Opinions on suspension needed please :)

[lostmind]

I know there are a ton of posts on suspension setups. I've read through a ton of them already and I am still unsure on what I want to do to my Yaris 5 dr hatchback.

It's my commuter car, but I am already sick of the bobble head effect when changing lanes. I gotta fix it, but I don't want to sacrifice ride comfort too much.

On other cars, I have found just swapping springs usually ends up in a horrible ride as the shocks/struts wear out prematurely. So I am leaning towards a full replacement, shocks and springs on the Yaris.

The only problem with this is that by the time you have both the TRD shocks and springs, you are looking at $600~. It's only a few more hundred bucks for coilovers...

I don't plan on putting anything bigger then 16" rims on this car. Although I do plan on putting aftermarket rims and tires on.

So with all of that, what would people here recommend? Anyone with direct experience on the TRD combo? Or TRD shocks and another brand of springs? Or coilovers? Would be really appreciated!

[Kaotic Lazagna]

i have the TRD struts/shocks and the Tein S.Tech springs. i spent a little less than 580 bucks for those and a Tanabe Sustec strut bar. it's a little stiff, but i actually want it to be stiffer. i've taken it to camping, and it does just fine. i've had full loads before, and it never bottoms out. although i have scratched the bottom of my front bumper once. i like it a lot.

[yrsdrgn]

Coilovers!!!!!!!!! Cusco Comp-S coliovers all the way!!!! ahahhahahahaha I love them and it's my daily driver.

[lostmind]

Thanks guys! :)

I'm coming from an STi lowered on RCE springs and that was a bit rough for my wife. If this wasn't a daily driver/commuter, trust me it would be on coilovers in a minute. Actually - if I didn't need a commuter vehicle, I would probably have kept the STi. lol

I just want to lose that creepy bobble head feeling when changing lanes in traffic. I am thinking the TRD springs/shocks are the ticket.

Kaotic, what size tires are you running?

[yrsdrgn]

haha I came from an Evo on Super Street Tein coils with EDFC.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Thanks guys! :)

Kaotic, what size tires are you running?

it's the stock wheels and tires. i can't remember off the top of my head, but i think they're 185/60/15. i think it'll be a little more rough when i switch to 16's, but i don't think it'll be too bad. if you're planning on 17's, then i think it'll be too stiff. the S.Tech's are 3.0kg front, and 3.5kg rear rating.

[Vanderkitten]

When I run the 15" 205/50/15 track tires I have on the street, the ride is much more manageable than the 205/45/17's. I have Megan Racing coilovers, and they are great on the track, and after 1300 miles I am used to them/they have broken in, but extremely stiff. I would do springs and see how you like it. $159 for the Tanabe DF210's that seem very popular.

[Imagine]

Check out the Tein basic coilovers, they are more street oriented with non-adjustable and run softer spring rates then any other coilover system. I just love coilovers though. They usually seem to ride better and the height adjustably is nice.

[nqd]

I have just Tein S tech and i think its just right for a daily driver

[lostmind]

Thanks guys... appreciate the feedback. I haven't made up my mind yet... but I will soon :)

[Lafiro]

Anyway to get air suspension?

[brickhardmeat]

Tein Basics on the way-can't wait

[Terrorize]

I got the Tanabe NF210's with stock 15" rims and Bridgestone Potenza's....rides a bit more rough...but better handling...but yeah...like Kaotic...i've scratched my front lip... =(

My TRD struts/shocks are here!! Waiting to get them installed....

[yrsdrgn]

I haven't scratched my car yet from the lowered ride height.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

I haven't scratched my car yet from the lowered ride height.

wait until you get a front lip or lower bumper. i wish i was paying attention when i was leaving that driveway...

[Kaotic Lazagna]

I got the Tanabe NF210's with stock 15" rims and Bridgestone Potenza's....rides a bit more rough...but better handling...but yeah...like Kaotic...i've scratched my front lip... =(

My TRD struts/shocks are here!! Waiting to get them installed....

yeah, putting in the rear shocks is going to be a B*TCH. you have to remove the rear seats, deck, and plastic panels to gain access to it.

[yrsdrgn]

my driveway is pretty steep already lol it's a challenge just getting on/off that LOL give me a lip and i'd be happy to try not scratching it for free lol

[Kaotic Lazagna]

my driveway is pretty steep already lol it's a challenge just getting on/off that LOL give me a lip and i'd be happy to try not scratching it for free lol

hahaha, if i were a rich person, i'd probably buy a front lip to those who really want one. but i'm one of those people who would want a free front lip. heh.

oh, i scratched my front lip by forgetting to go at an angle...bah.

[lostmind]

Kaotic, that musta been a steep driveway. The yaris in stock trim sits up so high it's almost comical. Dropping it by 1-2" shouldn't make such a difference...?

[yrsdrgn]

hehe a 1-2inch drop makes big difference on a driveway ^^

[ChinoCharles]

If you want better handling without losing too much drivability, the TRD setup is probably your best bet. You can start with the springs and if they don't get rid of enough roll for you spring for the shocks. With both you'll certainly notice a big difference. Its a little rough, but nothing that is going to give you whiplash or anything.

[yrsdrgn]

If you want better handling without losing too much drivability, the TRD setup is probably your best bet. You can start with the springs and if they don't get rid of enough roll for you spring for the shocks. With both you'll certainly notice a big difference. Its a little rough, but nothing that is going to give you whiplash or anything.

The Cusco fills in the rough part better than the TRD lol. Go with TRD hehe

[ChinoCharles]

Yeah, I would have to imagine Toyota's in-house tuner brand would produce the most modest suspension setup. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to drive anything but TRD, but just from what I hear about other setups, the TRD is probably the closest to stock.

[yrsdrgn]

yup i agree with ya Chino. closest to stock but still packs a punch

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Kaotic, that musta been a steep driveway. The yaris in stock trim sits up so high it's almost comical. Dropping it by 1-2" shouldn't make such a difference...?

yeah, the ~2" drop is more than i thought it would lower. lol...i like it tho.

[lostmind]

Yah, I am pretty certain I'll be going with the TRD set and some 15/16 light weight rims... if that isn't enough for me, I'll look for some chassis stiffening.. if it's too much, then I'll go back to stock tires.

Mainly, it's my wife I am concerned about. She likes a comfy ride. But I can't see the TRD stuff being too extreme. Even she notices the stock bobble head from the passenger seat.

[ToTo]

TRD should be fine for your wife regarding comfort...

[brickhardmeat]

I would think any spring paired with a 205/50/15, 205/55/15, or 205/50/16 would feel fine. A shorter side wall than that and you will begin to feel the bashing and thrashing over bumps.

I would go with Megan Springs and 205/55/15- should ride much better and still be comfortable and very affordable set up.