Help on lowering and rims/tires.

fuente2000 · Post by **fuente2000** » Mon May 03, 2004 8:46 am

I'm new to this forum although I've been reading it for some time now. I recently downsized from a big Jeep Grand Cherokee that was rigged as a show truck to a stock '04 Vibe. I love my new Vibe but I want to get larger rims (maybe 18"or 19") and beefer more agressive tires for it but from reading some of the posts it looks like I'm going to need to lower it to eliminate some of that wheel well gap.I'm also looking at starting my new project car so here are a few questions.1) I'm very familiar with lifting trucks but not lowering vehicles. How difficult is it to do yourself?2) What lowering kits or springs are the best?3) How much should you lower it? 1.5", 2" or more? But not to make it look radical... just balanced.4) What's your recomendation on rim size... 18's or 19's??Sorry for all the questions but they're are some really knowledgable people in this forum when it comes to the Vibe. Just like to be able to tap into that knowledge base.Any and all advice / recommendations / suggestions are extremely welcomed. Please post a reply here or contact me via my e-mail at fuente01@bellsouth.netThanks for letting me part of this group.Alex

kostby · Post by **kostby** » Mon May 03, 2004 1:06 pm

Welcome to GenVibe!I'm a recent new owner myself (February), so I haven't modded my Vibe yet, so I'll not give you my .02, but instead direct you to the 'Search' function. Search is truly useful for finding previous postings addressing the questions you have. The many site moderators are genuinely knowledgeable and very helpful too!

JustinVGT · Post by **JustinVGT** » Mon May 03, 2004 9:46 pm

Welcome to genvibe! There is a ton of info you will find by searching, but here are some.This one http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=9803has pics from my spring and wheel install I just did over a week ago. Tein S-Tech springs with a 2.2-2.5" drop. I'm very happy with them and you can get them for about $140 shipped from Adventon.com or off ebay.To answer your 1st question, it's not that difficult. Here is a link to some good instructions. It would really help if you can have someone help you. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4918 2nd question, well, not sure which is the best. Everyone probably has their opinion. The S-Techs have a large drop, at first I thought maybe it was too much for me, but I really really like it now! The ride is still very smooth and comfortable and you do have to be more careful with clearance, but it's still high compared to other types of cars with a drop. It's only like 1/2" lower than my Dad's stock '93 Honda Accord, so it's not that low since it had a high clearance stock. Here is a link to a topic I made to help decide on my springs: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=9521.3rd question, check out my pics, that's with a 2.2-2.5" drop. I forgot to measure before, but Tein says a 2.2" drop in back and 2.4" in front. The TRD and Eibach Pro Kit are the same and only drop about 1.5".4th question, I'd only go with 18s. That is what I have and I think they look perfect! 19s would have a thinner profile and could be damaged more easily plus they are even more expensive.Later,

fuente2000 · Post by **fuente2000** » Wed May 05, 2004 7:56 am

Justin,Thanks brother! The ride looks excellent! That's the same exact color of the Vibe I got... I love the way your car looks. I'll be very happy if mine turns out the same way.I'll keep you posted and thanks again.Alex

Help on lowering and rims/tires.

Help on lowering and rims/tires.

Re: Help on lowering and rims/tires. (fuente2000)

Re: Help on lowering and rims/tires. (JustinVGT)