Hi

I just got a set of Swift springs from me BDay

I need to replace my struts and rear shocks.

I would like a better ride, but not to firm or not to bounce.

I had the swifts springs on my honda and loved them.

I am undecided on TRD or KYB Gr-2. I am leaning to the TRD since the Swifts are a very mild drop 1" or so.

OH, someone said stay away from Monroe, they don't do well with any drop???

Thanks
Babe

 

The Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks are way better than the TRD shocks. They are not valved for hard cornering but provide a very soft ride. No bounce or too firm making them rigid like some of the other shocks out there. If you want to keep the setup for a daily driver, I would go the path of the Monroe.

Me on the other hand, I run a very stiff setup for very hard cornering and super zippy response for really feeling the grip on the road (Koni Yellows). There's a thread around here which details the benefits of the Monroes on the stock set up as well as on a lowered set up. I know several who use the Monroes and have drops up to 4", so they can do very well with a drop.

 

have you tried looking into tokico?

 

thanks...mmmm I have some ebay paypay money and the ones on ebay are TRD and KYB.

Are the TRDs gas or oil and would KYB be better

I can get the kyb shipped to the door for 212.00 complete

thanks

Babe

 

If Babe is dead set on going the TRD route, looking at the Tokico shocks would be a wise move. At least, the Tokico shocks are made by Waydo and are labeled Sportivo. If you do your research, you will already know that the Waydo Sportivo shocks are the same shocks as the TRDs. Also, the Waydo Sportivo has stamped on them Tokico HP.

I don't know suspension for squat though... so don't listen to me at all. However, for doing daily driving... I still highly recommend going the route of Monroe Sensatrac over the TRDs, Tokicos, Waydos, or whathaveyou. It's a softer ride that is a bit more forgiving. With the right sidewall/tire and sway enhancements, Monroes are my preferred for touring/driving.

Seriously though... don't take my word for it... read the hundreds of others who have posted about it. https://www.scionlife.com/forums/scion-xa-xb-1st-gen-suspension-handling-1606/monroe-shocks-59377/

 

Are trd to rough?

 

The TRD shocks I've found to be rough with both the stock springs and the TRD springs. From what I remember, the swift springs are a static coil rather than progressive coil. This can be good, can be bad... it depends on how you drive more than anything. The TRD springs are a little stiffer over stock with a static coil at a 1" drop. The swift may have the same result with a 1.1" drop front and 0.8" drop rear. Lower, but with a stronger coil. I can't find any of the spring rates (lbs/in) for the swift springs to compare it to. If the rates are anywhere near the same as the TRD springs, then the TRD shocks would prove to be too rough as well for what you are looking for in a daily driver.

 

If you are going to keep the car, go for the Koni's Best way to compensate for a cheap suspension is good shocks.
But certainly replace the stock rear shocks, as they have way too much compression damping to make up for a lack of sway bar. Oh, and add the sway bar.

Cheers,

 

Koni's are great. I had them on my 97 240. Sporty yes still very comfortable

 

I love my konis. Wouldn't give them up for anything other than a free & installed air ride. Add in the rear sway... and it's like freakin glue on the heavy cornering.

 

konis are really nice if you want that sporty feel while maintaining relative comfort but for a daily i stand by monroe