I'm thinking of going to 14" rims on my xb to facilitate a less harsh ride. I figure 185-70's will give me close enough to the rolling radius I have now , but what about the ride quality? Will I really feel anything noticable??

Walt

 

Dealer also has shocks/struts that are supposed to mellow the ride a bit. Have not seen anything on them at all though. The 14's should help also. And then add the front strut bar to get back to a little less lean in corners.

 

I would try Tein H-tech's first...

 

OK, I'll bite... what's a Tein H-tech ?

Walt

 

Look under springs in the parts section.

 

OK, springs! However, all I saw were lowering style springs which I believe will equate to an even rougher, stiffer, ride.
Thanks for the input.

Walt

 

I just installed TRD springs on my box last weekend. The ride quality actually improved! Only lowered the box slightly, but the springs absorb small bumps and jolts much better. Credit the progressive wind of the springs.

My reasons for installing the TRD springs was to improve the ride first and lower the car slightly for aesthetics second.

P.S. I'm still riding on the stock wheels and tires.

 

How hard are they to install??

Walt

 

I don't know about that. . . my TRD's absorb small bumps fairly well, but large bumps will slam you pretty hard!

 

not hard at all. check out the link from faq section

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20769

 

I am firm believer that Goldlines (springs) actually improve the ride.

And they are fairly easy to install with the tutorial here on SL.

 

OK, we have swapped out the rims and tires with the understanding that I/we can reverse the decision if it don't feel right.
So far I really cannot feel a BIG difference, but it does seem a little less "bumpy" with the 175-65 x 14". However, the speedo is off by almost 2 mph on the plus side. Additionally, the effective lower gearing really does add some more "feel" when you punch it! I could get to like that :-)
Seriously, I think I will keep the 14" rims and then move up a couple tire widths to 195's. That will get my speedo back closer and still give me a little more rubber to flex and soften out things. It sure is hell getting old and wanting a smooth ride instead of the performance style!!

 

Yeah. . . riding on narrower tires is dangerous. . . you're gonna lose stopping power and cornering ability.

Check your tire pressure. Set it at 32 psi, if it isn't set there already.

 

How handy are you with tools? If you have power tools, it's a breeze. If not, then there's a little bit of manual labor involved. I've been told you don't need a spring compressor to take the fronts apart, but I always err on the side of caution and use them anyway.

Here's a link to the tech section on installations:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20769

 

i think the echo used 14's

maybe you could find a friend who has stock echo rims and swap with em for a week to try it out