Weak Sauce suspension on my '04 LE - any upgrade suggestions?
Hi everyone.
I have a 2004 Corolla LE, and whenever I am hauling a decent amount of weight, or if someone larger than a child is sitting in the back seat, the car sags like crazy. This looks quite poor, especially with the 17" wheels I put on a few weeks ago. Does anyone have any suspension upgrade suggestions that will address this issue?
My biggest concern with aftermarket suspension products is sacrificing ride comfort. But I am willing to forego some comfort if it will solve my problem.
I was looking at Eibach's Pro-kit lowering springs, which claim to not sacrifice ride comfort. I also like that the drop on them is only around 1 inch, as opposed to the more agressive drop of 1.8 on the H&R application. But I cannot figure out from anywhere if they will help my problem.
Also, if I lower the car, will I have alignment issues?
I have the eibach pro kit on my corolla right now, I really love the way it looks lowered, the wheels fit so much better in the wells. they are stiffer than stock but are not really UNcomfortable, it's just something to get used to. with the small amount that they eibachs lower you there really is not much effective alignment change, a bit more negative camber but nothing to cause any problems. if it does end up bothering you the parts you'll need (or a shop will need) to adjust camber are fairly cheap. a pair of camber bolts and alignment shims from rock auto or something, they're pretty cheap on there.
__________________
[
SIU Auto, we don't mess around... much
I have the eibach pro kit on my corolla right now, I really love the way it looks lowered, the wheels fit so much better in the wells. they are stiffer than stock but are not really UNcomfortable, it's just something to get used to. with the small amount that they eibachs lower you there really is not much effective alignment change, a bit more negative camber but nothing to cause any problems. if it does end up bothering you the parts you'll need (or a shop will need) to adjust camber are fairly cheap. a pair of camber bolts and alignment shims from rock auto or something, they're pretty cheap on there.
Do they help the car from sagging with people in the back seat?
I have the eibach pro kit on my corolla right now, I really love the way it looks lowered, the wheels fit so much better in the wells. they are stiffer than stock but are not really UNcomfortable, it's just something to get used to. with the small amount that they eibachs lower you there really is not much effective alignment change, a bit more negative camber but nothing to cause any problems. if it does end up bothering you the parts you'll need (or a shop will need) to adjust camber are fairly cheap. a pair of camber bolts and alignment shims from rock auto or something, they're pretty cheap on there.
I wouldn't lower the car if you're going to be carrying around a child in the backseat. Granted, most lowering springs use progressive rates which emphasize comfort over performance, but you'll still notice a firmer ride compared to stock. However, in this case, I would just recommend leaving the OEM springs in and upgrading the struts to Bilstein Heavy Duty.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by TURBO Das Automagazin
A BRZ, a curvy mountain road makes one liter of happiness hormones.
I wouldn't lower the car if you're going to be carrying around a child in the backseat. Granted, most lowering springs use progressive rates which emphasize comfort over performance, but you'll still notice a firmer ride compared to stock. However, in this case, I would just recommend leaving the OEM springs in and upgrading the struts to Bilstein Heavy Duty.
I don't have any kids, I was just using that as an exaggeration as to how badly my car sags with any kind of weight back there. Thanks for all of your help, phatroyale and TRD!
Will the Bilstein's have about an equal effect on ride comfort as the Eibach springs? If I upgrade one part of the suspension, will it cause problems to the stock components that remain? Should I just go for broke and get a coilover kit?
__________________
Last edited by jzalk3metsfan13; 01-30-2011 at 02:13 PM.
I have stock shocks with my eibach springs. I've only been outside of my car a handful of times while there are people in the back seats, but I once had 3 adults in the back (combined weight of at least 500 lbs) and the the top of the tires were just level with the top of the wheel well arch.
Im pretty sure that just upgrading shocks and leaving springs stock wont help with sagging, springs are responsible for ride height, not the shocks. but a combo of those bilstein HD's and some eibachs would most definitely help your problem i think.
__________________
[
SIU Auto, we don't mess around... much
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
