Lowing Springs vs Coilovers

[06YarisRS]

I've been vacillating between coilovers and lowering springs for the past couple of weeks. I have a number of things that I plan to do to the car that will require some significant funds, so I'm inclined to take the cheaper route here. The stock handling with TRD rear sway bar is pretty good, but I want to go a bit lower; about 1" lower. I have no plans of tracking the car but would like a wee bit more cornering stability. I polled Trevor (tmontague) and appreciate his advice, which is basically that if I'm not tracking my car and just want a bit of an improvement in handling, plus my 1" drop, go for the lowering springs and aftermarket dampers. Hope you don't mind me paraphrasing you, Trevor.

Anyway, here are some pics of my current setup. I realized a day or two ago, that I can't lower the car much more than an inch or I'll be getting close to my turbo drain hose. I'm optimistic that the Eibach Pro Kit (assuming I can get my hands on them, been having a little trouble contacting the outfit) 1" drop will allow me lower the car without contact with the car body under all driving conditions.

https://i.imgur.com/XSQh0rc.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/rfNOznM.jpg

Rear

https://i.imgur.com/kX09wGz.jpg

Rear

https://i.imgur.com/ERfkQEV.jpg

Rear

https://i.imgur.com/9OCAnsr.jpg

Front

https://i.imgur.com/9TDVP1D.jpg

Front

https://i.imgur.com/tJAv5U3.jpg

[06YarisRS]

Just bit the bullet. Ordered a set of Eibach springs from Tunershop. We shall see if it goes through. They're coming from Germany, seemingly unavailable in the USA or Canada. I'll have to borrow a set of spring compressors from our school shop.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Which damper set are you going with? That's the nice thing about (quality) coilovers. They're usually valved/matched for their intended spring rates.

[06YarisRS]

Which damper set are you going with? That's the nice thing about (quality) coilovers. They're usually valved/matched for their intended spring rates.

According to Eibach, these are designed to go with the stock dampers. I assume, since they're vehicle specific, they would be designed around the OE spring characteristics. I'll try that and if it's not what I'm looking for, I'll look into appropriate dampers. It may be moot anyway, as I received an email this morning from tunershop Germany and they inform me that they are out of stock. If I didn't get the last set, I'll cancel my order as I'm not waiting a month or two, which apparently is when they will have stock again.

Yesterday, I spoke with a Canadian outfit and got lots of info on this coilover set. They seemed to know their stuff and recommended a custom spring rate based on the fact that my car is a hatch as opposed to a sedan. Although they don't sell Fortune Auto coilovers, they will eventually become a certified dealer. They suggested Fortune Auto coilovers as an alternative. I was rather surprised that they'd recommend the purchase of someone else's product.

https://racingcoiloverscanada.com/products/2006-2011-toyota-yaris?_pos=1&_sid=98c9e504c&_ss=r

[stidnam]

Damn. Should have looked into the Bilstein B12 kit. Comes with B8 shocks and Eibach springs. I threw them in my car and have been pretty happy with them.

However, now I wish I had of gone the B14 coilover kit as I want the car a little lower.

[06YarisRS]

Damn. Should have looked into the Bilstein B12 kit. Comes with B8 shocks and Eibach springs. I threw them in my car and have been pretty happy with them.

However, now I wish I had of gone the B14 coilover kit as I want the car a little lower.

Hah, I was just looking at this and about to post.

http://garage16.ca/bilstein/bilstein-performance-suspension-kits-b14-pss-kit/47237834/i-2444199.aspx

[stidnam]

Yeah, I wish I'd gone those now.

Jason@SportsCar put some in his daily according to this thread

https://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=829393&postcount=1302

*edit* based on that price in your link, it'd nearly be cheaper to buy them out of the UK as well.

[06YarisRS]

Yeah, I wish I'd gone those now.

Jason@SportsCar put some in his daily according to this thread

https://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=829393&postcount=1302

*edit* based on that price in your link, it'd nearly be cheaper to buy them out of the UK as well.

They are nice, but for a few hundred more, I could get fully adjustable coilovers. I'm assuming the pic in my link is a generic pic. I assume so as the kit in Jason@SportsCar's pic shows separate rear springs and shocks as opposed to the website pic that shows the rears as coilover shocks.

[06YarisRS]

Here is another coilover possibility. I read several reviews and these seemingly pretty good.

https://www.tdotperformance.ca/hsd-hsdt26mp-monopro-monotube-coilovers-toyota-vitz-ncp91.html

[stidnam]

Yes, the picture on the site was just a generic picture.

Point taken about adjustability. However, even with my other car that has fully adjustable coilovers, I've only tweaked things to the point that I'm happy with and then set and forget. I'd hypothesis that if the shocks are overall better quality with better matched valving and spring rates, they'd perform and feel better than a cheaper adjustable coilover. In saying that, I've not looked into HSD, nor do I know whether they are any chop for daily driving :)

[06YarisRS]

Yes, the picture on the site was just a generic picture.

Point taken about adjustability. However, even with my other car that has fully adjustable coilovers, I've only tweaked things to the point that I'm happy with and then set and forget. I'd hypothesis that if the shocks are overall better quality with better matched valving and spring rates, they'd perform and feel better than a cheaper adjustable coilover. In saying that, I've not looked into HSD, nor do I know whether they are any chop for daily driving :)

Thanks. Yes, I likely too would leave the settings once set. I am fond of the concept of adjustability to get that initial setting. With a coilover set, I might be able to overcome potential obstacles, such as my turbo drain and fender clearances should they arise.

I just got the anticipated email from TunerShop Germany. They won't have stock of the Eibachs until 22 July. I cancelled, so am now, again, looking. A little disappointing though it may ultimately be for the best.

I watched a few videos on the HSD coilovers and they do seem to be good quality. I'll be doing more research.

[06YarisRS]

The deal is done. I bought this coilover set, but for $849.00 CAD from another outfit. Shipping is $110.00. $1083.00 all in. I hope I've made the right decision. I read many 'testimonials' and watched videos. Apparently it's a very 'streetable' set.

https://www.tdotperformance.ca/hsd-hsdt26mp-monopro-monotube-coilovers-toyota-vitz-ncp91.html

Obviously, this is a generic pic:

https://i.imgur.com/vPQEJ8C.jpg

[Leegamer]

Nice! Do they come with all the mounts or do you need to re-use anything from the stock struts?

[06YarisRS]

Nice! Do they come with all the mounts or do you need to re-use anything from the stock struts?

I'm pretty sure that the factory strut mounts need to be reused. I'll Likely pick up a set of new ones. They do look nice, don't they. The reviews I've read have been overwhelmingly positive as compared to the 'eBay type' coilovers, such as Godspeed, Rev9, for example.

Here are some pics of the car as it is. I think a 1" drop to start will be good. I may have to use a heat gun on the plastic front inner fender liner edge. Fortunately the plastic liner which extends inward can be easily moulded upwards. I'm pretty sure the tires will completely clear the quarter panel wheel well edges.

https://i.imgur.com/yvUmQOu.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rfNOznM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9OCAnsr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ERfkQEV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tJAv5U3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9TDVP1D.jpg

[Leegamer]

Makes sense. I think a 1 inch drop will look fantastic and provide a good handling improvement.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

I think you shouldn't rub with a 1" drop. I didn't rub with Tein S.Tech springs on OEM dampers, and those drop the car a lot. But then again, I wasn't running wide tires. lol

[06YarisRS]

Makes sense. I think a 1 inch drop will look fantastic and provide a good handling improvement.

I think so too, Leegamer.

[06YarisRS]

I think you shouldn't rub with a 1" drop. I didn't rub with Tein S.Tech springs on OEM dampers, and those drop the car a lot. But then again, I wasn't running wide tires. lol

Yeah, I hope it won't rub. This is part of the reason I went with coilovers. More adjustability. Even if I don't get a full 1" drop, I will get better handling.

[Neinris]

How come I don't ever hear recommendation for Tein Suspension? Is it the color? LOL!!!
I have the lowering springs installed in mine, the first mod that I did, and they're pretty comfortable, and I think it's a pretty good height. With the lower center of gravity she handles much better than stock. My only issue is that the stock shocks don't dampen enough, so there's a little bit oscillation when I hit a dip, or go over a hump/speed bump. So I was thinking of putting TRD shocks in hope of fixing the issue, or should I just go with full coil overs? There are two types, the cheaper one is without adjustable damper.

https://parts.mcgeetoyotaofdudley.com/p/Toyota__Yaris/TRD-Performance-Shocks-Shocks-and-Struts/69528680/PTR0452061.html?partner=googlebase_adwords&kwd=&origin=pla&partnerDevice=c&userLocation=9004989&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIitqG_ITI6gIVyyCtBh3AugW5EAQYBiAB EgIjHfD_BwE


https://www.evasivemotorsports.com/store/product/tein-street-basis-z-coilovers-toyota-yaris-12-prius-c-12/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIitqG_ITI6gIVyyCtBh3AugW5EAQYByA BEgKtg_D_BwE

https://www.evasivemotorsports.com/store/product/tein-flex-z-coilovers-scion-xd-08-14-toyota-prius-c-12-yaris-07-11/

[06YarisRS]

How come I don't ever hear recommendation for Tein Suspension? Is it the color? LOL!!!
I have the lowering springs installed in mine, the first mod that I did, and they're pretty comfortable, and I think it's a pretty good height. With the lower center of gravity she handles much better than stock. My only issue is that the stock shocks don't dampen enough, so there's a little bit oscillation when I hit a dip, or go over a hump/speed bump. So I was thinking of putting TRD shocks in hope of fixing the issue, or should I just go with full coil overs? There are two types, the cheaper one is without adjustable damper.

https://parts.mcgeetoyotaofdudley.com/p/Toyota__Yaris/TRD-Performance-Shocks-Shocks-and-Struts/69528680/PTR0452061.html?partner=googlebase_adwords&kwd=&origin=pla&partnerDevice=c&userLocation=9004989&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIitqG_ITI6gIVyyCtBh3AugW5EAQYBiAB EgIjHfD_BwE


https://www.evasivemotorsports.com/store/product/tein-street-basis-z-coilovers-toyota-yaris-12-prius-c-12/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIitqG_ITI6gIVyyCtBh3AugW5EAQYByA BEgKtg_D_BwE

https://www.evasivemotorsports.com/store/product/tein-flex-z-coilovers-scion-xd-08-14-toyota-prius-c-12-yaris-07-11/

Haha, color doesn't matter to me as I may paint mine black anyway. I looked at the Teins. I just couldn't get good pricing with shipping in/to Canada. After doing a lot of reading on the HSD coilovers, I found an outfit in Canada that offered me the set at wholesale pricing. $849.00 plus $110.00 shipping. I would have been into $1500.00 minimum for Teins, BCs etc. I was hoping to get into a set of lowering springs plus struts and rear shocks for under $1000.00. So, basically an additional ~ $80.00, I got a fully adjustable coilover kit that has great reviews. I like that they have variable damping. I have a feeling that they'll be pretty stiff and having the ability to soften things a wee bit for our roads around here will be good.

[ern-diz]

I've been running the Tein S Tech springs in mine for a few years and this last Saturday, installed Biltstein B8 shocks and struts. Huge improvement. They're not adjustable like a set of coil overs would be, but the ride is excellent. Given that my goal for the car is a TRD like, super street type car and not a track machine, I couldn't be happier for both the cost and result.

[06YarisRS]

I've been running the Tein S Tech springs in mine for a few years and this last Saturday, installed Biltstein B8 shocks and struts. Huge improvement. They're not adjustable like a set of coil overs would be, but the ride is excellent. Given that my goal for the car is a TRD like, super street type car and not a track machine, I couldn't be happier for both the cost and result.

That is awesome news, Ernie! Am I going to have to ask for pics? LOL. I am anxious to get your driving impressions, old vs new. I hope I don't regret the coilovers. Hopefully they aren't too stiff.

[ern-diz]

That is awesome news, Ernie! Am I going to have to ask for pics? LOL. I am anxious to get your driving impressions, old vs new. I hope I don't regret the coilovers. Hopefully they aren't too stiff.

I don't think you'll regret it because you want the adjustability. If I hadn't won the Wheelwell parts giveaway and gotten the rear shocks for free, the cost might have been near what you paid and I wouldn't have the adjustments you will. Adjustments are what I think it really boils down to because there are coilovers that aim to provide a street friendly ride. The few extra hundred you usually pay for coil overs give you the ability to change height, dampening, etc. If you don't need that, then maybe it makes sense to save a few pennies and go with springs, shocks and struts.

[06YarisRS]

I don't think you'll regret it because you want the adjustability. If I hadn't won the Wheelwell parts giveaway and gotten the rear shocks for free, the cost might have been near what you paid and I wouldn't have the adjustments you will. Adjustments are what I think it really boils down to because there are coilovers that aim to provide a street friendly ride. The few extra hundred you usually pay for coil overs give you the ability to change height, dampening, etc. If you don't need that, then maybe it makes sense to save a few pennies and go with springs, shocks and struts.

Yeah, I think I'll be happy with them. I watched a few more videos and it seems that even on the softest setting, they still pretty much eliminate body roll and make the driving 'go-kartish'. Apparently, they arrived today and my neighbour put them in the house. We're away at hockey camp on Prince Edward Island. Needless to say, the urge to get home and start wrenching is growing. :biggrin:

[Neinris]

I've been running the Tein S Tech springs in mine for a few years and this last Saturday, installed Biltstein B8 shocks and struts. Huge improvement. They're not adjustable like a set of coil overs would be, but the ride is excellent. Given that my goal for the car is a TRD like, super street type car and not a track machine, I couldn't be happier for both the cost and result.

Are the Bilstein shocks and struts shorter than stock? Just wondering.

[stidnam]

It's a shortened shock designed for lowering springs.

[ern-diz]

Yeah, I think I'll be happy with them. I watched a few more videos and it seems that even on the softest setting, they still pretty much eliminate body roll and make the driving 'go-kartish'. Apparently, they arrived today and my neighbour put them in the house. We're away at hockey camp on Prince Edward Island. Needless to say, the urge to get home and start wrenching is growing. :biggrin:

Body roll and bump bounce has been significantly reduced with my setup as well. Looking forward to hearing your experience!

[06YarisRS]

Body roll and bump bounce has been significantly reduced with my setup as well. Looking forward to hearing your experience!

Awesome news, man! Great to hear. I got my kit unboxed, the car up on jackstands and started removing parts. I only had about an hour in the garage as we got back later from PEI. Next post will have some pics.

[06YarisRS]

Coilover install begins

Wish me luck...

Hardware looks like pretty darn good quality.

https://i.imgur.com/MrnC1So.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JTJZnk3.jpg

I LOVE ReleasAll! I wire brushed all the fasteners and soaked, multiple times, each one. The lower main strut bolts broke free easily with a breaker bar.

https://i.imgur.com/9lJybCN.jpg

Same deal with the end links. Let's hope the driver's side goes as well. I hope to get that done tomorrow as well as disconnect the upper mounts and get the struts out. Time will be a bit limited tomorrow unfortunately.

https://i.imgur.com/3IMNXAf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FKuhJUY.jpg

End links are in great shape. They'll get a good sanding, rust converter, prime and paint before re-installation. I was unsure of how the links would connect to the coilover, but now see that there is an adjustable collar with locking rings.

https://i.imgur.com/b3kuImV.jpg

[stidnam]

If you cut down a 6mm hex key and have an offset spanner in the appropriate size, then you shouldn't need to remove any of the top trim to get to the top nut on the front struts. Just a handy hint :)

[06YarisRS]

If you cut down a 6mm hex key and have an offset spanner in the appropriate size, then you shouldn't need to remove any of the top trim to get to the top nut on the front struts. Just a handy hint :)

Awesome. Thanks. I don't have an offset wrench, but will see if a local hardware store has one. I'd prefer not to remove the wiper tray.

[stidnam]

I think you're going to need a 17mm offset spanner regardless.

https://youtu.be/sryKfs1JwCs?t=190

[06YarisRS]

I think you're going to need a 17mm offset spanner regardless.

https://youtu.be/sryKfs1JwCs?t=190

Yeah, couldn't find a 17mm but a 11/16 worked great. I didn't realize that I have to remove the coil spring nut to get the mounts out. Dang! Now I have to go find a spring compressor or order new mounts. EDIT: I just ordered 2 new mounts. They'll be in tomorrow morning. May as well leave the stock struts intact. That way if I hate the coilovers, I can go back to stock.

Upper mount removal

https://i.imgur.com/U69sUA3.jpg

Lower Strut bolt removal. God love Toyota for putting anti-seize on these big bolts!

https://i.imgur.com/0wn4noV.jpg

Strut out

https://i.imgur.com/knVOlku.jpg

Driver's strut out

https://i.imgur.com/jz7q9Cu.jpg

Every bolt and nut gets wire brushed and anti-seize applied. Clearly, I have some time while I wait for my new upper strut mounts to arrive. They will be in at 8:00am tomorrow.

https://i.imgur.com/qHxHa0P.jpg

I degreased, sanded primed and painted the end links. They'll get sprayed with thick rustproofing after installation. Which reminds me, I have to pick up the recommended marine grease to apply to the threaded bodies of the coilovers. Shouldn't be a problem as I live in a fishing community. :smile:

https://i.imgur.com/wGxr6WN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Y6LwWBx.jpg

[06YarisRS]

Front coilovers installed

I have them installed but not height adjusted yet. I'll try to get the rear done tomorrow and lower the car, measure and adjust.

I use a ton of antiseize - everywhere! I'll wipe the excess off, then spray the whole coilover assemblies with Rust Check Coat and Protect - a clear, very viscous rust proofing.

Then, after about 100 kms of driving, off to get an alignment. The Yaris appears to have an insane amount of camber adjustment. I expect I'll be quite far out on the camber before I get it aligned.

https://i.imgur.com/aTsZqHK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/HmKF94X.jpg



https://i.imgur.com/VNGSTjS.jpg

[06YarisRS]

Well, got the car lowered and it looks great, but I have a complete 'clunkfest' on my hands. It sounds like the strut mounts. It sounds like the front end is going to fall off. I tried re-adjusting the coilovers, tightening the strut mounts etc. Nothing helps at this point. Feeling kind of bummed out at the moment.
:rolleyes:

[06YarisRS]

Clunking fixed

Taking shortcuts rarely pays off. I didn't remove the wiper tray when I initially installed the coilovers. Despite thinking that I had everything tight, I didn't. With the wiper tray removed, I tightened down the strut bearing and the top nut better. The car is absolutely silent and the handling improvement is astronomical. I have just driven for about 10 - 15 minutes, but the car is so planted feeling. There is virtually zero body roll, or nose diving when braking. Despite being much firmer, the ride is amazingly comfortable, not jarring in the least. I do have the dampers in the softest position and will experiment with greater damping after the springs are exercised a bit. Right now, I am very stoked. :headbang:

https://i.imgur.com/bUYRf0X.jpg

The strut vertical deflection is perfect now. This si about the same clearance as on my old 2008 and this 2006 before the coilover install.

https://i.imgur.com/tRRfFpx.jpg

The car will be dropped about another 3/4" - 1" in the back and about another 1/2" in the front.

https://i.imgur.com/vVGU33m.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KeDF30F.jpg

[WeeYari]

:thumbup::burnrubber::headbang: .

[ern-diz]

:clap::clap::clap:

[Leegamer]

Looks great. It's gonna look really awesome once you lower it a bit more.

[06YarisRS]

Stock vs Coilovers

I lowered the car a about another 1/2" in the back. Here is a comparison between stock (bottom) and coilovers (top). I'm thinking an additional 1/4" drop at all 4 corners would be perfect, but I'll wait until the springs settle in a bit. I can't begin to explain how well the car handles now. I thought that the stock suspension was good, but this is on a whole new level.

https://i.imgur.com/mql8hIc.jpg

[06YarisRS]

:thumbup::burnrubber::headbang: .

Fackin' eh! :headbang:

[06YarisRS]

:clap::clap::clap:

It rocks, Ernie! Thanks for the help, bro. :w00t:

[06YarisRS]

Looks great. It's gonna look really awesome once you lower it a bit more.

Thanks man! Check out the latest pics! :biggrin:

[06YarisRS]

So, I have a little confession to make. I snapped off one of the rear damper adjustment knobs. I blame it on my shitty vision and lack of good quality glasses. The threaded shaft of the coilover piston top had two little flattened spots for a wrench when tightening the top nut. On top of that is the adjuster valve. Oddly, it has a allen key hole. So, you can guess what I did. Doh! I also blame my neighbour from down the road as he was hanging around talking to me about nothing. He likes to hang around and talk about his recent vehicle acquisitions. He knows zip about cars, but doesn't know that himself. I don't function well when I can't focus on what I'm doing. As an aside, I once dumped 5L of fresh full synthetic on the floor of our shop when I forgot to install the pan drain bolt. One of the custodians at the school was talking at me. Haha. I'm actually a pretty nice, congenial guy, but like focus solely on the job at hand.

Anyway, I was sure I'd have to order a whole new rear damper. Again, blame my eyes! The little adjuster valve is removeable. The outfit I bought the coilovers from is sending me a pair, no charge, other than shipping.

https://i.imgur.com/Mo8QCtL.jpg

[06YarisRS]

Rear dampers and springs

These pics are from before I did any adjustments. And, before I cleaned up all the anti-seize.

https://i.imgur.com/7zARuQU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/v6nWDY4.jpg

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Sweet. But yes, a little more drop like you said would be perfect. However, can the car afford being any lower up there in Canada?

[06YarisRS]

Sweet. But yes, a little more drop like you said would be perfect. However, can the car afford being any lower up there in Canada?

Thanks. A little lower might be pushing it. That said, with the spring rate and reduced travel, I might be able to go down a wee bit more.

[WeeYari]

Just watch that rear left tire as you adjust your ride height. It will be the first to buzz the fender at the top of the wheel arch.

[06YarisRS]

Just watch that rear left tire as you adjust your ride height. It will be the first to buzz the fender at the top of the wheel arch.

Right. I heard about that. Maybe it was you that mentioned it earlier. Axle is offset a bit, eh? So far no rubbing but I haven't driven it too hard yet.

[ern-diz]

Right. I heard about that. Maybe it was you that mentioned it earlier. Axle is offset a bit, eh? So far no rubbing but I haven't driven it too hard yet.

This is very interesting. Before installing the Bilsteins, which have almost eliminated all of the rub I had, I found that it was always my front wheels that would rub, never the rear.

[06YarisRS]

This is very interesting. Before installing the Bilsteins, which have almost eliminated all of the rub I had, I found that it was always my front wheels that would rub, never the rear.

Well, I'm really glad I don't have any rubbing and I put it through a serious test earlier this evening. I found the bumpiest part of our road around here and tried to see if it would rub. I steered hard into bumps and dips in the road, loading each corner. I have no idea how close it comes to rubbing. The car is utterly transformed. It feels like it's on rails, without any jarring. I know if sounds absurd, but my car is both tighter and seemingly quieter than before. I can't explain it. I expected plastic rattling, dashboard and trim rattling...nothing.

I'm going to let the springs settle in. If the car doesn't come down a tiny bit, I may lower another 1/4" or so. I think I have the perfect balance (height and shock damping) for our road conditions.

https://i.imgur.com/oxlXEoV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WYGHBtb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TwgXJrm.jpg

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Those dampers are probably doing a better job of absorbing impacts, so that's probably why you're getting a quieter ride. I'd go a little lower, but like you said earlier, you might be pushing the limit for your local road conditions.

Do you have any chassis bracing by chance? Oddly enough, it made my ride smoother. I think someone told me it deals with frequency balance or something like that. lol

[06YarisRS]

Those dampers are probably doing a better job of absorbing impacts, so that's probably why you're getting a quieter ride. I'd go a little lower, but like you said earlier, you might be pushing the limit for your local road conditions.

Do you have any chassis bracing by chance? Oddly enough, it made my ride smoother. I think someone told me it deals with frequency balance or something like that. lol

I believe they are doing a better job of dampening. When I had my exhaust done, I had added in a cylindrical straight through muffler. It was toward the back of the tunnel. The piping form there back to the axle is not exactly tucked up. Right now I have about 3" to the road at the lowest point of the exhaust. If I decided to lower, I might want to remove that cylindrical muffler and have the piping tucked up better. Right now, there are no issues with road contact, though.

I was out again this evening for a drive. All I can say is.. WOW! Even though I haven't gotten an alignment, the car is a sled on rails. Incredible difference!

[ern-diz]

So happy to hear about the improvement. Lower or not, it looks superb with the last adjustment you made. I'd personally go for a little more, but it's win-win either way.

[06YarisRS]

So happy to hear about the improvement. Lower or not, it looks superb with the last adjustment you made. I'd personally go for a little more, but it's win-win either way.

Thanks Ernie. I do want to go a touch lower. Interestingly, I am at the lowest setting in the back. I did however use the rubber spring pad from the OE set up. I bolted the HSD spring retainer on top of it. The rubber pad is about 1/4" thick when compressed, I expect. I think if I remove the rubber spring pad and take out the locking ring from the HSD spring retainer, I could get another 1/2" to 3/4". If I remove the spring perch and locking ring, and set the springs right down on the bottom of the spring retainer, I could probably get a whole inch. I may yet do all of the stated. The front has at least another 1/2 drop capability. After that and I'd be running into the end link bracket on the damper.

I'm not sure of the appropriate terms in my explanation above, so here's a labeled pic of what I call the parts:

https://i.imgur.com/oRHpdWr.jpg

[ern-diz]

Thanks Ernie. I do want to go a touch lower. Interestingly, I am at the lowest setting in the back. I did however use the rubber spring pad from the OE set up. I bolted the HSD spring retainer on top of it. The rubber pad is about 1/4" thick when compressed, I expect. I think if I remove the rubber spring pad and take out the locking ring from the HSD spring retainer, I could get another 1/2" to 3/4". If I remove the spring perch and locking ring, and set the springs right down on the bottom of the spring retainer, I could probably get a whole inch. I may yet do all of the stated. The front has at least another 1/2 drop capability. After that and I'd be running into the end link bracket on the damper.

I'm not sure of the appropriate terms in my explanation above, so here's a labeled pic of what I call the parts:

https://i.imgur.com/oRHpdWr.jpg

From what you describe, it doesn't sound like that would impact their performance at all, right? The spring sitting down on the retainer is how it comes from the factory. If you're looking for some extra low, sounds like a good way to do it.

[06YarisRS]

From what you describe, it doesn't sound like that would impact their performance at all, right? The spring sitting down on the retainer is how it comes from the factory. If you're looking for some extra low, sounds like a good way to do it.

Yep. Shouldn't affect performance. As soon as I'm done with my liftgate, the car's getting jacked up and the rings removed. I'll drop the front maybe another 1/2" too. :thumbsup: After all, I'm going to a car show (Stance East) in Moncton, NB on Saturday. Not a big fan of super dropped cars or crazy camber, but it should be a fun show nonetheless.

[ern-diz]

Yep. Shouldn't affect performance. As soon as I'm done with my liftgate, the car's getting jacked up and the rings removed. I'll drop the front maybe another 1/2" too. :thumbsup: After all, I'm going to a car show (Stance East) in Moncton, NB on Saturday. Not a big fan of super dropped cars or crazy camber, but it should be a fun show nonetheless.

I'm with you there. Fun to connect with people in all aspects of car culture, even if it's not my cup of tea.

[06YarisRS]

I'm with you there. Fun to connect with people in all aspects of car culture, even if it's not my cup of tea.

For sure. I was cruising out of Saint John yesterday and was passed by a right hand drive Supra Turbo. I'm guessing around a 2006. The car looked very tastefully 'stanced'. I'm so hoping that the car is going to be at the show on Saturday.

[ern-diz]

For sure. I was cruising out of Saint John yesterday and was passed by a right hand drive Supra Turbo. I'm guessing around a 2006. The car looked very tastefully 'stanced'. I so hoping that the car is going to be at the show on Saturday.

Fingers crossed! I'm hoping for one of your usually detailed posts --but in the photo section, after the meet! :biggrin:

[06YarisRS]

Fingers crossed! I'm hoping for one of your usually detailed posts --but in the photo section, after the meet! :biggrin:

Absoultely, Ernie. I'll take lots of pics.