I am looking for a good side shot of a stock xA with 17" or maybe even 18" . The wheel gap is actually staring to bug me after only a week! I have read springs will help, but I like the height of the car which is proably a more practical approach for where I live, I just don't like the wheel gap, especially in the back!

I would prefer to stay stock to avoid the hassels of a lowered car ( I drive this as my everyday car), but the stock wheels make it look even smaller than it is. If the gap can be more improved by the larger wheel, then forget the drop and the issues and go for new rims and tires. Suggestions here would be good as well, year round wheels, not looking to change these out every winter!

I will keep checking the board, but thought I would ask!

 

I dont think bigger wheels on stock springs will look much better...



Theres a RS1 xA, if I remember right they came with 17" wheels, still has a big gap in my opinion

 

I personally would drop it on a set of Eibach Sportlines. I'll have to find a picture of my friends xA lowered. All scions look better in my opinon when they are dropped but I can understand where you are coming from when you want to keep the ride height the same for pratical reasons.

 

Here is my friends xA. She is rollin on 18's and Eibach Sportlines 2" drop.

 

Going with a bigger wheel shouldn't change the gap - you're going to be running a lower profile tire with the same overall outside diameter. Changing that outside diameter will decrease the gap, but create new problems like you speedometer/odometer being grossly inaccurate, and actually raising the car (and it's center of gravity).

If you want to reduce the gap, you're going to have to lower it. Personally, I went with the TRD springs. There's no gaping whole over the wheels now, the top gap matches the sides, and gives a very smooth look. As far as ground clearance goes, you're only loosing 3/4".

 

LOWER! The change in how the car handles is worth your time and money. I have not had any problems, even in the snow. My choice for springs were the Gold-Lines (which rock).

 

Bear454 are you runing 15"s with the TRDS? I almost went that way, gaps looks good though huh. I was also looking at Hotchkis, springs as well. I know I want rims but funds and pending snow makes me feel like I need towait. Lowering springs under 200.00 and install looks easy enough.

 

just lower it. bigger wheels and lower profile tires will make the wheel gap look bigger.

 

do some Tein Basics if anything. A coilover as simple as this one get you some adjustability. You can set the absoluty any way you want then. There is nothing wrong with more control of the car. we always want more control, don't we?

 

Thanks for the input, coilovers especially cheaper ones, seem to be a waste, I actually ended up getting some Dropzones on ebay that after reading reviews have reposted, hopefully I can get my money back. If you intersted in trying these, I will make you a great deal, or go check them out on Ebay!

Any thoughts on the Hotchkis springs, they seem to be a middle ground of sorts, not as aggressive as the Teins, a little more lower stance than the TRD's and for looks I like the powder coated silver. and best of all in a good price range. I need to be able to eat!

I have read several reviews some good some bad, but again for the price, seems to be a good compromise. Not to low so I don't plow snow in the winter, yet will hopefully level out that huge gap so my friends will stop saying it looks like baby minvan!.

I can even stay with 15" for now. and save a little cash for X-mas! Now the next part, finding someone with a garage I can use, at least there are plenty of how-to's out here to follow! Thanks again!

 

I wen with the Hotchkis springs, and have no regrets. It's not too low, so I don't really have to worry about scrapping my car everywhere that I go. And the ride isn't hard as a rock. In my opinion, it was a great compromise. But in my future plans, I'm going to get some TEIN coilovers, by the way, does anybody know if JIC makes coilovers?

 

go with 18s and Tein springs. You will reduce the wheel gap but not the ground clearance.

 

Been there, dropped it.

Even the TRD's make a HUGE difference in the appearance, not to mention the handling. If you're sticking w/15" wheels TRD's look "just right". If you're thinking of 17"+ wheels, then I'd say go with at least a 1.5" drop.

I was assured by some other kind scionlife members that the TRD drop is no problem in snow. I'll know for sure soon enough.

 

Yeah, JIC makes coilovers...

http://www.hopupracing.com/jicmasfcotos.html
and
http://www.hopupracing.com/jicmaflcotos.html

 

Thanks for the links. They look pretty sweet. Anyone here have them? Was was thinking either these on my car or the TEIN coilovers. I can't decide.

 

xternal:

Yeah - 15" wheels (with the stock tires until they wear out), and the TRD springs. It looks nice, it rides great, and it didn't cost a fortune. I'll post a photo as soon as the weather clears and I can take one...

 

i sell goldlines for xa for 165.00 including shipping, I also sell tenzo lowering springs for 125.00 shipped. www.scionspecialties.net

 

xternal:

Sorry for the long wait, but here's the promised photos. It's an '05 xA with 15" wheels and the stock tires, TRD springs, and OTG rear spacers. As you can see, the springs make the wheel gap perfect - smooth all around - no slamming here!

Front: https://www.scionlife.com/gallery/?photo=12227


Rear: https://www.scionlife.com/gallery/?photo=12229

 

tanabe NF210's slightly little lower then the trd springs

 

Bear 454, How about a compete side profile pic of your car?
I would like to see the stance with the TRD springs