3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Hi Guys, I am looking to lower my 2000 Solara by about an inch or two but my springs and struts are in great shape so I would rather not replace them. So I was hoping to use the compression brackets (or make my own) that you can get at Napa,etc. to bring the springs down a bit by compressing a coil or two on each spring. My question is does anyone know by doing this how much it will affect the ride quality? Like I said I am not looking to go too crazy just bring the car down an inch or so, there is just too much of a gap between the wheel wells and tires. I just put a set of new 17" rims on the car and it is even more noticable now. Thanks a lot for any advice you can give me on this!
Oh, wait, that wasn't a joke?
But seriously, if you're gonna do something (i.e. lower your car) do it the right way. Get some real lowering springs. Those pieces of junk you're talking about will only cause you headaches.
__________________ All of the lag, none of the boost.
VTEC It's like waiting for really bad sex.
That is why I am asking peoples advice that have had any experience with this. I am trying to find out if there are any negative effects of going that route. I don't see any issues from slightly compressing one or two coils other than possibly a stiffer ride. But again that is what I am trying to figure out. So if anyone has any good information I would love to hear from you.
Here is some good information. When I was 16 years old, I had a Honda Accord hatchback. I bought spring compressors, because the theory is fantastic......you can lower your car, but then you can make it stock height if you ever want to sell it.
The problem is this: They're a pain in the ass to use. It requires a lot of patience, and tedious movement to get tools in the small area. Plus even if you do get them on to where they don't slip......once you start driving, the spring coils will at sometime if not ALL the time come in contact with the clamping device. And this creates a noisy ass ride. And speaking of "ride", the ride quality wasn't too good either. If you think about it, lets say a factory spring has 10 coils, then you clamp 2 coils. Now your car is suspended on 8 loosy-goosy soft riding coils instead of 10. You'll be more prone to bottoming out on the bump stops, and like I mentioned before, even before you bottom out, the coils will clank and bang onto the clamps.
Even as kid, I knew my ride was ghetto, so I took them off. I then heated coils to lower it....another bad mistake. I wasn't satisfied, so I cut coils to lower it....another bad mistake. But that's another thread!
There you go, words from someone who has "been there, none that".
Buy aftermarket springs, they're only like ~$100. And you won't regret it.
__________________
1993 Camry LE 5SFE AT, 2006 Nissan Armada LE 4x4, 1971 Cadillac Coupe DeVille "pimp juice"
Toys: 2007 Coachmen 19FLB, 2007 Regal 1900 V6
I'm the biggest boss thatchu seen thus far! Baby, that's muh wi'zzard!
Last edited by eurohazard; 04-07-2008 at 03:07 PM.
Here is some good information. When I was 16 years old, I had a Honda Accord hatchback. I bought spring compressors, because the theory is fantastic......you can lower your car, but then you can make it stock height if you ever want to sell it.
The problem is this: They're a pain in the ass to use. It requires a lot of patience, and tedious movement to get tools in the small area. Plus even if you do get them on to where they don't slip......once you start driving, the spring coils will at sometime if not ALL the time come in contact with the clamping device. And this creates a noisy ass ride. Even as kid, I knew my ride was ghetto, so I took them off. I heated coils to lower it....another bad mistake. I wasn't satisfied, so I cut coils to lower it....another bad mistake.
There you go, words from someone who has "been there, none that".
Buy aftermarket springs, they're only like ~$100. And you won't regret it.
+1 Agree. Do it right or don't do it. Taking short cuts on something as critical as your suspension is a bad idea. There are all kinds of products on the market that try to offer you something for little or nothing. Those clamps fall into that category IMO.
Your from CT. Look at the roads around here, then ask if you want to half ass your suspension. As other said, do it right, or don't do it. Just get aftermarket springs.
__________________
Employed at Toyota in Parts, again.
"Geez.... Just keep it stock if you are going to do that..." ??? All I am trying to do is slightly lower the car an inch or so because the factory ride height looks a bit too high and I am just checking out different options. I am not looking to slam it to the ground. So I'm not sure what you mean by "Geez....just keep it stock if you are going to do that...." But thanks for your helpful insight!
another thing to consider dave is that if u lower it with the stock springs, ur still gonna have that much less travle on teh same spring rate ending in; 1). a more bouncy ride and, 2). more likely to bottom out. in terms of a drop an inch is not small on a car like ours especially if its an inch on the mushy stock springs.
also, try not to take comments to personally, some anwsers are what u want and some arent, thats the ropes of a public forum.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
