing it.
Old Feb 20, 2009 | 04:17 PM
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I have the 5987s. They fit fine and feel great.
Old Feb 20, 2009 | 04:50 PM
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Sweet. Thanks for the help. Ordering now.
Old Feb 20, 2009 | 06:26 PM
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Yea, definitely order em. I just ordered the Echo struts for the front and shocks from an 86 Supra.
Old Feb 20, 2009 | 08:53 PM
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Not to thread jack... but I'm going to be doing a 1.5 - 2" drop on my box here pretty soon and wanted to get a good idea of what to go with for fronts and backs. Right now I'm riding on stockies and hoping to nab a decent set of rims for the riding summer season. The springs are either going to be the tanabe df210 or the tein h.tech... I'm just not sure I want a full 2" drop is all.

So what are the best recommendations out there?
Old Feb 21, 2009 | 02:52 AM
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I HIGHLY recommend the DF210s. I had H.Tech, only kept em on for a few months before I wanted to go lower.

I just ordered the 5870 rears which is the preferred shock for drops of 2".
Old Feb 21, 2009 | 02:57 AM
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Ran DF's before I switched to Ksport. The tanabe's rode smooth so you'll have nothing to worry about.

^PS burst, I got a Supra too haha, '89.
Old Feb 21, 2009 | 06:43 AM
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tenabes and Konis good choice
Old Feb 21, 2009 | 08:37 AM
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Awesome. Got my pair for the rear for about 55. Not a bad deal. Now, would putting the same thing on the front make the ride any better, or would there be something else that I should go with? Or, should I just stick with what I've got for now?
Old Feb 21, 2009 | 02:04 PM
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stick with what you got
Old Feb 21, 2009 | 06:53 PM
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Just use what you have right now. You'll probably decide that you don't need to get new fronts.
Old Feb 21, 2009 | 06:56 PM
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the Monroe's are too soft in the front imo.....
Old Feb 21, 2009 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by burstaneurysm
There was one guy here who bought the 5601 and he hated em. The 5987 is the way to go.

However, if you plan on lowering your car more than 2", you'll want to get the 5870s.
Thanks Ian, this is the info I needed...



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