Rear suspension

[YarisSedan]

Originally Posted by detroiter

So I woke up this morning and I guess almost instinctual, I set out to the garage and grabbed the tools to do the job. I'd definately have to say that having two people is much easier (it always is usually anyways when it comes to cars) but it's not too bad if your going solo. The hardest part, like someone else mentioned, was the rear bushing. It was a pain in the rump to try and line it up just right so you could start threading the bolt through all the way.

I took it for a quick test drive after I was finished and for me speaking, I can think of a few choice words to sum up my initial impressions. Refined, smooth and reactive.
It reminds me alot of the stock suspension ride, how it's calm and smooth feeling. All of that feeling now with the lowered suspension components. It certainly feels more "planted" in the rear with even less boat motion feeling. The turning feedback definately increased has well. I jerked the steering wheel side to side to see what it would do, and it reacted quick and precise. Much better than when the rear axle beam was in the lower position.

One thing I noticed though is that the rear certainly doesn't appear to be lower or any of that. If anything, it almost looks like it's a slight pinch higher. Could be just a mind trick since the axle beam is tucked up underneath a bit more and it allows to see more space under the car. Also, I don't really see any difference in the tire being more "towards the rear". Looks the same gap to me towards front or rear of the fender. Another thing I'd be a little concerned with is taking the time to adjust to how it drives now. The steering and reaction during my quick test drive is much nicer feeling and quicker, better handling...but along with that, I believe you could get yourself into some trouble if it's wet or slick out. I'm concerned about a more likely possibility of snap oversteer if you jerked or steered too suddenly.

It's a given though that anytime someone changes a part on a car that alters it's powertrain or suspension, that the person takes it easy so they can learn what is different and how it reacts. Too many countless stories of some kid that throws a turbo on a Civic and goes out that night to get it on. Ends up crashing the car because it's completely different than what it used to be and the driver had no idea how to react. Essentially, the car is NOT the same car as what you used to drive. Be safe out there.

Yeah i have simular conserns as you. I went to take a really quick turn after i did this mod to see how it would react. And if you ever watched initial D when the character makes that face when his car does something unexpected that same thing happend to me. It scared me for a second cause it was completely unexpected. Going to have to slowly get used to it. Its as if you have to turn to wheel less while going into a sharp turn. If you jerk the wheel too hard you will have to turn it back the other way to correct it otherwise you will drive into whatever you are cornering around if thta makes sense.

All i know is my car just got really a lot lot more fun ot drive