Opinion on Lowering springs - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ae924af · 01-19-2011, 03:55 PM

I know this topic has been talked about over and over again but I am just trying to understand a little more about what types are good and which ones arent. I am wondering what are the pros and cons between B&G springs, Ebachi, Apex, and other springs? what are other options and how well to they work and last?

SuperRA · 01-19-2011, 05:47 PM

I have Intrax and they are ok. The drop in the front was too low for my taste and about 3/4" lower drop than the rear. I made a spacer to raise the front and even it all out and it's much better. I'd go with another brand if you have the money. I paid a discount price for my set, hence the extra work.

***REN69*** · 01-19-2011, 08:05 PM

you're right... it has been covered a lot. Basically APEX has been everyone's favorite for a long time for a reason, great quality and performance... I had them on both my GTS's and yeah, win.

Ground Control coilovers would be your best bet if you have a bigger suspension budget... now all you have to work on is what struts to go with.

eage8 · 01-19-2011, 09:46 PM

suspension travel is an issue on AE92s. all lowering springs I've seen (except maybe eibachs) lower it too much and you'll hit the bump stop.

APEXs do look nice, and are cheep, and perform well... but the actual handling is sub-par.

the best way to go is either some nice coilovers (JIC?) or get some ground controls and not lower it as much as you'd probably like. (or go with eibachs and have the same issue, not very low)

more important is to get a nice set of struts.

ae924af · 01-19-2011, 10:19 PM

What would be a nice set of struts?

eage8 · 01-19-2011, 10:45 PM

koni yellows

or, a cheaper option is 2nd gen MR2 KYB AGX inserts in GT-S struts in the front + KYB GR-2s in the back, but it won't be as good.

JIC coilovers also have nice dampers. Teins aren't as good, but they're decent.

NZAE92 · 01-19-2011, 11:15 PM

I have jamex super-lows in the front with ae111 shocks, they don't hit the bump stops and don't rub the guards and are really stiff.

Also have jamex super-lows in the rear with monroe gas reflex shocks.

it handles really well but monroes are pretty pricey but definitely beat the ae111 struts that were out of gas, which hit the bump stops and rubbed the guards.

Flashmn · 01-20-2011, 04:05 AM

Quote:

suspension travel is an issue on AE92s. all lowering springs I've seen (except maybe eibachs) lower it too much and you'll hit the bump stop.

And thats not all, when you "slam" an AE92, your control arms start going into an undesired angle, which makes the handling of the car real shitty.

eage8 · 01-20-2011, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmn

And thats not all, when you "slam" an AE92, your control arms start going into an undesired angle, which makes the handling of the car real shitty.

only if you have suspension soft enough to move

and a sane amount of camber...

I run 525 lbs springs up front with -3.5* of camber and it's great, unless it's raining of course... then it's just dangerous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZAE92

I have jamex super-lows in the front with ae111 shocks, they don't hit the bump stops and don't rub the guards and are really stiff.

Also have jamex super-lows in the rear with monroe gas reflex shocks.

it handles really well but monroes are pretty pricey but definitely beat the ae111 struts that were out of gas, which hit the bump stops and rubbed the guards.

I think you'd be surprised. the springs probably aren't nearly as stiff as you think they are... you're probably just on the bump stops already at rest and using them as a spring... have you actually looked to see where you sit compared to the bump stops?

I also doubt any Monroe damper was "pricey"...

Flashmn · 01-20-2011, 11:21 AM

I wasnt talking about camber, your lower control arms start to be in a bad angle (pointing upwards), which affects handling badly, such as bump steering etc.

I have -50mm kit on mine and its JUST at the limit.

eage8 · 01-20-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmn

I wasnt talking about camber, your lower control arms start to be in a bad angle (pointing upwards), which affects handling badly, such as bump steering etc.

I have -50mm kit on mine and its JUST at the limit.

I know. It affects handling because it messes up the camber curve. When the arm moves up it moves the bottom of the knuckle further away which adds positive camber... which is bad. by increasing negative static camber, when it adds positive camber it's not as big of a deal.

Adding stiffer springs also helps because the suspension doesn't travel as much which decreases it's affect.

the same thing happens with the tie rod radius, stiffer springs helps here too.

Flashmn · 01-20-2011, 12:19 PM

Doesnt help removing bump steering which is caused by the tierods.

eage8 · 01-20-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmn

Doesnt help removing bump steering which is caused by the tierods.

camber doesn't, no, but stiffer springs do.

ayang951 · 01-20-2011, 12:43 PM

so uhms... i have some dropzone on my car, dont recommend the shocks though they a little too soft but then again i bought it for lifetime warranty for commuting... but i got the springs and shocks for a 93-96 corolla and installed them on my 91 corolla... if your interested i have a write up, just click on the link below my post.

toyotaspeed90 · 01-20-2011, 04:03 PM

I don't think I've ever hit the bump stops on my ae92 with ST's and GR2's....