lowering springs

fireblade929

fireblade929

New Member
#1
#1
so after some inputs and hours of research, i think im going for the megan lowering springs. however, i need some input from people whom actually has them installed. does the tires rub when u have 5 persons inside the car? or should i go with the adjustable coil overs so then i can adjust them to a higher setting when i know im picking up 4 of my friends and lower them when im riding solo.
 
-BOGEY-

-BOGEY-

New Member
#2
#2
since you have decided on the Megan brand, my input on my Eibachs will do you no good. :-( But I can tell you they do not rub with 4 people in the car...Id never subject a 5th to the crowded back seat lol
 
Chris Denton

Chris Denton

New Member
#3
#3
From what I know, coil overs are a pain in the ass to adjust. Once in a while is probably ok, but frequently would be exhausting. You would be better off with air suspension.
 
MURILLO20

MURILLO20

New Member
#4
#4
fireblade929 said:
so after some inputs and hours of research, i think im going for the megan lowering springs. however, i need some input from people whom actually has them installed. does the tires rub when u have 5 persons inside the car? or should i go with the adjustable coil overs so then i can adjust them to a higher setting when i know im picking up 4 of my friends and lower them when im riding solo.
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I have megan racing springs on my car and it's great because it's not too low and it's not so high. I had my friends in my car and didn't rub but, I have the stock rims on it..
 
klebinek

klebinek

New Member
#7
#7
Chris Denton said:
Ordered TRD springs today. Finally!
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Definitely post pics, maybe a video. By the way I checked out some of your vids and those suspension projects you've done. Overall very good work and nice parts, springs will definitely be a nice addition. I'm trying to decide whether to lower mine as well but with kids in the back I don't want their little heads bouncing around. Also, I know that if it was lower either wife or myself would hit that concrete curb while parking sooner or later. It would be nice to have a front camera which would activate under 2mph or something, I'm sure it's doable.
 
Chris Denton

Chris Denton

New Member
#9
#9
klebinek said:
Definitely post pics, maybe a video. By the way I checked out some of your vids and those suspension projects you've done. Overall very good work and nice parts, springs will definitely be a nice addition. I'm trying to decide whether to lower mine as well but with kids in the back I don't want their little heads bouncing around. Also, I know that if it was lower either wife or myself would hit that concrete curb while parking sooner or later. It would be nice to have a front camera which would activate under 2mph or something, I'm sure it's doable.
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Thanks! A lot of research, time and money. Lol

 
Chris Denton

Chris Denton

New Member
#11
#11
klebinek said:
Man, that's sweet as hell! I'm assuming you had to get a new rear view mirror/camera with monitor and installed it up front rather back, how much was it by the way?
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The mirror is by Boyo. It's has two video inputs and wifi mirroring for iPhone and android. It's missing the auto dim feature, so I get blinded at night! There's another mirror that I want by Germid (I think). Doesn't have the wifi, that I don't use anyways, but will auto dim. Anyways, the camera is from AliExpress and mounted under the front lip. Mirror was around $200. Camera was about $7, and it's a good one. Metal body, glass lens, bolts on, forward facing with no grid lines, 120 degree imaging and I believe it's 720p. The only catch for me was the wait time. It ships from China and takes about a month. After making sure it was right for me, I ordered a spare!
 
-BOGEY-

-BOGEY-

New Member
#14
#14
Dont have the dealerships do this work. A reputable mechanic shop can install springs for 2 hours of $79/ hr shop rate. Pluse $70 for a good alignment after. Lowering springs void a warranty? (per Fireblades comment). Never heard of that, must be a California thing.
 
fireblade929

fireblade929

New Member
#15
#15
-BOGEY- said:
Dont have the dealerships do this work. A reputable mechanic shop can install springs for 2 hours of $79/ hr shop rate. Pluse $70 for a good alignment after. Lowering springs void a warranty? (per Fireblades comment). Never heard of that, must be a California thing.
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yeah, it must be a california thing.cuz when i took the car for service at the dealership, i asked them if installing an aftermarket part somewhere else would void my warranty, they said it would. which make total sense.you take the car to a mechanic, as good as he can be, toyota doesnt know if that part was installed the right way. i even asked them if i could bring a paper from the mechanic saying that the part was installed the right way. they just want an excuse to delete your warranty.
 
-BOGEY-

-BOGEY-

New Member
#27
#27
Ive heard the springs do "settle", but Ive never heard of them to be "noisy"? A creak hear and there maybe as they settle in?? I cant say, mine made no noise to my knowledge...but Im deaf from 80s rock played way too loud in my teen years. :)
 
klebinek

klebinek

New Member
#28
#28
Congratulations Chris Denton!

I'm so tempted to lower my 15 LE Premium but have always had some concerns after watching friends, family do it to their Hondas etc...I think we don't have to worry about it on Corollas since they have a torsion beam set up rather than independent rear suspension. There was always the camber, tire wear issue even with the camber kit. There was always something about bushings, shocks, and sub components wearing out quicker. I don't know if it's due to the parts they've used or just the nature of messing around with car's geometry which little by little will have an impact on the overall wear and tear.

Maybe I'm paranoid and I probably don't know what I'm talking about, but let's say lowering your car does wear out your components prematurely. What would you need to do to besides lowering springs in order to do it right and prevent any issues in the future. What would you need to replace, change along with the springs to make it last and not have any negative effect on anything else. I would love to do it once and not worry about anything else for as long as I own the vehicle.
 
Chris Denton

Chris Denton

New Member
#29
#29
klebinek said:
Congratulations Chris Denton!

I'm so tempted to lower my 15 LE Premium but have always had some concerns after watching friends, family do it to their Hondas etc...There was always the camber, tire wear issue even with the camber kit. There was always something about bushings, shocks, and sub components wearing out quicker. I don't know if it's due to the parts they've used or just the nature of messing around with car's geometry which little by little will have an impact on the overall wear and tear.

Maybe I'm paranoid and I probably don't know what I'm talking about, but let's say lowering your car does wear out your components prematurely. What would you need to do to besides lowering springs in order to do it right and prevent any issues in the future. What would you need to replace, change along with the springs to make it last and not have any negative effect on anything else. I would love to do it once and not worry about anything else for as long as I own the vehicle.[/QUOTE
Lol, thanks!
This is the same concerns that I had. I've never lowered a car before.
Would it help to know that you can now buy a new Corolla with the TRD lowering springs from the dealer?
I guess they decided to allow the TRD accessories when they remodeled the Corolla for 2017.
With that said, a good alignment should be all that is necessary. The "mechanic" today recommended that I return in a month to re torque everything and check the alignment again. This is free of charge, at least for me.
I went with the TRD springs because i wanted "original equipment".
I believe however, that Eibach manufacturers these springs for TRD.
Don't hold me to that!
Anyways, I don't think there will any abnormal wear and tear on the other components with a subtle drop in height.
Would I do this again......
Ask me in a month!
Click to expand...
 
klebinek

klebinek

New Member
#30
#30
No doubt that by Toyota offering those springs as an option it adds confidence, that's huge actually. I guess you're right if you only drop it 1.5 inches it shouldn't affect it much compared to something way more drastic. Let us know how it rides and if it sits too low if you load it up with people, stuff in trunk....

I drive people around all the time although they're not heavy or anything :) Those parts that came with your sprints in unboxing video in plastic bag, were those bushings? Also, can you provide the spring part number, where you purchased from and price...Really appreciate it. Man, I've always debated whether to drop my cars in the past but never had the balls to do it. I've done pretty much everything else but never suspension. Finally my last car was a 2000 4runner Limited which I drove from new to about 2 years ago. Loved the car but with new baby, I needed something newer with airbags everywhere if you know what I mean. Thanks again!
 
Chris Denton

Chris Denton

New Member
#31
#31
klebinek said:
No doubt that by Toyota offering those springs as an option it adds confidence, that's huge actually. I guess you're right if you only drop it 1.5 inches it shouldn't affect it much compared to something way more drastic. Let us know how it rides and if it sits too low if you load it up with people, stuff in trunk....

I drive people around all the time although they're not heavy or anything :) Those parts that came with your sprints in unboxing video in plastic bag, were those bushings? Also, can you provide the spring part number, where you purchased from and price...Really appreciate it. Man, I've always debated whether to drop my cars in the past but never had the balls to do it. I've done pretty much everything else but never suspension. Finally my last car was a 2000 4runner Limited which I drove from new to about 2 years ago. Loved the car but with new baby, I needed something newer with airbags everywhere if you know what I mean. Thanks again!
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Yes, those were bushings and they're still in the box. I think my originals were still in good enough shape to reuse.
I paid $215 plus shipping for the spring set and I bought them from

http://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=336528

Looks like the price went up too.

I have two kids as well and safety is top priority!
 
Chris Denton

Chris Denton

New Member
#32
#32
IMG_1413.JPG
So I removed the cowl and wipers last night to make sure everything was torqued properly. Found that the grease caps were missing (found in spring box). The outter cowl pieces between the fenders and the windshield are broken. Most of the cowl clips are mashed down. All minor things that I can repair/replace. But I guess you get what you pay for.
In the trunk, I had to remount all the carpet. Again not a big deal but something everyone wants to look out for when allowing a mechanic to do the work.
I think I'm better than any mechanic that I've ever been to!
Oh and my wiper must have been drop kicked at some point.
 
klebinek

klebinek

New Member
#34
#34
I
Chris Denton said:
Yes, those were bushings and they're still in the box. I think my originals were still in good enough shape to reuse.
I paid $215 plus shipping for the spring set and I bought them from

http://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=336528

Looks like the price went up too.

I have two kids as well and safety is top priority![/QUOTE
Thanks for the info, looks great, just right in my opinion. The thing is I like those Premium wheels, I've got the same ones and would probably keep those even after lowering. They looks really nice like they belong on a Lexus or something.
Click to expand...
 
Chris Denton

Chris Denton

New Member
#36
#36
Removed a front wheel tonight to check the "mechanics" work.
Looks solid, everything is nice and tight. However, the springs are rubbing against the body. I can see where the paint is wearing. Also there is a difference in the way they are mounted between sides. They are somewhat directional and do not appeared to be installed the same on both sides. Difficult to explain on the forum.
Anyways, the noise is really bothering me. If these springs were installed at time of purchase, I'm willing to bet they would be quiet. So what's the problem?

I think my rim money is about to go to coilovers! And I WONT be relying on a "mechanic"!!!
 
klebinek

klebinek

New Member
#37
#37
Damn, that sucks. Is it only rubbing on the side which you've inspected or both sides up in the front? If only one side, I would reinstall the one in question to look like the other side. Also, perhaps it may have something to do with stock bushings as opposed to the ones that came with the springs, probably not but just throwing it out there. Unless you have incorrect springs, if others on the forum have the same springs installed with no issues then the problem is with the installation itself.
 
Chris Denton

Chris Denton

New Member
#40
#40
I'm gonna give it the time to settle. Maybe the noises will actually go away.
If they don't in say 500-1000 miles then I'm switching to coilovers. In the meantime, I'm focused on some new rims and tires!
 
Chris Denton

Chris Denton

New Member
#42
#42
klebinek said:
Damn, that sucks. Is it only rubbing on the side which you've inspected or both sides up in the front? If only one side, I would reinstall the one in question to look like the other side. Also, perhaps it may have something to do with stock bushings as opposed to the ones that came with the springs, probably not but just throwing it out there. Unless you have incorrect springs, if others on the forum have the same springs installed with no issues then the problem is with the installation itself.
Click to expand...
I think it's only the one side and could be because I had it jacked up. That side was fully extended and the springs were still very tight, meaning that I couldn't move them.
When I checked the passenger side, the car was down and there was good clearance.
I think I'll wait it out, as instructed, and see what they do. But I'm still gonna shop those coilovers!
For now I'm gonna focus on wheels.
 
Chris Denton

Chris Denton

New Member
#43
#43
UPDATE!!!
Got under the rear today. I discovered where all the noises are coming from. The exhaust flange was hitting the heat shield. I cut off about one inch of it with tin snips, problem solved. 2nd issue, the "mechanic" had my Ultra Racing RSB on backwards, so it too was hitting the exhaust. Dumb arse!
Problem solved, no more noises.
The front is still a little creaky but has gotten much better. This heat wave we're having is helping. Lol
 
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