I installed the Hotchkiss lowering springs on my Xa and have been amazed. i still haven't upgraded my tires to anything larger and the look was still cool and the new handling was amazing - a world of difference

 

Konis have a lifetime warranty that covers wear and tear, so you will only have to buy them once. personally, i didnt want to spend that kind of money just yet, so i bought a full set of monroe sensa-tracs, which also have a lifetime warranty against wear at less than half the cost. i dont really need the adjustability, and hopefully will soften up my ride with the stock xA springs i got. i guess we will see once i install them this weekend..

you could always get the TRD springs installed from the dealer if you are worried. those were meant to be used with the stock shocks and struts, only have about a 1" drop, but the dealers will charge you an arm and a leg..

 

This will be interesting! I didn't know Monroe's were available yet. Since the rear shocks are so easy to replace, it would be cool if you could replace the rears only and drive it around a bit and report. Then finish the rest. If you find the Monroe (rear only) helped alot, this may be a cheaper, super easy, alternative to the Koni's.

 

Hi all,

I am in need of help and suggestions.

I am shopping for Springs at this time and was wondering what would be the best setup for 18's and 19's. I am doing it all at one time, wheels and springs, what would be the best size wheels and offsets for both 18 and 19's. tire size and spring combo. also will I need spacers. I am trying to avoid rubbing. and them 19's looks awesomely good! just want to get the right stuff.

If you have pics please post them or PM me with your suggestions.

 

just gave it a shot and it looks like im gonna need to go out and get me a flathead wrench.. those top nots just keep spinning the shaft and wont come loose..

 

I also just installed Hotchkis springs. I definitely love them, i've also got my rear sway bar installed and am going to have my front bar installed on Monday, it too much of a hassel to do it myself. Monday is the front swaybar install, then to the alignment shop. I'm installing the Cuscos this weekend, and I want everything to be dialed in.

 

(I have an xA... but I'm sure this'll apply to xB's, too.)

I read on ScionLife somewhere about rear Koni's only are better than a full set? Can anyone personally verify this?!

Personally, I would think the shocks would take a bigger hitting in the front... where at all of the force is taken when the car breaks.

Anywho... it'd be great if I only had to get a rear set as opposed to a full set.

Anthony Nguyen

 

Koni's in the rear are not better than the whole set. It's just that if you are looking for a much easier & cheaper ride improvement, you don't have to splurge for the whole set. If comfort is your goal, the rear Koni gives you a lot for $200. Some out there have liked the results so much that they are going for the Koni struts next. For me, I'm pretty happy with the stock Tokico strut and the rear Koni.

I must say that the Koni shock is pretty darn sweet. It's rare that you can the best of both worlds (comfort and performance) in one product.