[AZBOX]

Well after my post “What springs for my xB” I made the decision to go with the Tanabe DF210s. I thought Long and Hard about the Tein S-Techs, but after measuring everything I might possible drive “Up” or “Over” I felt I could get away with the .5” Less clearance the DF210s will give me. I hope the revised saying “Measure Twice and Lower Once” will have worked. And besides I want to LOWER my car and that to me means as low as I can handle. Thanks , Buckbee23, Padanky, Toy Box 02, DarkSide xB and especially PCH for the detailed answers and the “lowered with stock shocks” and “Fake Tein” links and mojzee for the pic with wheel, tire, drop specs.
Keeping with the “Lower it once” plan. I am on to the next questions.
CAMBER / ALIGNMENT: I recognize I will need to have an alignment done.
1) Should I buy and pre-install or bring when I have the alignment done a “Camber kit”. With a drop of 2.2” Front and 2.0”. Will I need something like this:
eBay Motors: INGALLS FRONT CAMBER KIT SCION 04 05 06 XA XB 2004 2005 (item 360098071996 end time Oct-21-08 17:38:56 PDT)

Or this:

eBay Motors: SPC FRONT REAR CAMBER KIT SCION 04 05 06 XA XB xA xB (item 330279346548 end time Nov-15-08 11:34:34 PST)

2) I am not looking to get the Cambered “Squat” look, just original specs that won’t wear my tires funky on the inside. Do I need a both a front and rear “Kit” to accomplish this? If so what is the best on a budget? The above “ebay specials” acceptable?

SHOCKS: After reading the “How bad is it to run lowered springs with stock shocks” that PCH posted the link for in my other thread. I must admit I am not necessarily sold one way or the other. It does however make sense to me that the stock shocks would be designed and valved for the stock height and “Absorption Range”. So if not Cost phibitive I think I would like to do the shocks at the same time.
1) With the DF210s 2.2” Front and 2.0” and Rear drop & 157 lb. Front and 168 lb. Rear spring rates on 205/55s. Let’s hear your recommendations. I would appreciate applicable brand and model numbers if possible. Sounds like a lot of the echo Struts/Shocks are used, is that the way to go?
ESPECIALLY YOU GUYS RUNNIN DF210s!

I don’t want additional drop I think the 2.2”/2.0” will be plenty for me. Keep in mind mine is a “Box on a Budget”.

2) I read in the “How bad……Stock shocks” thread someone had stock ones “revalved” Recommended? How & where is it done? How Much $$.


3) Can I /Should I, consider Just Front Struts or Rear shocks Only?
I know A LOT of questions, But I am confident the experience and knowledge for me to “Lower it Once” is available through this forum.

Ok PCH……

[Padanky]

I never changed the struts or shocks, I did switch to Echo struts for the extra half inch drop in the front. Only reason.

[sdsnybny]

If you dont want more drop do not use Echo shocks/struts they give an additional 1/2-3/4 inch drop.
Stay with a reputable shock designed for the xB, some are designed for dropped vehicles, some for stock ride height, others for rides on Air systems.
Tokico
KYB
Monroe
Koni
all are good and you will get reviews posted here soon, I'm sure,
varied due to individual taste and experience
I'm watching, this will be my next big purchase too
I'm leaning toward an adjustable dampening/valving system
from Tokico. but there more than a standard shock/strut @ $600 a set

[Clevenger]

I've been running DF210's for almost a year now and I didn't have an alignment done. I haven't had any excessive tire wear or chamber issues.

I know a lot of people go with the monroe struts because it makes the ride a bit better, but then again that's just what I've read.

[AZBOX]

Originally Posted by Padanky

I never changed the struts or shocks, I did switch to Echo struts for the extra half inch drop in the front. Only reason.

Once again Thanks Padanky,

Allignment ?
Front or Rear Camber re-set? If So with Kit as linked?

Originally Posted by sdsnybny

If you dont want more drop do not use Echo shocks/struts they give an additional 1/2-3/4 inch drop.
Stay with a reputable shock designed for the xB, some are designed for dropped vehicles, some for stock ride height, others for rides on Air systems.
Tokico
KYB
Monroe
Koni
all are good and you will get reviews posted here soon, I'm sure,
varied due to individual taste and experience
I'm watching, this will be my next big purchase too
I'm leaning toward an adjustable dampening/valving system
from Tokico. but there more than a standard shock/strut @ $600 a set

Thanks, Can you name any shock designed for a 2" to 2.2" Drop

Originally Posted by Clevenger

I've been running DF210's for almost a year now and I didn't have an alignment done. I haven't had any excessive tire wear or chamber issues.

I know a lot of people go with the monroe struts because it makes the ride a bit better, but then again that's just what I've read.

Just threw em' on and rolled Huh, How many miles now?

[Clevenger]

not exactly sure how many miles. 26 miles to work and back mon-fri and sometimes on the weekends, driving all around town anyway for meets and shows, and I've been to Tulsa, Houston, and Galveston(from Dallas). Put that at about a year and you'll get my miles. Sorry I don't know the exact millage. I got new tires right after I was dropped cause they were bald and my new tires are still in good condition.

[PCH]

Hey AZBOX, can't really add much to what people said, but found some more info in previous posts that you may find usefull.
Monroe shocks and struts???
http://www.clubxb.com/forums/f26/rea...ocks-2776.html
Dropped!! Tein + Monroe From The Echo
KYB Struts/Shocks
Echo Struts - Final answer
And i would just put springs first and not worry about shocks for the time being. Your rear camber will change a negligible amount with the drop.

[AZBOX]

Originally Posted by PCH

Hey AZBOX, can't really add much to what people said, but found some more info in previous posts that you may find usefull.
Monroe shocks and struts???
http://www.clubxb.com/forums/f26/rea...ocks-2776.html
Dropped!! Tein + Monroe From The Echo
KYB Struts/Shocks
Echo Struts - Final answer
And i would just put springs first and not worry about shocks for the time being. Your rear camber will change a negligible amount with the drop.

3 more points and you get a "Toaster"

[nailwood]

I have the Tein S-Techs, and I recently put the Monroe Sensa Trac shocks on the back, and the ride is a little nicer. I plan on putting the same front shock/strut kit on the front for improved ride and for the little bit of a drop. They're not too expensive either!

[no1dad1983]

the Monroe's do drop you a good deal more. so if your not looking to go lower then what the springs will take you to, the echo's are not the way to go. i dont' know about the ones specificly for the xb though. with the camber front and back you will have to drop the car first and figure out if you need it. theres alot of things that come into effect here. first is your tire size and offset. what look are you going for. you could even get away with spacers in the back(i did). or rolling the fenders(cheap and easy) it all depends how big the tires and rims are and how much they stick out. you'll probably have to go down my road of trial and error. trust me i know what the budget thing is all about.