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Anyone knows a good place to install lowering springs in the Tacoma WA area?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by WilMent, Feb 27, 2013.

  1. WilMent

    WilMent diacritic

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    Just finished adding the wheels on the Prius, and yes the gap is pretty big. I've been reading other threads about aftermarket springs. The dealers around here will only work on TRDs. I am new to the area and do not know any shops. The only other place I went to was Midas, and the tech give me the why would you lower a Prius look, then told me they would charge $280 for the install and 90 for the alignment (The price is not the best, but it was the attitude that made me think twice) I researched the DIY route and I know my limits, I am lacking tools and skills for the task. Please help. P1020185.JPG P1020187.JPG
     
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  2. WilMent

    WilMent diacritic

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    I've been reading good things about the TRDs, and even better things about the Eibachs. Anything I should look out for in terms of additional wear and tear to the rest of the suspension system. This car is the first one I bought new and also the first I plan to keep for the long haul. What else should I replace to better compliment the new springs to improve longevity?
     
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    First... Be patient... Keep looking for a good deal on springs for a while... Second, get a shop that has heavy duty tools that load springs onto shocks every day and get 'em to give you a good deal. Third, DIY taking them off/putting 'em on your car, simple nuts and bolts process. Fourth, $90 alignment job....

    PS: The shop you find that is willing to give you a good deal on swapping the Springs is most likely the kinda of shop that is going to offer you a good deal on other types of labor as well.
     
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  4. WilMent

    WilMent diacritic

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    Thanks for the advice, I have budgeted $500 for the job. The dealership quoted me $470 w/ military discount, parts and labor w/o alignment. The problem is I don't want to be limited to TRD springs only, and I was reading additional components that I should think about. Shocks, coil overs, etc. to limit the additional wear and tear from only changing the springs. I only know what I would like my car to look like, but I am a total newbie when it comes to car parts. I definitely don't want to damage the car in anyway. And the DIY route is out of the question. I=no skills, no tools, no garage:( so I am willing to pay a little more for a place I can trust. I am trying to be patient, my teenage newbie giant turbo w/o proper air intake breaking the car days are long over.
     
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    The rears are easily do-able by yourself. All you need to do is unbolt the shocks, pull out the rear springs, and drop the shorter ones on. Reinsert the bolt for the shocks, lower the car onto the ground, then torque the bolt to spec.

    The front will require removal of the windshield cowl, which is not difficult but may be a bit intimidating.

    Just be advised that with lowering springs, it is very likely that you will need new shocks/struts in a very short period of time. The Toyota parts catalog lists different shocks for a car with 17" wheels, so I think the PLUS package cars come with a differently tuned shock. I ran the TRD Plus springs on my 2011 for about 20,000 miles (I was one of the first on this forum, search past threads) and I think the springs really wore out my shocks.

    I just had to replace the rear shocks at about 54k (bouncy), and my front struts are starting to get noticeably bouncy as well - and I am only at 57k. Thankfully, the OE front struts are about $95/ea and the rears are only $35/ea, but it is definitely an expense that you should consider before doing this.
     
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  6. ucsmfu

    ucsmfu Senior Member

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    will installing coilovers prevent the stock shocks and struts from wearing out ?

    thanks
     
  7. WilMent

    WilMent diacritic

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    Thanks for the tip Critic, I will search the catalog for the additional parts mentioned. I never owned a car for more than 3 years so I never had to worry about wear and tear and down the road stuff. I will dig deeper into the past threads, it's just so many to dig through :cry:

    I move around alot, and my tools include a screw driver set, hammer, slip wrench, and a power drill, definitely not automotive stuff. Also, I cannot do mechanical work in my apartment parking lot even if I was up for the task.

    I'm going to call Toyota today about warranty stuff. I read here that the warranty would not be voided, but I am still concerned that if I only install the springs and not the other complimentary parts then I might land in the gray legal area.

    Argh they price we pay for beauty.
     
  8. WilMent

    WilMent diacritic

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    I'm a total newbie myself, but I believe coilovers are springs and shock system, and some are adjustable for height and drive quality. You might be thinking about sleeve coilovers, which you can play mix and match with shocks of your choice, and I have not found one that works with the stock shocks.
    Since traditional and full bodied coilovers comes preloaded, I would think they work better and last longer. There is however a Big difference in price.
    That is why I was trying to confirm only switching out the springs will not lead to catastrophic damages down the road.
     
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  9. WilMent

    WilMent diacritic

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    double clicked
     
  10. ucsmfu

    ucsmfu Senior Member

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    i have the TRD springs, eventhough I love the improved handing etc... I still prefer the stock springs because of the more comfortable ride, less bumps, less rattling noise etc...
     
  11. WilMent

    WilMent diacritic

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    That's what I've been reading. I think I am going to suck it up and deal with the additional wear and tear for now.
     
  12. WilMent

    WilMent diacritic

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    Sorry, I've been hitting the reply button and not the edit on my own messages :notworthy:
     
  13. faraz253

    faraz253 Junior Member

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    I just got my TRD springs last week, looking for a good shop to install them for me along with the TRD rear sway bar. WilMent were you able get yours installed? I'm located in Kent,WA Please let me know!
     
  14. WilMent

    WilMent diacritic

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    After quite a bit of research, I ended up installing them myself with the help of a friend.
    J&H Auto Shop is one of the only shop I felt comfortable with and they were asking $300 for labor. (Springs and sway bar 2-3 hour job)
    J & H Auto Repair : Auto Repair Olympia WA : Olympia WA 98506 Automobile Service and Repair

    I took it to the Dealership for an alignment after a tank of gas, I thought if I did anything horribly wrong, they would let me know. Been driving with them for almost 2K miles now with zero problems:)
     
  15. frankdogg

    frankdogg Junior Member

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    wish i had seen this sooner. I would have told you to check out either Fastlane in Tacoma or Intec Racing out in Kent.