Hey everyone, need some advice. I've searched the forums and got a few ideas but my issue is, is it really worth the effort.

I have an '04 scion xb with hotchkis springs and stock struts and shocks. Currently my ride is horrible. I'm not sure if it's because it's lowered or because I'm lowered with stock struts and shocks. But when I'm driving if I hit a pot hole or a bump in the road it's not a comfortable ride. I've searched the forums and it seems a lot of people are running Toy Echo struts and shock from Monroe.

My question is, from the posts I've read the ride has improved but honestly how much more has it improved? So should I fork out the $170 for front and back and install them or should I get the ones for the xB? The reason why I'm asking is if I decide to switch out the Hotchkis springs and put the stocks back on, will the Toy Echo struts and shocks be an issue with stock springs?

I will tell you, my car looks great lowered and when I'm on a smooth highway or street the ride is nice but once i hit a bump the great feeling of driving a lowered car is over.

 

Your drop is fairly mild,the spring rates are a little higher on the hotchkis springs 185front and 180rear lb/in then some of the other brands.A progressive sping will improve your ride quality some because they get more stiff as they compress but this doesnt stop potholes from feeling like you drove through the grand canyon.Trust me I know!
I think your ruff ride is more from the ruberband tires with your 18inch wheels,keep in mind the rubber between you and the road has alot to do with ride quality a smaller wheel with a larger sidewall will improve your ride quality a ton.

 

I would agree that having a smaller tire with larger wheels would not help. I use to have 19" wheels with 215/35 tires but that was before the drop. I'm currently on stock steel wheels with 195/60/15 tires. I should have added that information in my original post.

Any other suggestions?

 

you can get echo fronts and 5870 shocks for like 165 shipped fro rockauto. im dropped on goldlines on stock struts and shocks and my ride isnt that bad. Roads in my part of Orange County (Orange/Villa Park/Anaheim) arent that bad. i currently am running of steelies with 195/60s and i have to say its WAY better then my 17s with 205/40

im surprised that your ride is that bad.

 

The Monroe Echo shocks and struts will help but some of the problem is the stock set, you now have them compressed by the spring drop and they cant travel/dampen properly leading to crappy ride and early death. If the stock set w/drop has significant miles on them they could just be ready to go.
The only diff in Monroe Echo shocks and Monroe xB shocks is the fronts will drop an extra 1/2-3/4 both sets will smooth out your ride

 

Agreed! If the ride was ok and now it's not sounds like struts and shocks need replacing.

 

I'm in the same area, if you would like I can meet up with you to show you what I'm talking about.

Currently I have 56k miles and about 15k are while I was lowered.

The ride was ok but not ok, it just got worse over time.

I really appreciate everyones comments. EAmon, if you are willing to meet up so I can show you what I'm talking about that would be great.

Thank you everyone!

 

yeah man if you want to meet up shoot me a pm i'll give ya my number and we will work it out

 

Thanks! I'll message you next week, going to New Orleans this weekend.

Chad

 

gotta be the struts. They have gone bad.