please don't shoot

[neuspeedescort]

im going to noob myself.

me and my wife just bought an 03 matrix today. i want to lower it. i know how to lower cars as i have been working on my own cars for 10 + years.

the question i have is......

are the fwd and 4wd lowering springs the same? i searched adn find this question not appearing anywhere. i also searched teh h&r site which is most of the time dead on and only one set of springs is listed. so im going to go with it doesn't make a difference.


NEUMAN

[bc toy]

Hey, welcome to TN

I don't think the major brands of springs have a different part # for awd. But alot of them, when installed in an awd matrix will look like it's dragging its a$$.
The best looking drop for an awd, imho, is from hotchkis which has a higher springrate on the rear to compensate for the extra weight.

[neuspeedescort]

yeha i looked thru the ulitmate guide in e how-to section also. that is kind of what i was thinking. im running c/o on my escort and the rear springs are 350.


NEUMAN

[notmytrix]

Hotchkis springs in a 4WD.



You can also try Canuck Motorsports. They have springs for both 2WD and 4WD models.
I don't think you will find anymore Hotchkis'. They kind of discontinued that awhile ago.

[neuspeedescort]

man that looks great! my wife how ever is nto so hip to dropping it that low. she doesn't want to drive her car the way i have to drive mine.

www.cardomain.com/id/ericneuman


NEUMAN

[nicholas24d]

nice springs. i would really like to lower my 05 xr for the summer. anywhere in canada i can get them from?

[mistamatrix]

Originally Posted by nicholas24d

nice springs. i would really like to lower my 05 xr for the summer. anywhere in canada i can get them from?

What springs are you looking for? In the past and in general, you'd save tons just buying from the US. I believe JRP is price matching now. http://www.jrponline.com/suspension.asp They're in Mississauga.

[nicholas24d]

thanks bro, yes i notice the us is much cheaper but i'm kinda scared it cannot fit when i receive it, and then i have to go through the stress about returning etc. i might buy it from that link you give me. one more question for you
next summer im planning to change rims whats ur opinion on 17 or 18? kinda confused about which one to look for

[MrJones]

Originally Posted by nicholas24d

thanks bro, yes i notice the us is much cheaper but i'm kinda scared it cannot fit when i receive it, and then i have to go through the stress about returning etc. i might buy it from that link you give me. one more question for you
next summer im planning to change rims whats ur opinion on 17 or 18? kinda confused about which one to look for

if you do a drop consider if you want the wheels to fill in the gap. I'm personally going for Tein H Springs and a 17 inch wheel set. Remember that there is a weight difference between the 17 and 18 inch wheels and the rotational mass might slow you down in response and in handling.

[mistamatrix]

18's fill up the insanely huge wheel wells of the Matrix better although a good combination of springs and depending on design can make 17's look great as well. There's also the performance aspect to consider in terms of weight. Generally, 18's weigh more than 17's plus increasing rotational mass will hinder acceleration. Lightweight rims is something to think about. There's a few things to consider but ultimately it boils down to your taste, bank account and driving style.

[nicholas24d]

...my budget for the summer is like 1500~2000 if 18's would fill up that huge gap under my fender i'm good. secondly i'm not too much into speed (alittle though). i just wanna look slick and cruise when i'm driving. i see http://www.1010tires.com/ got some decent rims any other sites or shops you guys know about?

[mistamatrix]

Just upsizing rims won't cut it. You'll have to lower it too to get rid of that dreaded wheel gap.

[nicholas24d]

thanks i didn't know that, i will lower it first.

[thebarber]

dont buy canuck, they drag ass...

dont buy h&r, they raised the back of my xrs by 1/2"