I am really interested in getting some lowering springs...just started the search. But I am noticing a lot of posts on here that refer to the shocks going out after 8k or 9k miles. Is this true.

Are there certain shocks and struts you need to go with lowering springs, or is this just the price to pay for a low xa?

I drive a lot and that means I would have to replace my shocks every year.

 

does anybody have an answer to this question...please help.

 

I installed Gold-Line springs with stock struts/shocks. So far no problem of any kind.

 

If you get them installed at a dealership there will be a warranty on them. If it is the direct cause of failure on something later on the car, it shouldn't be a problem to get the items fixed, because it was a dealer thing and not void your warranty.

 

shocks/struts/springs are not warrantied items. The only warranty they carry are from manufacturer defects. They are all wear and tear items. Now to answer your question, I installed Tein H Techs, as they are the most subtle drop spring out on the market right now aside from adjustable coilovers. The ride quality is amazing and doesnt drastically change the travel because of the minimal drop. IMO it is all you need to get rid of the wheel gap if you are on 19's because the springs eventually settle to about 1" to an 1 1/4". These springs are a good match to our factory struts/shocks so you shouldnt hafta change them up to much sooner than the stock setup.

 

Thanks. I'm not wanting much more than a 1" drop, but how do you think they would look with 17's on?

 

Depends on how much of a sidewall you have...It will look good with some overstretched tires

 

Moved to CC...

 

depends on:

-how aggressive the spring rate on the springs are (higher LB springs give the shock/strut more of a work out)
-Road conditions in your area
-amount of wear and tear on the suspension BEFORE the springs
-etc.

 

i may be stupid, but when you say overstretched tires what do you mean? Tires that are a little bigger than the rims?

 

An overstretched tire is when you take a wide wheel and install an smaller width tire. This looks cool with little, wide, 15" wheels, but this is totally for looks. If you drive a lot, this is not the combo you want. Increased tire wear, less reliable and pretty rough ride.

Since you drive a lot, 17" (215/45/17 tire) is the largest I would go and you should expect a rougher ride.

With regard to the stock shocks wearing out, they will only wear out quicker if they are cycled more. This happens with very stiff springs. In most cases, the shocks are not worn out, just mismatched to the spring. If you use as soft or softer than stock springs (such as Teins in front) the stock shocks will last just as long as the stock setup. As those rear shocks may last forever (and this is not a good thing) I vote to ditch the rear shocks when the Koni's are available for your driving comfort....

 

i have 22,600 miles on my stock shocks/struts and 2" Spy springs. still perfect.

 

Wierd the way nobody talks about Spys anymore.......They were the springs to get in the good ol' days....

 

I have had a 2" drop with Goldlines on stock struts and shocks since Feb. and not had any problems.

 

they were one of the first companies making springs for the xB. I dont know if they are still around.

 

hey just wondering...

I got tein s-techs installed. Should I be thinking about getting shock/struts/camber kits? I know that my wheels will wear abnormally...so what else do i need?

Thanks guys!

 

I just picked up Cusco upper ball mounts to take care of my negative camber problem. I'm going to install them this weekend, then go in for an alignment. I'd definitely recommend fixing you camber.

 

ok will someone just tell me what i need to get to keep my car from wearing down/breakdown etc.

Do I need to buy coil overs? or a camber kit? or both? or none? Please help!

I don't plan on adjusting/readjusting the height of my car. I like it ridin low.

 

No coilover or camber kits are required...Your car is not really going to breakdown from the Teins. Your shocks will be fine. But your tires......You should get a front end alignment because you will likely have excess negative camber (wheels tilted in at top, out at bottom) from the lowering. This actually improves handling, but can wear out the inside portion of your front tires. If you want maximum performance, the negative camber won't hurt and you can leave it. For your rear wheels, you don't need to do anything. I've seen very little wear there and there is no real adjustment means to change rear alignment. Don't worry.....

 

Tein H techs arent a low enough drop to worry about realignment issues in the front...the amount of negative camber is barely noticeable.