Ok, I just bought the xA, I take delivery on Saturday. During my test drive, I noticed that the car was a bit stiff I felt all the bumps. My friend said that is normal. Question: Since the car is designed to be customizable, is there any way to make the ride a bit softer??? The car rides fine, but it would be nice to get a bit smoother. Ideas???

Thanks in advance,
Scott

 

For starters, replace the rear shocks with Monroe SensaTracs,

 

larger diameter tires

 

Larger diameter tires w/ smaller wheels, Tein Htechs (springs) and Monroe Sensatrac's.

 

Springs are all preference as some say that this spring rides better than another. I will say I went to the sensatracs and it made a difference in ride. Cheap upgrade.

 

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...312&highlight=

 

The Monroe 5987 works great on A 06 Xa, smooths out the ride. FYI, the NAPA part # is NS 5987. It's a simple/quick install. The only tools I needed were two 14mm open end wrenches, one cresent wrench, one 17mm socket and ratchet.

 

H-techs are approximately 50 lbs stiffer in the rear than stock. The fronts are about the same as stock. The ride, as soomeone else said, is subjective. I installed TRD springs which are approx 13 lbs stiffer all around and the ride is not bad but it is slightly stiffer than stock. I do feel the bumps slightly more and you probably will too. I do not consider it harsh and my wife doesn't notice any difference, but I do. Again, it is subjective.

The big improvement is with the Monroe shocks. The Monroe shocks are valved in such a way that they are soft in the middle and get increasingly stiffer toward either end of the travel. It smooths out the normal travel that you get from regular driving. It takes 20 minutes to put them on if you have any idea which end of a wrench to hold.

The wheel tire combination is a big factor also. For the smoothest ride stay with the 15" wheels and tires. When it is time to repalce the tires go to a 195-60 /15.

The other thing that I did to mine, and it made the most diffference in over all comfort, was to get the driver seat worked on. I had an interior shop add some foam to the seat surface and the lumbar area. I was very dissapointed with the ride until I did this. It was uncomfortable to drive 30 minutes. Now a 5 hour hour drive is no problem at all. This cost me about $125.

 

This is sweeeeet - I can't wait to go pick these up...

 

if you test drove a new xa then its gona be a bit stiff once all the suspinsion components are broken in they should work a bit smoother

 

so for an XB, you don't recommend replacing the front shocks/struts to improve the ride, just the rears?

 

Replacing the rears is about a $40 dollar deal and you can do it your self in just a few minutes. The fronts take a little more commitment in time and money. If you do it yourself you will spend an hour or two on the fronts depending on experience level. You should also have a front end alignment done because you will change the settings a little. The Monroe will lower the front by aboutr 1/2 inch and that will effect the alignment. Not much, but it will effect it. I did the rear and noticed the difference. At some point I will do the front and I may find that I should have done it sooner.

 

I like the front stiff and rear more compliant... that is why I run the monroe's only in the back

 

i replaced all 4 on mine. i say do it because monroes are cheap.

 

So do you feel the difference after you change the front to the Monroe's? I just changed the rear to the Monroe's, and quite happy with it. So I am thinking about changing the front as well, but I would like to get some opinion from someone that has already done it.

another questions is, I heard that there will be a half inch drop in the front, so do I need to get a front wheel alignment after i install the Monroe? (I am using the stock springs w/ Monroe)

 

You probably should get an alignment. Slight differences in the positions of the mounting holes could cause some changes. It may not be off much if any but it is cheap to get it done.

 

rockauto.com has the 5987's for $29.79 each + shipping, partsamerica.com has them for $34.44 each but free shipping over $50 (buy 2). I couldn't find any cheaper prices.

 

Should I use these to reduce the bumpiness of my ride?

How hard are these to install without any automechanical knowledge? Or, how much would it cost to get it done?

 

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another questions is, I heard that there will be a half inch drop in the front, so do I need to get a front wheel alignment after i install the Monroe? (I am using the stock springs w/ Monroe)[/quote]



Ride height is determined by the springs, not the shocks.

I went with Koni's in the back, but I have a blown one I need to return. Put the stocks back on for now. I'm not too happy having a defective Koni shock as they are not cheap! Maybe I should try the Monroes....

 

just got the Monroes installed on the back of my XB - noticeable ride difference! easy install too!