Unwritten rule to drop car?
06-13-11, 11:30 AM
#61
Didn't expect to see this thread pop up again. Since the time I've asked about lowering, I've had the car at stock height. It's about a 2.5 inch gap approx. On some days I really notice it, on other days I think it looks okay.
To tell the truth, the past 2 weeks I've been looking into all lowering spring threads/discussions. I decided to lower my AWD. I even got a quote for F-sport springs for $220 at my local dealership (now to figure out who can install for cheaper than dealership). I figure a 1 inch drop will make the car look a tad better without going over the top. Any lower and I'm afraid going through the winter with lots of snow will be a pain.
To tell the truth, the past 2 weeks I've been looking into all lowering spring threads/discussions. I decided to lower my AWD. I even got a quote for F-sport springs for $220 at my local dealership (now to figure out who can install for cheaper than dealership). I figure a 1 inch drop will make the car look a tad better without going over the top. Any lower and I'm afraid going through the winter with lots of snow will be a pain.
There is a good DIY thread on just this: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...our-isx50.html
Obviously you would still need an alignment. I'm not sure how much the dealer quoted you but $500 seems to be the going rate around Atlanta at independent shops. That includes an alignment.
06-13-11, 11:59 AM
#62
Lexus Fanatic
I can see someone who lives in an area of excessive snow fall who gets into the import scene would now know/understand the concept of lowering. As i said previously, only 'you' can determine how low you can go based on the conditions you drive in/road conditions/skill at driving a lowered car.
06-13-11, 12:45 PM
#63
I think for the average member on Club Lexus a small 1" drop on springs is enough. I agree the wheel gap is pretty big on our cars and it definitely looks better a little lower with stock or aftermarket wheels. I have f sport springs and aftermarket 19 inch wheels and would not go any lower for drivability reasons and rubbing problems. I am 41 years old and this is the first car I have lowered. I have always modified my cars before though even with aftermarket wheels but this is the first one I definitely thought looked better a little lower.
06-13-11, 12:50 PM
#64
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I think for the average member on Club Lexus a small 1" drop on springs is enough. I agree the wheel gap is pretty big on our cars and it definitely looks better a little lower with stock or aftermarket wheels. I have f sport springs and aftermarket 19 inch wheels and would not go any lower for drivability reasons and rubbing problems. I am 41 years old and this is the first car I have lowered. I have always modified my cars before though even with aftermarket wheels but this is the first one I definitely thought looked better a little lower.
06-13-11, 01:00 PM
#65
There are tons of pictures of cars dropped on F-Sport springs around the forums. Check out the wheels thread.
I've heard the H&R gives a more "even" drop but it's also a good bit lower and a harsher ride. I think you'll get the Lexus lean no matter what though.
06-13-11, 01:04 PM
#66
^ All springs do settle in a little more after initial installation. I've also heard that f-sport springs might give uneven drops (front to rear). The best way is going with coilovers, that way you will get an exact drop you're looking for, you can make it even, and you can make the ride nice and comfy.
06-13-11, 01:06 PM
#67
Lol touché....I do like to get everyones input and see what others have done to their cars for ideas etc...It's just not a great feeling to invest ANY amount of money in to aftermarket mods and then have people say say it looks like *****. I guess all I'm saying is...I'm not trying to win any competitions or awards...just trying to customize my car and make it more "me" I guess... But coming from little to no experience workin on cars it's nice to have all you awesome people as a resource for info and to have some fun with it :-)
06-13-11, 01:13 PM
#68
I am not sure exactly the wheel gap now but for me it is about perfect. The gap seems to be about German car (BMW, Audi height) to me which I was looking for. The drop seems even to me. I measured fender to ground at all 4 corners when I had them installed and it was within 1/4" all around. I think it is just right and am very happy with ride quality, appearance and eveness of the drop.
06-13-11, 05:22 PM
#69
06-13-11, 05:29 PM
#70
I don't think that you have to lower a car when you have rims. The only thing is that it looks a lot better when you do. Its up to you, you have a baby and a wife that will get mad if you do too much to the car.
IMO, I would leave the car alone. Don't buy rims, or suspension. Keep it stock till your baby gets older. Or get a car that you can do a little side word on. (like an older GS or something like that... maybe an SC?)
just my .02
IMO, I would leave the car alone. Don't buy rims, or suspension. Keep it stock till your baby gets older. Or get a car that you can do a little side word on. (like an older GS or something like that... maybe an SC?)
just my .02
06-13-11, 06:08 PM
#71
I think one reason why after market wheels without a drop don't look good is when u add 19s and 20s on a car that was designed to roll on 18s u raise the overall height more than what it was originally giving it the suv look, therefore u have to compensate with some kind of drop...that's my opinion
06-13-11, 06:47 PM
#72
I think one reason why after market wheels without a drop don't look good is when u add 19s and 20s on a car that was designed to roll on 18s u raise the overall height more than what it was originally giving it the suv look, therefore u have to compensate with some kind of drop...that's my opinion
haha but I am figuring it all out every day. I wouldnt be opposed to dropping a car down slightly to retain its original height...I just cant do the super low drops like some people have. I think those cars look great and I wish I could do the same but I have to draw the line of practicality somewhere :-)
06-13-11, 08:35 PM
#73
Actually no. You could go up in size, while keeping the car the same overall height from the ground.
Example: I went from stock 17's with 225/45/17 to 19's with 215/35/19 size tires. The rolling diameter on the 17's with stock tires was 24.97" while the rolling diameter on the 19's with new tires is 24.92" (which is actually smaller). So, just because you go up in rim sizes doesn't mean your car will raise. It all depends on what tire size you're going to run. In my case, my car sits .05" lower than stock (basically identical to stock).
Basically, everytime you go up in rim size, your tires will compensate for that. The higher in rim size you go, the smaller the profile on your tires should be. If not, your speedometer will be off.
Example: I went from stock 17's with 225/45/17 to 19's with 215/35/19 size tires. The rolling diameter on the 17's with stock tires was 24.97" while the rolling diameter on the 19's with new tires is 24.92" (which is actually smaller). So, just because you go up in rim sizes doesn't mean your car will raise. It all depends on what tire size you're going to run. In my case, my car sits .05" lower than stock (basically identical to stock).
Basically, everytime you go up in rim size, your tires will compensate for that. The higher in rim size you go, the smaller the profile on your tires should be. If not, your speedometer will be off.
Last edited by Acingteam; 06-13-11 at 08:45 PM.
06-14-11, 03:59 PM
#74
My Apologies
I stated it right away that it was my personal opinion on the subject. The OP had asked for opinions, so I contributed. Maybe you're right, but I would NOT feel comfortable with myself driving a 4x4 looking car with aftermarket wheels. Probably because I regularly go to car meets. Lowering a car is one of the most popular mods people do to cars. Like I said, any real car enthusiast would crack a smile.
No one is making you lower your car bro (and gal). Do whatever you please, I'm just speaking for the majority of car enthusiasts out there.
No one is making you lower your car bro (and gal). Do whatever you please, I'm just speaking for the majority of car enthusiasts out there.
06-15-11, 12:52 AM
#75
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You should lower your car if the gap between your tire and fender is bigger the the sidewall of your tire. That's why you see this cars on the road with aftermarket rims looks like a 4x4.