Tmax67

I inherited a 2000 TL that had no modifications whatsoever. This weekend, I replaced the 16" OEM rims with a set of new ones from a 2004 TL. Instead of the old 205/75R16s, I now have 235/45R17s. If my next move is to add some springs to lower the car slightly, what suggestions do you guys have for ones that will keep me from rubbing? I talked to someone about the Eibach Prokit, but I wondered if the 2.1/1.6 inch drops would create a problem for the new tires. Any suggestions?

SilverIce2000

go with comptechs... im sure a lot of people will tell you to do either comptech or H&R... i have comptech and i love it- the ride is still reallly smooth and i believe comptechs will give you the ride as close to stock than any other spring... i dont know about H&R because i never had them but listen to what people that have them have to say about it.. however, compechs are quite expensive- a new set running about 300 and H&R's are much cheaper... i have the same year as you so you might want to think about getting new shocks also and save on labor... which is wat i did, got hte comptechs with the Tokico Illumina's

good luck

Tmax67

Thanks, man. I've done some reading throughout the forums and it seems like I couldn't go wrong with either the Comptechs or the H&Rs. I guess it was fate, though. I just found some 1 month old comptechs on ebay for $125. I think they're definitely worth the risk.

Lawaia

Dropping your car with those '04 wheels/tires will generate some major rubbing. The offset on the '04 wheels are much too low. Trimming the rear bumper tab will not alleviate all rubbing. Suggest you stay on stock springs.

Tmax67

Even a drop of 1.25" in the front and 1" in the rear? I was hoping that was so conservative that I wouldn't have to worry about it with the Comptechs (110-135s).

SilverIce2000

he has a 2000... normal 16" wheels.... they will NOT rub nor will the car bottom out unless ur going up or down a very inclined driveway or something that you would normally bottom out in..

SilverIce2000

oh ooppsss ... sorry didnt see you swithced your rims... my bad Lawaia... hmmm but even then, it shouldnt be a problem, no?? cuz its only 1.0 and 1.25 which then settles to like 1.25 and 1.5 at most... you might want to chek up on that Tmax... not sure about these 04 rims and stufff- i was under the impression you were still on the 16" stock which is wat i have....

good luck

Tmax67

Okay, I haven't messed with springs yet, but I just got in my Tokico Illuminas. I know what's been said about the offset on the new rims I've got, but I've got to rid myself of this "stump jumping 4x4" look. From front tire to fender edge is about 4 fingers. On the rear, it's almost three. Surely, there is something I can do about lowering the car with these rims. Suggestions?

derrick

A modest drop would be H&R OE springs. I think they drop the car 3/4" ... not much but you won't have to worry about major rubbing or camber issues. The "ideal" way would be to get coilovers (eg Tein SuperStreet, etc) such that you could adjust height AND ride firmness.

But the '04 rims with such a low offset ... maybe you're better off to leave it stock height? Post pics to give us a clue what you're dealing with.

sumo82

isn't there a huge thread about comptech springs rusting up and falling apart?

Tmax67

Yup. As a result, I sold the ones I got off ebay. This time I'm thinking H&R or Eibach. BUT, I need to know how far these rims can be lowered safely. I don't want them tucked under the edge. I just don't want to look like I'm driving a Jeep sedan, you know? I`ll try for pics tomorrow.

Tmax67

#1 - pic of front wheel with gap

http://tmax.photostep.com/image/240084244


#2 - pic of 4 finger width (approximately 3 inches from top of tire to fender)

http://tmax.photostep.com/image/240094789

#3 - pic of rear wheel with gap

http://tmax.photostep.com/image/240109876

#4 - pic of 3 finger width (approximately 2 1/8 inches from top of tire to fender)

http://tmax.photostep.com/image/240112349

Tmax67

Come on, guys and gals. Surely there is a suspension expert out there somewhere. Tell me what your thoughts are.

Lawaia

You're in dire need of a drop. But as we said earlier, you can't drop it too low cause you will rub with those '04 wheels. I would suggest H&R OE's. Anything lower and you're asking for trouble.

Tmax67

Could I mediate a slightly larger drop (say, 1.5" or so) through an adjustment on the Tokico Illuminas I'll be adding? Or would that only affect the firmness of the ride?

Lawaia

Sure you could but your main concern would be ride quality. Stiffen up the shocks to reduce the rubbing on dips and tuns is not a civil remedy. You'll be needing new kidneys in no time.

Tmax67

Okay, so I've been checking multiple sites online for the OE Sports for my car. What a crazy group of folks. Some have the drop (F/R) listed as 0.75/0.75, some as 0.75/0.50, and a few have it as 1.75/1.50 (which, I believe, they have confused with the regular Sports). So, how do I know who is right? Although I'm pretty sure it's the 0.75/0.75, I need to know for sure prior to purchasing.

derrick

Depends on the application. The parts from a V6 Accord will fit the TL (1999-2003) but the thing is the V6 Accord isn't as heavy -- therefore, you'll get more of a drop on the TL than advertised. That's why there is a variance in drop for the "same" springs.

Most people with the H&R OE on this board report about 3/4" all around. Just be sure to ask for the springs specifically designed for the TL. (I don't know part #)

Tmax67

I'm with you. That's just it. I've seen the different drops on the exact same set of springs made specifically for my 2000 TL. Confusing, no?