lowering springs, yes...but how 'bout struts?

[Redline]

Hi,

I've been searching this forum for information on Matrix suspension upgrades, but have only been getting partial answers. I looked thru several posts and the Sticky at the top of the Matrix forum, and I see many suggestions for lowering springs, which is good. What's NOT good is that I haven't been able to find any info on aftermarket struts/shocks.

Are there aftermarket struts/shocks for the Matrix? If so, how come there isn't any info about it? If not, why aren't there any manufacturers? Is it even safe/recomended to install lowering springs while still using the OEM struts on the Matrix? (typically the answer would be "no" for this last question)

I MAY soon be in the possession of a '02-03 XR 4WD, so I'm planning for some "upgrades" to improve the performance of the car.

Thanks for any help!

Redline

[notslow65]

It appears that there really isn't very much out there in aftermarket shocks. KYB GR-2's are basically a stock replacement that maybe minimally better than OE.

4wd rear shocks are cheaper than 2wd.

The thing about lowering a car is that the valvebodies in the shocks usually are set so it can compensate for extra load when its more compressed. When the shock sits lower its already in the realm of where it would be in the more aggressive mode. I'm assuming toyota actually has some intelligence in the shock.

The possibility of "blowing" a shock is there. No real danger except the ride might get rock hard. Rock hard may give you the sense of "riding on rails" but thats not the case. Hard suspension means crappy compensation of bumps and risk of hopping, oversteer or on rear wheel drives understeer. Kids may think its cool but its just uncomfortable and less performance in the "real world"

I would just put some lowering springs and monitor the gas shock to see that it doesn't puke oil or go dead. Not much alternative right now. You can call up koni and ask to get some custom built shocks if you want $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Swapping air intakes and getting louder higher flowing mufflers is the norm in upping the performance minimally. Going with a larger footprint tire and some minor suspension work will improve the street driving feel but all in all the Matrix is quite limited IMO.

This forum isn't as techinical as other car makes. Hopefully someone will chime in on some more valid input. I just say go with the OE shocks and roll the dice. It'll work and going with GR2 japanese made KYB's is not much of an improvement. Maybe KYB will introduce their AGX line to the matrix. Time will tell. I wont hold my breathe.

I'd love to get some bilstiens if they were available. They ride beautifully and they have a phenominal valve system. I just bought a brand new 2005 XRS and for now bone stock is good enough for a daily commuter.

Originally Posted by Redline

Hi,

I've been searching this forum for information on Matrix suspension upgrades, but have only been getting partial answers. I looked thru several posts and the Sticky at the top of the Matrix forum, and I see many suggestions for lowering springs, which is good. What's NOT good is that I haven't been able to find any info on aftermarket struts/shocks.

Are there aftermarket struts/shocks for the Matrix? If so, how come there isn't any info about it? If not, why aren't there any manufacturers? Is it even safe/recomended to install lowering springs while still using the OEM struts on the Matrix? (typically the answer would be "no" for this last question)

I MAY soon be in the possession of a '02-03 XR 4WD, so I'm planning for some "upgrades" to improve the performance of the car.

Thanks for any help!

Redline

[Memphis_Matrix]

I'm not the most knowledgable in suspension upgrades, but I would think that the amount of lowering would make a difference in the wearing of your shocks and/or struts.
For instance, I would assume that going Eibach Pro-Kit over the more aggressive Eibach Sportline (difference Pro Kit - 1.2" front and rear drop over Sport Line - 1.8" front 2.1" rear) wouldn't be as hard on the struts.
I'm looking at the Pro Kit for my 2006 XRS right now. I want to be able to get a more sleek look with some improvement in handling, while still being able to haul around some crap when I need to.

Input??

Also, strut tower support and rear sway bar.

Here's a question, anyone; how easy is it to install a rear sway bar? Is it as easy as the strut tower bar?

[Redline]

Thanks for the input, notslow and Memphis.

yah, I'm only looking for a minimal drop...nothing too severe since it will become a daily driver and the roads in Toronto aren't in the greatest condition. If someone out there introduces a decent strut package for the Matrix in the future, I may consider the swap.

Memphis: I'm gonna look into the rear sway bar as well, to stiffen the car during cornering. I believe the rear sway is straight-forward to install, but whether or not it is something that can be done on the driveway I can't be sure.

Thanks,
Redline

[joemaniaci]

Why not bypass struts and springs altogether and go with a coil over kit

http://www.raceinspired.com/ps-2595-...x-2003-up.aspx

As you can see a coilover kit replaces the struts and springs. This way you don't have to worry about the lowering springs blowing the seals on your struts. Plus they are adjustable in aspect to both ride height and dampening force.

[Crazzyboy]

Yea, what everyone else said. If toyota offers lowering springs through TRD, then stock struts, and shocks and whatnot should be ok.

Oh and the rear sway bar is cake to install. I bet a child could do it, infact, I'm sure they can crawl under the damn car a whole lot easier . Its the front bar thats a mess.

[trdbryan]

yeah the TRD springs say that they are compatible with the stock struts (1.25" drop) so anything like that or less of a drop you can assume that its safe with the stock struts.

[Redline]

Originally Posted by joemaniaci

Why not bypass struts and springs altogether and go with a coil over kit

http://www.raceinspired.com/ps-2595-...x-2003-up.aspx

As you can see a coilover kit replaces the struts and springs. This way you don't have to worry about the lowering springs blowing the seals on your struts. Plus they are adjustable in aspect to both ride height and dampening force.

Loooks like a nice kit Unfortunately, I don't have the cash to do such a pricey upgrade

So far, from what everyone else has been saying, going with just lowering springs is safe on the OE struts. I s'pose I'll work with that for the time being, until more aftermarket struts are offered.

Thanks for the input, ppl!

[joemaniaci]

Well I might be getting that kit, but in red to match my car. I know I have seen cheaper too. I think either one or both of my driver side struts have blown seals. I dont know it might just be me. Do you guys ever turn your car hard to the right and feel like your driver side struts are completely giving out, yet when you turn left you feel like your passenger struts are very firm.

[Memphis_Matrix]

Originally Posted by joemaniaci

Well I might be getting that kit, but in red to match my car. I know I have seen cheaper too. I think either one or both of my driver side struts have blown seals. I dont know it might just be me. Do you guys ever turn your car hard to the right and feel like your driver side struts are completely giving out, yet when you turn left you feel like your passenger struts are very firm.

Maybe it's because there is extra weight on that side (you). 200 lbs. can make a difference.

[joemaniaci]

thats kind of what I was thinking, that and when you turn left, the driver is actually slightly lifted, but when you turn right, you are actually pushed towards the ground, but what I am talking about is just horizontal movement. I just get thrown to the left(when turning right) more than when I turn left.

[khrappom]

I too am thinking about lowering my M-theory. I see photos of springs on Ebay and some are progressively wound and some not. I want the look only and save the ride. Does anyone have a positive experience to share or a manufacture to recommend?
Skunk, Tien, apex or TRD. Help