Just got started and already with the questions (Suspension)

[WJN333]

Greetings all

Just activated my account. Ive been hanging around this site for a while and thought I would get in on the fun. I bought my solara last summer used. Its a silver 2003 SE 4cylinder. Since then I have upgraded to ADR 17x7 rims with 225x45 R17 Bridgestone tires and tinted the windows. recently I installed some aftermarket tail lights. (couldn't resist, ebay you know? )

That being said, still feels kinda mushy in the turns. Ive looked into lowering and i like it, however my mechanic said i don't want to do that. Says its up to me, but if i do im gonna see him alot more. lol. My first questions are to those of you who have already lowered, did you notice more wear and tear? Moderate or severe damage? Rubbing with this rim tire combination? I bought a Toyota because they are great, reliable cars, and i dont want to screw that up. Second, if I decide against lowering, how can i stiffen the suspension that is already there? new sway bar? Im not gonna race this vehicle, i just want it to look great, and handle well when i get a little aggressive.

P.S. I tried searching, I know thats a big thing with newbies. If I missed this already being covered, my appologies.

Thanks

[zappa]

By far the best thing I've done to my Solara was the Tokiko/Vogtland/TRD RSB combination. The 17" wheels (lower profile tires) will make bumps in the road more obvious but are worth it for improved cornering (not to mention appearance). After 15k miles still no problems. Go for it stock handling sucks!

[TadS]

That is the tire size the TRD wheels use. You be fine with any of the off the shelf lowering springs. Also get some anti-sway bar action going on.
The only extra wear and tear I see after lowering is increased tire wear, and it's nothing to drastic.

[Paladin06Greg]

I also am lowered with Eibach springs and Tokico Struts on 17x7 wheel in a low profile tire. The Whiteline FSB is a great addition to your suspension when you add the TRD RSB.

Good luck with the modding.

[importtuner2oo4]

just make sure once you lower the car, u get an alignment done. I was driving on eibach pro kit with 18s for about a year with no problem. Now im on 19s with the eiback prokit and tokico struts...still no problems

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

My first questions are to those of you who have already lowered, did you notice more wear and tear?

The only more wear i've seen is on my tires...

[WJN333]

TadS and Jai

The tire wear you noticed, was it uneven? Would a camber correction kit fit the problem? Or is the wear just faster (even) when the vehicle is lowered?

Thanks again

[StockSolara]

Camber problem is different with each car cuz i had the Eibach Springs first put in and later on I got the Tokico Struts and I have no camber problems or uneven wear. . . Just tell your mechanic the folks on SolaraGuy said your wrong and the only way it can mess up is if he did it wrong

[WJN333]

I think he is just making the point generally. Not for this vehicle specifically. He works on all sorts of cars and said most of the time when people lower their vehicles it just causes more damage. That particular day he had to fix a lowered honda with a blown strut/shock and a cracked oil pan. He did recommend that i find a form and ask around.

[TadS]

TadS and Jai

The tire wear you noticed, was it uneven? Would a camber correction kit fit the problem? Or is the wear just faster (even) when the vehicle is lowered?

Thanks again

This is the best I can explain it. As the suspension is harder, your tire absorbs more abuse. Plus you can turn the car harder with the body rolling out from under you; therefore you'll put the tires through more. Both these combine for more wear. It's not camber wear, as it's very even, just a bit faster.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

^^ exactly as he said it!

[WJN333]

Thanks for all the information, sorry if I got a little question happy there.