I'm considering lowering my 95 SE slightly but I don't want the extra expense of replacing the struts. Recently installed Koni's all around for $ 280 or so. I will continue running stock wheels with 225-60R15 Toyos. I do not want to adversely affect ride quality though. Any suggestions. Also, does a stiffer rear sway bar make a BIG difference in handling?

 

If you have Koni's installed, you wouldn't have to replace the struts. . . Unless Koni makes 2 different sets of struts for our cars.

 

If you're going to lower the car, you better get stiffer struts, too. Stock struts have a hard time damping stiff lowering springs. If you don't replace the struts, you're gonna bounce all over the place. And don't forget to have your alignment done... Good luck.

 

If he put Koni's all around for $280, they definately weren't the Sports, and I didn't know Koni made something that cheap for our car... So we'd need more info on your current struts before we can tell you if you need new ones. But then again, I'm not sure why you're asking if you have to replace the stock struts if you don't have stock struts...

 

My mistake; I'm not using Koni's I recently installed KYB struts which are equal replacement to the OEM. My question is: can I drop at all and still utilize this strut?

 

I am pretty sure you can use these struts but I doubt they will last very long. They are considered "performance struts" and so it may cause them to not last as long, even though they are better than the stock struts. Since people have never commented on using a lowering sping with those struts, I doubt that it is recommended.

 

i just put in intrax springs with one of the lowest drops(i think) for my 98 and was told i should be okay without replacing struts/shocks however.....my back end keeps kicking out when i hit bumpy roads and think it might be due to the stock struts/shocks. If anyone knows for sure let me know! So i don't think you can drop it and not replace other stuff also!

 

They recommend Eibachs. I find this strange because I think Eibachs put out the most stress on the struts. I think H & R's would work out best.

 

Since you just replaced the struts, you'll probably be ok for at least 2 years I'd hope. As for spring recommendations. Since you say that you don't want to affect ride quality much. You are in the same boat I'm in. I'd recommend H&R springs, they will ride about the same as you're current setup but with out all the extra body sway. They will lower you're car 1.25" - 1.5" same as eibachs.

You also ask about Rear sway bars. Well first off our cars don't come with one stock. When I put an Addco bar on our car it had more of an impact on the car then the springs did IMHO. With the rsb the cars a blast on freeway on ramps, my wifes white knuckles even prove it

Now which one to go with first? I'd suggest putting on an addco rear sway bar first, because its cheaper and a better buy imho. However if you are looking at springs to give the car a more agressive look then go for it.

Regards Wizeguy