Hello all.

I'm interested in purchasing a Scion xB. However, I have a problem: I'm a geek. I know almost nothing about cars. I like the xB for its gas efficiency and its passenger room. However, it rides pretty rough. I'm willing to drop a little bit of extra cash to do some mods to make it jossel less and make the ride less bumpy, but I don't know where to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Joey-O.

 

welcome..

Go with a different tire, one which is more of a passenger rating. But one thing you will have to keep in mind, it's a short wheel base, simular to a jeep, so it will never be a luxury ride.

IMO, the TRD lowering kit improved the ride moderately. My biggest improvement in ride was the tires though. When shopping for tires, keep in mind what you are doing. If you are just driving to and from work (sunday driving so to speak), then you can get away with a lower rated tire which will sofen your ride.

Now if you are carving the corners or are tearing up the back roads, you will want to stick with a high rated tire (stiffer ride).

If your only concern is about ride, stick with the 15 inch rim. More side wall, more flex, better ride....

good luck with it

Singleshot

 

Thanks a lot. :D I'll get right on that. I know it's not going to be a luxury ride. I'm hoping I'm triding a degree of comfort for economy and passenger room. Again, thanx.

 

singleshot,

What size tires are you running?

Thanks,
Sctman1

 

16x7 konig 205/50/16's.. recommended tire pressure of 29psi.. i'm running about 27 psi.

singleshot

 

Some ppl on this board have successfully tamed the bumpy ride by installing Monroe Sensa-trac shock/struts on the xB while keeping the same stock springs. I believe the setup costs less than 200 dollars for the set of 4. It smoothened it out.

Keep the stock tires and you should be good to go.

 

Along with lower rated tires...

Springs - Tanabe NF210 or Tein H-Techs. Progressive springs ride better than linear.

Monroe sensatracs - Replace the cheapo KYB shocks in the back for a tamer ride for passengers.

 

Thanks for all the help. Where would I buy things like Monroe Sensa-Trac Shock/Struts, Tababe NF210 or Tein H-Techs? Sorry, I'm new to this.

 

you can also go for the Koni adjustable shock for a better ride. Search ebay for xb shocks

 

I'm having trouble finding Konis and Monroes for the Scion xB. What am I doing wrong? Should I just take a Toyota one?

 

here you go:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-05...spagenameZWDVW

 

Seriously, skip the Konis unless you plan on going to the track or driving the box really hard on the street. You'll save a ton of money by just getting the Monroe shocks and struts. Even more if you can live with only new rear shocks. Just do a search on the site for "Monroe Part Number." Then take those part numbers to your nearest NAPA or other Monroe supplier.

 

After calling around to a few different places I ended up on Monroe's help line. They said they don't make any parts for the Scion xB, even though there website says it does. Was the service technician a moron or am I missing something?

 

trust your search results. Half the places that supply "general" parts for the xB list the Scion as a Toyota still. Heck, even my registration says Toyota.

I agree with RTon20s, the konis will cost you more and the whole adjustable thing are great for folks who want that versatility, but adjusting them is not a simple matter of flipping a switch. And if you are simply looking for a better ride, don't spend the money on them.

I have no experience with the Monroe shocks as far as ride. I do know they are a solid unit that will out live your OEM shocks.

There are several factors that influence your ride quality: tires, shocks/struts and springs. Your best bet is to educate yourself on what is available to you within your budget. Talk to a couple tire places about your ride and listen to thier suggetions for tires for a softer/less bouncy ride. Do not take one word as gospel.

Then educate yourself on shocks and struts. Learn the adjustablity of the konis style shocks. Maybe they have a setting that is super forgiving.

Lastly. Learn about springs. Understand the differences between progressive springs and the OEM springs you are running. Learn what is a compatable combination of X shock and Y spring.

I'm not saying, don't ask questions here. I'm just letting you know it's a lot more fun to spend a little time understanding what does what. That way when you decide on a combination of X, Y and Z items, you'll know exactly why and understand what if any adjustments you make and how it effects your ride.

The biggest start, is knowing your budget. I'm not putting into question your mechanical ability what-so-ever, because we all have our limitations. But the price of the parts can sometimes be misleading if you plan on having a shop install those items.


here is a link from a ford website that talks specifically about progressive rate springs
http://www.pro-motorsports.com/art-springs.asp

Tire rack for spring/strut availablity/pricing
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/S...&perfcat=track

here is some more from tire rack on understanding the suspension and some terminology
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/tech/index.jsp

Here is the NAPA web-page for the 2004 xB monroe shocks
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...tNum=NS%205870


It's a great car and extemely fun to tinker with.


Singleshot

 

The part numbers for the shocks and struts are 5987and 71575 respectively.

The Echo shares the exact same chassis so they will fit for the xA and xB.

 

They will fit the xA and xB, but they were designed for the echo, and they may be on the same chassis, but they are not the same car.

 

Thanks for the parts number on the Monroe shocks. Monroe doesn't officially make anything for the 2006 xB. I know it'll work on the '04. Will this be a problem? Also, anyone know the parts number on the Tein H-Techs?

 

I installed my Koni's yesterday and the ride difference is amazing. It is soo much smoother now, not as much road noise either.

Highly reccomended!!!

 

Let me rephrase the first part of my last post: Will the Shocks and struts for the '02 Toyota ECHO work on a '06 Scion xB?

Also, should I get the Strut mate boot kits designed for the '02 ECHO?

 

Geez, one more restatement, just because I'm **** retentive:

Will the Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks and Struts for the '02 Toyota ECHO work on a '06 Scion xB?

Also, should I get the Monroe Strut Mate Boot Kits designed for the '02 ECHO?

Sorry about all the reposts