When I talked to the my dealer about what I wanted my xA to come with, I mentioned lowering it. He said I should also get the new shocks because lowering it on regular shocks gave the car a tendency to 'bottom out' easier. Is this really a problem or can I get away with lowering it on the regular shocks?

 

Id say get the trd shocks much better and you could bottom out or blow the shocks after a bit of time.

 

you should get the shocks and struts, your factory ones are designed for factory spring height, so they will have more travel now and will blow out and wont last long.

it shouldnt cost any extra to install them when your springs are being put in.

 

Sorry guys... I have to disagree. The minimal drop of the TRD springs probably isn't enough to cause a problem with the factory shocks and struts. And I can't even count the number of people on this website with twice the drop on their cars that are still using the stock shocks and struts without issue.

 

you should be fine with the stock shocks...the TRD shocks with improve the handling, but won't "prevent bottoming" any more than the stockers. Although, it would be a good time to have it done since they will already have the car in the air.

 

The TRD shocks are valved correctly for the TRD springs and will ride much better than the stock shocks.

 

Simple answer.... Get the TRD shocks/struts when your stock ones go bad. Why replace shocks that are still good?

I'm running Hotchkis springs (1.6" drop) on stock shocks. I go over speed bumps, hit potholes, and take corners wihout even touching the brakes. The car is fine. If my stock shocks/struts can't handle the extra load and go out, THEN I'll buy new ones. Might as well get the most out of the ones I have now.

Just my 2 cents

-THE DON

 

The stock shocks won't "go out" from service on a lowered vehicle. The TRD shocks ride much more smoothly when used with the TRD springs. That's why I recommend them. The stock struts with TRD springs are a tad harsh.

 

Thanks guys, that's pretty much the answer I was lookin' for. Especially the bit about waiting for the stockers to go bad before replacing them....that was great....and a decent idea too.

One last bit of questioning....everyone seems to make reference to the ride being rougher with the stock shocks....how much rougher are we talking? My current car is an '04 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. It doesn't drag the ground or anything but did come kinda low and the tires are the performance, low-profile tires which to me means rough as hell ride. Little bumps were like potholes to me. Will my xA be that rough or will it be smoother?

 

if you wait until they break to replace them its going to cost you a lot more than if you just replaced them when they put the springs in.

 

The xA's ride is bouncy, not harsh, and that is very easily correctable with different rear shocks. But if you want to keep your very valuable warranty then your going to have use TRD. If you dont give a $^#& about your warranty, like me then just buy some monroe or if you want sporty Koni.

You stock shocks will go if you put the TRD springs, but the TRD shocks WILL NOT prevent the car car from bottoming out. The only difference is if it ever does bottom out the TRD will hold and the stock WILL go *POP* (no more shock). Happened to me before my Koni's arrived.

 

Bulls**t! Plain and simple. Simply using parts other than factory or TRD parts WILL NOT void a warranty. The only thing that will happen is that if you try and get aftermarket parts replaced under warranty, they will deny you. Any other denial of warranty due to aftermarket parts will have to be accompanied by written proof from the dealership that your aftermarket parts caused the problem.

Don't be scared to use parts other than TRD/Scion/Toyota. You just need to understand that your factory warranty will not cover aftermarket parts.

 

not like it's hard to do it yourself....

 

Just installed my springs on 06 Xb and I keep the stock shocks and the ride is great. Now for my background I just sold a bagged Ranger that layed engine cross-member and my Scion ride is better than that granted not as low but better ride. Let me remind you that my truck was static truck first ( 3 inch drop) and that ride was horrible. When I drove my scion around yesterday I was impress with the ride since coming from a bagged truck. You can keep the stock TRD shocks and they will work fine with the componets you have. If you go lower I would change the shocks, but if you stay with the TRD setup then keep the stock shocks.

 

Out of curiosity, what year Ranger did you have? How was it bagged? (Parts, pieces, mounting)

Just curious because my brother has a bagged '88 Ranger.