So the front, using the Echo struts will actually lose a half inch of travel over the stock struts? That doesn't sound too good if you are already on a pretty aggressive drop.

The struts are much softer too? This may give the steering wheel a vibration if you are running heavy wheels, the struts will not be able to control the weight of the wheels and they will oscillate.

 

here is a photo for reference to help people in the future visiting this thread...



FRONT: Tein S-Tech (with 1/2 coil removed) + Monroe Sensatrac #71575 (for toyota echo)
REAR: Tein S-Tech (no coils removed) + Monroe Sensatrac 5870

this setup will give that little bit of a raked stance some people like.

The Monroe Sensatracs all around really do make a noticeable difference in ride quality. It is quite pleasant compared to riding on stock struts/shocks.

 

^ Looks good. Any pics from when you cut the 1/2 coil? i've thought about it, but am a little sketchy still. I'm assuming you cut it flat so it'd sit right against the top of the strut. Does it make any crazy sounds when turning or anything?

 

i did a little bit of research before doing it and everywhere i read said you can only cut our springs from the bottom. the larger end. and it makes sense. the top of the springs are coiled flat to rest on the top of the strut. the bottom wrap around to where the end of the last coil rests against the stop on the spring perch. i just cut 1/2 of the bottom coil and rotated the spring 180* so that it still rests against the stop. what you have to do though is when lowering it back down you need to do it one side at a time slowly and watch to make sure it aligns right. once they are aligned and the full weight of the vehicle is resting on them again, they sit just like they did before.

sorry no pics when i did it.

 

That makes sense. think it'd work in back the same way? I'd love to go another 1/2 - 1" all around, but just can't pop for coilovers right now.