Solara 04 Coupe Vs Solara Convertible Suspension

[erasat]

Hi Guys.

I've been reading this forum since November when i first got my Coupe Solara SLE 04, I loved that car a lot, and I mean it, in a simple word it was PERFECT, Suspension, Power, Comfort, Style, you name it..., well, someone loved it the same than me and stole it.

After getting my money I went again to buy another one, and I saw that the Convertible arrived, so I couldn't resist it and got one, White Pearl SLE Convertible, it looks even better than the other one, but here it's my BUT, Suspension is too much of a difference.

I went back to the dealer and asked them to test another one to see if it was my car or if all Convertibles were the same, and the other one ride the same. You know still having the Ride feeling of the other one, it was a big difference since I drove the Convertible for the first time, so I know what I'm talking about.

I'm a family man with 2 little girls, but still looking for sporty cars, but I must admit that my time for Sporty Suspensions are getting behind, what I loved the most of the other Solara was that it drives like a Lexus, driving a SLE Coupe gives you the feeling of been driving at least an Avalon (And I have driven them also), I also know that Convertible have strong body rolls, so I decided to buy just a coupl eof things, I got the Front Strut bar from TRD, it wa sinstalled but can't see any difefrence (I wasn't expecting too much, but there was nothing else for these cars one month ago), now that the Rear Sway bars are out I already bought them, planning to install it on weekend. My wife doesn't like the idea of getting the Lower Springs, so for now they are out of the plans.

But question, is something else I can do right now?, I just want to get a ride as similar as the other Solara as possible, that's all, nothing else. What about the Sway Bars, what setting should I use, Middle Street or the Competition one?

Thanks for any input and help you may provide me.

[Chenfucious]

Don't hate on the Avalon!! haha I'm kidding..the suspension does suck..it's horrible...I think the suspension on my 91 corolla was better

[Phi]

I know you said that you want to avoid lowering the car but H&R springs only drop 1.3". If that's too low for you, the only other option I can think of would be to plus size you wheels.

As for the swaybar setting, set it to street first. As you get used to it, change it to track.

BTW-I'd kill to have a convertable Solara...and in pearl white too

[alan8888]

Can someone tell me where can I get the lowerest spring for 04 solara ?

[erasat]

Thanks Phi for your suggestions, Id consider the Plus Size tires before the lowerer springs, Wife relates Lower springs with Singlehood (JEJE), I don't know why, but that's her opinion, and due that I got a lot of critics when I decided to buy the Convertible, the less I want right now is to piss her off. BTW, people just love the car in White pearl, in the first week I got the car, about 6 people stopped me in the streets to ask me what kind of car was it, you got to love that feeling...

alan888, try toyotaparts4u.com, best prices on-line.

[erasat]

OK I know it will piss my wife off, but I just placed the order for the Lowering Springs, I followed PHI advise but instead picked the TRD that it lowers 1.2" in front and 1.4" in rear, so after that, what else to do with the rear Sway bar?, What setting, Competition (Inner hole) or Street (Middle hole)? I know that inner hole will be for a stiffer handling, but what do you think to get what I want, a more luxury ride than a sporty one?

[EKam]

Leave it on Street setting is already good enough for the street (obviously). It's definitely a bit too dangerous if you drive in the rain with Competition setting. The rear can come out quick during turns when the road is not dry.

On top of that, you'll get a much harsher ride especially if you got passenger on the rear aswell.

[erasat]

Thanks EKam, best informative suggestion that I have received so far, and definitely I will have passengers on the rear.

Thanks again, now I'm back to street Mode (middle one).

[erasat]

Well, I just installed it, and I will tell you, simply, go get it, any of you outthere with a Convertible, it's a MUST, for Coupe, it's fun to add.

My ride just feels just lik ethe Coupe now, I'm using Middle Hole (Street mode).