LE Strut Assembly with SE Springs?
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It will work, but really there isn't a noticeable height difference between the LE and SE... If you want a moderate drop get H&R springs....
It would help next time if you posted what car, engine, year you are asking about as well.
It would help next time if you posted what car, engine, year you are asking about as well.
No I am not after a drop. I have an SE and want to retain the same height but get a little softer ride. So I was thinking of the LE/XLE struts but with the SE springs in them might do the trick. Anyone tried this? I dont think I want the LE/XLE struts and springs both as I heard those are extremely soft. Somewhere in the middle I suppose...
Honestly I think that it would be a waste of money... if you want a better ride, get a better tire with a larger sidewall.
The SE tires aren't as soft riding as the LE or XLE.
Still haven't said what year your car is though!
The SE tires aren't as soft riding as the LE or XLE.
Still haven't said what year your car is though!
The tires do make a big difference in ride comfort. You can try that first if you are due for new tires. If not, your idea of swapping LE/XLE struts will absolutely work.
Its funny to hear people gripe about how harsh the SE suspension is, and here I am complaining how it's as soft as shiet!
Its funny to hear people gripe about how harsh the SE suspension is, and here I am complaining how it's as soft as shiet!
You are right on this. I wasnt addressing his ride height issue, only his need for a softer more comfortable ride. The OP stated somehting about lowering car with SE springs on first post, but then he wanted to keep same ride height on second post, lol
Okay so the
SE springs are a tad bit lower than LE, I think .25 or .5 inch.
not to mention the SE kit lowers provides a "lowered" look.
I don't think there's a model inbetween SE and LE/XLE, so you're stuck with those 2 choices.
The SE springs are a LITTLE firmer. Very little, difference is almost unnoticeable, as they are also lowered a little. The SE strut however was valved differently from the LEs, I think a 10%~ stiffer than LE struts.
Your best bet to retain the same height but even more comfort is probably to swap out your
struts with struts from an LE or XLE. But the cost will be in the couple hundreds.
You'd have to buy LE struts from Toyota since only they valve the struts the struts differently,
any new strut assembly you buy is going to be stiffer than it is now.
Actually I think the more wear you put on your struts, the softer it gets as it deteriorates :lol:
someone double check that for me though.
Yes, try getting some softer tires (lower treadwear rating)
Good luck finding someone to swap with you though.
Yeah that's the first time someone complained about how harsh it is.
My gf notices a different between her 08 Honda Accord and her moms Lexus 2006 ES but
to me, her Honda drives like a boat, I can't imagine the difference between stock suspensions lol, they all feel good to me.
I have a 07 LE and when I needed new struts I went to a few auto shops and they had mentioned that sometimes SE owners get LE struts to "soften up the ride" a bit so I think what you want to do will work. I wanted to keep the "softer ride" so I didnt go with the SE KYB struts (That almost everyone recommends) and got OEM LE ones with my H&R springs. :thumbsup:
I was looking at the KYB GR2 struts for LE and most people say they are about 10-15% stiffer than the OEM KYB struts for LE. So are the SE OEM KYB struts also 10-15% stiffer than the OEM LE struts? If so then could I just put the LE springs on the SE Shock/Struts and it would feel the same as putting them on the new GR2 LE version?
in terms of stiffness
LE < SE < KYB replacement (not from Toyota)
and I don't know if LE and SE springs are the same or different rates (stiffness), but the dampening comes from the strut.
if you put LE springs on SE struts, i doubt you will feel a difference.
but if you put LE struts with your SE springs, that's where the difference is.
People swap struts and feel the difference in stiffness so I think the struts are the answer to your problem, not the springs.
You hear of people replacing stock struts as part of regular maintenance service cause they're worn out but
you never hear of people getting new springs.
with that being said, i hope someone can correct me if needed, but I just doubt that if you put LE springs on SE struts, there will be a 10-15% difference.
plus your height will change lol which is apparently not what you wanted.
LE < SE < KYB replacement (not from Toyota)
and I don't know if LE and SE springs are the same or different rates (stiffness), but the dampening comes from the strut.
if you put LE springs on SE struts, i doubt you will feel a difference.
but if you put LE struts with your SE springs, that's where the difference is.
People swap struts and feel the difference in stiffness so I think the struts are the answer to your problem, not the springs.
You hear of people replacing stock struts as part of regular maintenance service cause they're worn out but
you never hear of people getting new springs.
with that being said, i hope someone can correct me if needed, but I just doubt that if you put LE springs on SE struts, there will be a 10-15% difference.
plus your height will change lol which is apparently not what you wanted.
SE and LE springs are different, but as Cking said, it is the struts that basically set your ride comfort.
Aftermarket KYB GR2's (the aren't actually called that anymore). are stiffer, i have them on my SE with Eibach Springs..and it is a stiff bumpy ride.. lol But that also has to do with my rims and tires.
Aftermarket KYB GR2's (the aren't actually called that anymore). are stiffer, i have them on my SE with Eibach Springs..and it is a stiff bumpy ride.. lol But that also has to do with my rims and tires.
If you were sagging, most cases would be blown or leaking struts, not the springs themselves.
I have 110k miles on my OEM rear struts still, on lowering springs.
I had to replace the whole front suspension though because the mount broke and it snapped my spring :facepalm:
Yes you would benefit! It wouldn't hurt right?
I think you can re-use most things, but I hope someone more knowledgeable can chime in.
Ouch. Man if you think the lowering springs + struts you have on now = bumpy..wait til you get coilovers lol.
^ I know, but i am also getting new rims and more sidewall lol
Are you doing the swap yourself or having a professional do it? It should be a straight swap of parts, unless ofcourse old parts are worn out, rusted etc.
Are you doing the swap yourself or having a professional do it? It should be a straight swap of parts, unless ofcourse old parts are worn out, rusted etc.
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