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New Shock/Strut Housings, Lowering Springs

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JMC_Automatic

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Alright so I know the H&R lowering springs have been covered in other topics and a couple people have put them on, but the general consensus is that they shouldn't be used unless the stock struts and shocks are replaced with nicer aftermarket ones. I found these on tirerack.com and was wondering if these would help. http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...=Toyota&autoModel=RAV4+Sport+2wd&autoYear=2007&autoModClar=4+Cylinder&brand=all

The description says it's an improvement over stock but I wanted another opinion, I have the Sport model which I know comes with a stiffer suspension stock. YES, I want to lower my Rav. I only drive in the city and want better handling, I understand that this is not what most people want to do with their Rav so please no criticisms of the idea, just advice on whether or not this would be an improvement over the OEM shocks/struts. Thanks!
 
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#2 ·
I think you are going to do something that you might regret in the future. How do I know? It happen to me and I had to spend more money in the long run.

If you plan on installing H&R springs they MUST be installed with Sport Shocks. SS are shorter in length so your ride will compensate for the reduction in height of 1.4"Front & 1.3"Rear. (I'm referring to Spring Height). To tell you the truth you should call Tire Rack and tell them what you are going to do and get a written statement if possible.

What happen to me was that I installed a set of Bilstien HD shocks with the same H&R springs that you are going to install. (low 1.4"F & 1.3"R. ) :roll: Big mistake. My RAV4 felt like the Titanic floating on the road. The Bilstein HD shocks were to be used with Stock Springs. The setup was constantly fighting. The shocks were standard height and the springs were lower 1.4"F & 1.3"R. It crated a lot of pressure and eventually, Bilstein HD shocks started to leak. When I went for the so called "life time guarantee" I also lost there to. They told me that I ordered the wrong shocks for the springs. I had to order the Sport Shocks for the H&R, NOT the HD.

Check if those KYBs can be used with those Springs. The KYB shocks say Non Adjustable. I guess they are stock height
 
#3 ·
I have an 09 baseline that I feel bouncy in while driving down the road. I suspect that the stock (oleo) shocks aren't up to the spring rate of the stock springs. Do you think the Bilstein HD gas shocks would dampen the spring rate better in my case if I stayed with the stock springs? I did a search for Bilstein HD's awhile back and didn't get a match for the RAV4 FWD V-6 baseline. What part numbers did you find and use?
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Dang so lowering springs are a no-go without sport shocks eh? Anyone know of any sport shocks compatible with the 4.3 Rav?
 
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#5 ·
I used to have KYB shocks on my other car. The KYB GR-2's are meant as an OEM replacement. I don't think they'd hold up to aftermarket springs that have a much higher spring rate. You'd probably have to upgrade to the KYB AGX but they don't make them for the RAV4. If it were me, I'd hold off on the H&R for right now until we have other alternatives for shocks/struts.


JMC_Automatic said:
Alright so I know the H&R lowering springs have been covered in other topics and a couple people have put them on, but the general consensus is that they shouldn't be used unless the stock struts and shocks are replaced with nicer aftermarket ones. I found these on tirerack.com and was wondering if these would help. http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...=Toyota&autoModel=RAV4+Sport+2wd&autoYear=2007&autoModClar=4+Cylinder&brand=all

The description says it's an improvement over stock but I wanted another opinion, I have the Sport model which I know comes with a stiffer suspension stock. YES, I want to lower my Rav. I only drive in the city and want better handling, I understand that this is not what most people want to do with their Rav so please no criticisms of the idea, just advice on whether or not this would be an improvement over the OEM shocks/struts. Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
#7 ·
mensajero said it right. You NEVER lower a car without replacing it with matching shocks. The reason is 3 fold.

1) Point of lowering the car is for performance. You are looking to improve handling but if you don't replace the shocks, the rebound rate, compression rate, etc isn't going to help you keep your tires on the ground.
2) You will blow out your existing shock. It's operating outside of it's "neutral" zone. You could boil the liquid inside and cause the shock to break and leak.
3) Cost. The labor required (and a you need to realign the suspension) to change springs is the same for changing the shocks. You are doubling the labor required.

So the question is could you? Sure but it's going to be more expensive and unsafe.
 
#8 ·
From what I know, you can keep the stock shocks/struts if the lowering is not over 1.5 inches. But, the future problem I got from lowering a sedan is premature tire wear. I had to correct that with an alignment kit. Ingalls made really good products. If we are really serious about this route, someone better contact them to make the alignment kit. I am not really sure about lowering SUV though, will it change the geometry so much. Do we have more room for lowering without messing up with the suspension geometry.

That KYB sucks. My inlaw bought them once. I don't want to trade my Tokico shocks/struts (OE) with that crappy KYB.
 
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Discussion starter · #9 ·
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#10 ·
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mensajero
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