Lowering 06 S. On the fence.

[2006ToyoCorollaS]

Okay, so I don't really plan on modding this car. I want to keep it pretty much stock looking (don't want rims, or lights, etc) But what I am interested in is getting it lowered a bit (1.5-2 inches lower). The stock wheel gap is horrible looking, and I think that lowering it would give the car a better stance and make the stock 15" rims more appealing. I don't have any experience with lowering cars. I've owned 3 Ford Probes in my past (1 was turbo) and I have decent experience with engine modification, bolt ons, etc, but I've never done suspension work. And even if I had, I don't have the tools available anyway.

So basically I'll probably buy the parts then take it to a shop to install... but what I'm asking is...

1. Do I need to get JUST springs and get them installed on the stock struts? Or do I have to buy a whole kit (coilovers)?

2. Any specific brands you guys recommend? (with a 1.5-2 inch drop) And do you think a 2 inch drop would look good enough without putting the stock body kit in danger?

3. Any idea how much this would cost? (The cost of labor to install)

4. How will the ride be with lowering springs? (Bouncy, or stiff?)

This is pretty much the only thing I'll ever modify on my S. The only other thing I would ever do (and I probably wont) is get a cold air intake to add a little more of a sound at WOT. But I probably wont even do that. I pretty much want to keep this car stock, and dependable... which is what it was made for. I just think lowering the car a bit would make it look so much more attractive... I'm on the fence, help me out.

I appreciate any kind of input.

[TrdSpeed140]

sounds like TEIN H-Techs are what you might be looking for based on what you said you wanted. they give a good drop, in the range you're looking for, and they ride similar to stock, not rough and stiff b/c they're not really performance oriented springs.

you could probably get away with them on the stock shocks for a while but don't be too surprised if the shocks blow, that's just the nature of the beast.

[PhatRoyale]

1. Yes. Just getting springs is fine.

2. H&R Race Springs (2 inch drop all-around). 2 inches is fine considering the stock stance of the 9th gen is almost minivan height.

3. Cost varies. Best options are to google or comb ebay for best prices

4. Firmer than stock, but still comfortable.

[2006ToyoCorollaS]

Thanks to you both.

I'm thinking either Megan or Tein... or maybe Eibach, but I guess Eibachs don't lower as much as I want.

I see them on eBay from about $120-180. Not a bad price, but I'm wondering what a shop would charge to install... 200-300$ maybe? I'm willing to spend that to get them on, but I hope it's not too much. I'll look into the H&Rs... didn't see those on eBay.

I think a 2 inch drop all around would improve not only the stance but the handling..I might add a upper front strut bar too. LOL PhatRoyale about the minivan height. It is way too high. The front isn't bad but the back is horrible (over 5 fingers!) Makes the rims look tiny. If I were ever to get rims, the only rims I think I'd want are the TC 17" stock rims. I think those would look perfect on a lowered 9th gen.

Gonna call around and ask a couple shops for a quick estimate on spring installation.

[TrdSpeed140]

H&R are very good springs and are around the same price i think as TEIN and Megan are. they can be found at Tirerack.com if you're interested