Finally pulled the trigger on springs - Big Pics warning

[Goobee]

I've been vacillating on whether or not to put lowering springs on. My main concern was losing the comfortable ride. I finally said the hell with it and had TRD springs installed.

After having them for two weeks, here are my impressions:

Stiffness: The TRD springs are indeed stiffer than OEM. This translates into feeling more of the road, that is bumps, cracks, uneven surfaces.

Spring rate: Over dips and speed bumps, the springs have a tendency to (for lack of a better term) "spring" the car up as you drive over them. It's not bad, the OEM struts are strong enough to keep it to one bounce so that you don't go up and down like a pogo stick.

Dampening: The OEM struts do a decent enough job.

Performance: No comment. I do not do spirited driving so I can't say whether or not there is any improvement in this area.

Installation: Not including the cost of the springs, I paid the dealer $355 labor inclusive of a 4 wheel alignment to install the springs. Outside, spring installation goes for about $150 and and $89 for the wheel alignment. To me, paying $116 extra to the dealer to avoid warranty hassles is well worth the cost.

Summary: If you are looking for a modest drop to lose the wheel gap but don't want a harsh ride, the TRD springs are a good compromise. You will feel more bumps and vibration, but it's not too bad. Hopefully my observations will help others who are on the fence about getting springs installed.

Here are a few shots of the car:



Initially the front sat higher but after settling, both the front and back are about the same height.

[Maim Menu]

Looks good, thank you for putting your impressions on the springs. I also like the SE grille on a non-se Camry very much.

[EuroPlate]

Looking good...thanks for the info...I'm thinking of doing the same on my ride...towards the end of the year...

[akira751]

Your wheels look even better with the drop. Welcome to the club.

[psychoticnemo]

Thank you very much for writing down your impressions on the springs i hope to join the club soon =) the car looks great actually i'm loving the SE grill definately gives it personality. =) beautiful car.

-Psychotic

[CharmCityES]

welcome to the lowered camry club sir!
looks awesome! nice choice of wheels as they match the car quite well!

[Goobee]

Thanks for all the kind words. I like the clean look of the front end with the SE grill so I'm probably not going to install a front lip. I may go with a rear valance just to finish off the back. What do you guys think about this? Yeah or nay?

[Netforcer]

Looks good... cam phone pics?

If you think our ride is stiffer with your XLE struts... try SE struts... hehehe

[LOV]

Looks good with the drop.

[Goobee]

Originally Posted by Netforcer

Looks good... cam phone pics?

Almost. Wife had the Canon so I was forced to use my ancient 2 megapixel Kodak.

[TRD VVTi]

The drop and the wheels both look nice.

[lammydi]

Nice choice in wheels. The TRD's springs just add an awesome look to it. Well done.

[untitlejk]

Sweet drop, lovin the even-ness.

The rims and tires look great, what sizes are they?

[Goobee]

Originally Posted by untitlejk

Sweet drop, lovin the even-ness.

The rims and tires look great, what sizes are they?

I went very conservative on the sizing to maintain the ride quality. It's just a +1 upgrade from stock but the 225-50-17 tires is enough to give me the look I want. The wheels are 17x7 with 38 offset.

[MDTRD]

Originally Posted by Goobee

Thanks for all the kind words. I like the clean look of the front end with the SE grill so I'm probably not going to install a front lip. I may go with a rear valance just to finish off the back. What do you guys think about this? Yeah or nay?

I'd say nay to the rear valance. Body wise, now, your car is perfectly balanced all around. A rear valance would throw the car off without adding something to the front. As is, your car has a touch of class AND sportiness. That SE grill looks good. Good job.