TRD lowering springs installed!!!!!

[GT_03]

I just got finished about 45 minutes ago installing my TRD springs. All i can say is WOW!!! The drop is not intense, but noticable. The handling however is much improved. The Vibe has close to no body roll, and a little stiffer ride, but not harsh. I'm totally impressed, and the $120 price tag makes even that much better. I would suggest this upgrade to anyone looking for overall better handling suspension.

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[GT_03]

The stock and TRD springs

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[GT_03]

A pic of the process

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[KSNeptune]

I like the look. But be careful when nosing up to parking curbs. My stock base Vibe has already scraped it's nose a few time for being so low.KSNeptune

[GT_03]

Thanks, i'm drving real slow over nasty roads cause i'm still a little nervous about how low it is.

[satur9]

nice.. i didnt realize monotone lava was such a cool looking car you should get red center caps or rims with red in it. you should also post a real pic of your wife bouncing for comparision.lol

[OlDood]

Good Lookin' setup!I see that you bought the TRD lowering springs on e-bay. For those of us with more money than common sense/mechanical ability, does anyone know the Toyota stock # and price? How about installation - would I take it to a Pontiac dealer, to a Toyota dealer, or ____ ?

[GT_03]

quote:nice.. i didnt realize monotone lava was such a cool looking car you should get red center caps or rims with red in it. you should also post a real pic of your wife bouncing for comparision.lolI love the color, as for the wife no pics of bouncing, but i got just some pics of her

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[satur9]

actualy i was just joking about the wife pics but ohwel...

[OlDood]

quote:... I see that you bought the TRD lowering springs on e-bay. ..., does anyone know the Toyota stock # and price? How about installation - would I take it to a Pontiac dealer, to a Toyota dealer, or ____ ?Gee, I really hate to interrupt this highly technical mechanical discussion of babe body bounce rates, wives' pictures, and all, but could anyone be distracted lfrom this important subject long enough to answer a question about obtaining Vibe auto parts????

[NSimkins]

http://trdsportparts.com states:Toyota Matrix 2003 Springs Lowering Spring Set, Matrix, Base, XR, XRS (no 4WD) $317.77 Part #: 00602-48130-018

[OlDood]

Thank you.Now, about installation: Where would be a good place to have it done, and how much should I expect to pay?

[ragingfish]

I like the look, and I definitely would like improved handling...it handles good now, but better is always better! ;-)Now, is this something I can do easily? I know minimal about cars...and as previously asked, what can one expect to pay to have it done professionally (if it's not a DIY project for novices) and where is the best place to go?

[yank dini]

quote:http://trdsportparts.com states:Toyota Matrix 2003 Springs Lowering Spring Set, Matrix, Base, XR, XRS (no 4WD) $317.77 Part #: 00602-48130-018 What about some coli-overs. I am a little nervous about springs because I heard they wear your shocks/struts faster.

[yank dini]

well how long do they really last before you have to replace them?

[yank dini]

quote:?? depending on driving and if you hit tons of bumps or pot holes. That is so key in Metro Detroit

[Pablo1669]

quote:Thank you.Now, about installation: Where would be a good place to have it done, and how much should I expect to pay?.I don't know about the price for installation, but I think something like Belle Tire, or whatever the big tire stores around your area are called would do it. Here in Michigan, Belle Tire sells the Eibach springs, and they will install them for you. I would assume they might install the TRD ones for you too. Or any local alignment shop could do it too

[Pablo1669]

quote:I don't know about the price for installation, but I think something like Belle Tire, or whatever the big tire stores around your area are called would do it. Swung into Belle Tire yesterday after work, the Eibach Pro-kit is sold for 329.00us$ and installation was 100us$

[Pablo1669]

I just bought the Eibach Pro-kit springs for the vibe/matrix online for 187.00$ a friend of mine has a spring compressor, and he's a big car guy, so he said he'd do it for some beer (to be consumed after installation of course)Belle Tire Price = 429.00 installedPrice I actually paid 220.00 (springs, shipping, case of beer)Total savings 200 bucks

[AKLGT]

I wanted to revive this thread so not to create a duplicate. I have my Vibe scheduled for Spring install tomorrow! I can't wait to see the outcome!

[rasermon]

WTG Hope! Make sure you post some pics.

[AKLGT]

TRD strings installed! after about 2 hours, we got everything in the Vibe ready to go. Handles pretty smoothly, but i haven't had a chance to really test it out. that will be tomorrow on my drive back to Anchorage. can't wait!

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[AKLGT]

here's another one from a different angle. note that i got the chrome exhaust tip on correctly so it's not sticking out so far.

[rasermon]

Thats looks great!Keep up the good work....

[AKLGT]

guess it's not letting me post the other pic. sorry.

[AKLGT]

well, i got to test out the performance handling on my drive back down from fairbanks to eagle river yesterday. it's about 350 miles of twisting and turning in and out of the mountains. wow! what a difference. the ride was smoother and the corners much much tighter! before i would have to slow down to aobut 60 mph. i took some of those at about 80 mph and it was like nothing! of course i did have a lot of extra weight in the car to help hold me down, but dang!