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#115 of 117 Re: Aftermarket suspension [dake] by dake

Jul 28, 2010 (3:35 pm)

Replying to: dake (Jun 21, 2010 5:21 pm)

Thought I'd do a quick update on these bad boys. I finally had some time to spend switching out the old for the new.
 
This set is pretty nice - Everything is beefier than the stock components and high quality.
 


 
As you can see from the comparison shots, the rear springs are quite a bit shorter. This is somewhat made up with the new base that allows for height adjustment.
 
The front springs are actually shorter than the stock, but obviously much harder as they have more coils for the length.
 
Installation was relatively easy. I've never replaced shocks before, so I tried to just take it slow. I borrowed a spring compressor from O'Reillys (it's free if you return it within 2 days) and I had everything else I needed.
 
The set provides you with everything you need when used in conjunction with a few OEM components. This actually is my only real complaint b/c while everything else was fine, there's a dust seal at the top of the front shock column which the instructions say to reuse but mine had completely disintegrated. This can't be more than a 50 cent fiber or composite washer basically and there's no reason they couldn't have thrown it in with their kit - they are good about providing all-new top and bottom nuts and what not, but for whatever reason they didn't provide this part. The nuisance here is this stupid little gasket thing was a pita to replace.
 
Outside of that it all works as advertised. The directions are minimalist - basically just an exploded view of the shock tower which shows you how to build it from the bottom up and a few notes on basic settings for your car.
 
Once all was said and done - WOW what a difference (Toyota)!
 
These do lower the ride height a bit - a solid inch if not closer to two. That being said, the ride is fantastic. Still perfectly comfortable, but stiffer and more responsive. Body roll no more - cornering and braking are both noticeably better.
 
All in all, I would have no problem recommending this to anyone who wanted to spruce up the ride of their Echo just for fun. It's a little costly and it took me all day to do it myself - but I'm very happy with the results.

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#116 of 117 springs by kneisl1

Jul 29, 2010 (7:33 pm)

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#117 of 117 Mod for Long-Legged People by echofan

Nov 14, 2011 (8:14 am)