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View Full Version : Lowering Suspension - Performance or Aesthetics

yaris srq
02-16-2011, 10:24 PM
Hi all, new to the forums... I have a stock 2007 sedan and the stock wheels with hub caps are the only thing I don't like about it, so I'm going to buy some new wheels and tires. I see in a lot of threads that people lower their suspension when they get new or larger wheels, is this for a performance or comfort reason, or purely aesthetics? I ask because I actually like the "4x4" look.

Thanks in advance for any info.
fnkngrv
02-16-2011, 10:30 PM
Lowering the car to a certain point can provide better stability and assist with cornering. Adding a rear sway bar on the sedan along with the lowering made driving the car for me much more enjoyable as well as handle like a completely different car.
spdfrk
02-16-2011, 11:13 PM
I have an '10 hatchback and recently put the complete TRD handling package on (lowering springs, shocks, and rear sway bar and it's great! Virtually no loss in ride comfort and the car looks like it's supposed to (if you didn't know what a stock Yaris looked like as far as wheel-well clearance you would never guess it had been lowered).

What DID make a difference in ride is the 17" wheels I put on; vastly improved steering response and cornering ability but the ride is sacrificed. I'm going to get some nice alloy wheels for the stock 15" tires to use as a winter/long trip set-up. I suppose the happy compromise would be 16" wheels. Hope this helps.

BTW, the TRD springs drop it 1.5" all the way around.
cougar65
02-18-2011, 04:01 AM
i was looking at springs and what is the difference between 3k and 4k... is that the spring load?
PumpkinSteve
02-18-2011, 08:58 AM
Performance for me, I like to go around corners fast!
spdfrk
02-18-2011, 05:57 PM
i was looking at springs and what is the difference between 3k and 4k... is that the spring load?

Most likely. I think that's kilograms per centimeter (correct me if that's wrong). If it wasn't metric it'd be lbs. per inch. I like the TRD's because they are progressive (there are other brands that are as well) ; nice soft ride for small bumps and get stiffer as they compress for the bigger ones.