Overhaulin' the 03ES : Tanabe DF210 vs. Tanabe TNF090
06-22-10, 12:01 PM
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Overhaulin' the 03ES : Tanabe DF210 vs. Tanabe TNF090
Whats up fellow compadres! Its been a while since i've posted in on the forum but i wanted to get your opinion/experience on some suspension stuff before i go ahead and buy the parts...
So its about that time that i change the suspension on the ride. The car is 7 years old and has 135k on it. As you can imagine, gravity and road wear has taken its toll on the springs and struts, not to mention the 400lbs stereo in the trunk is not helping!
To update you on the cars' current status, I have 20's and a body kit on it. As you can already imagine, with the extremely low profile wheel the ride quality isn't as good as it used to be on stock wheels...so Im not trying to make it too much worse. additionally, I went ahead and bought the complete KYB strut system for replacement of the factory suspension. Now i need springs.
What I'm trying to accomplish is a little bit lower stance in the cars appearance without sagg in the rear due to the system. But since i've lost ride quality with the wheels i don't want to get anything too stiff.
I was reading up on the Tanabe suspension line and ive found that the Df210 springs were a 2" drop in the front and 1.3" drop in the rear with a 2.8 front spring rate and 2.7 rear spring rate. Additionally, i read up on the NF210 which is only a 1.5" Front drop and a 1" rear drop. And they boast that the spring rates give the most factory feel.
I'm leaning more towards the NF210. Its less of a drop so i'll have better clearance with the 20's, it will help with the springs sagg and even out the stance, and will still give me some quality performance with comfort...
Im looking for any input you guys have...
Current Pics:
So its about that time that i change the suspension on the ride. The car is 7 years old and has 135k on it. As you can imagine, gravity and road wear has taken its toll on the springs and struts, not to mention the 400lbs stereo in the trunk is not helping!
To update you on the cars' current status, I have 20's and a body kit on it. As you can already imagine, with the extremely low profile wheel the ride quality isn't as good as it used to be on stock wheels...so Im not trying to make it too much worse. additionally, I went ahead and bought the complete KYB strut system for replacement of the factory suspension. Now i need springs.
What I'm trying to accomplish is a little bit lower stance in the cars appearance without sagg in the rear due to the system. But since i've lost ride quality with the wheels i don't want to get anything too stiff.
I was reading up on the Tanabe suspension line and ive found that the Df210 springs were a 2" drop in the front and 1.3" drop in the rear with a 2.8 front spring rate and 2.7 rear spring rate. Additionally, i read up on the NF210 which is only a 1.5" Front drop and a 1" rear drop. And they boast that the spring rates give the most factory feel.
I'm leaning more towards the NF210. Its less of a drop so i'll have better clearance with the 20's, it will help with the springs sagg and even out the stance, and will still give me some quality performance with comfort...
Im looking for any input you guys have...
Current Pics:
06-22-10, 02:16 PM
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I would agree and go with the NF210, less drop in the rear should benefit the additional weight of your system like you said. Plus since your looking for more comfort than drop it makes sense. Nice ES btw 
06-22-10, 02:22 PM
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Thanks man, i appreciate the props! You've got a nice lex too!
I see you have the DF210's installed how have they been? is the ride the ride you were looking for? how long have you had them installed for?
I see you have the DF210's installed how have they been? is the ride the ride you were looking for? how long have you had them installed for?
06-22-10, 03:23 PM
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I've only had my setup for about 5 months now, I was previously on 18" stock, then 19" stock" and now lowered on my 19" set. I would say the ride remained mostly the same since stock but of course increased handling. The wheels seem to transmit the most road feel then the lowering did. Overall I am very happy with the Tanabes and KYB's. I got about extra 100lbs in the trunk, not 400lbs like you!
06-23-10, 05:17 AM
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Ok so 400lbs. is a little exaggerated but its surely at least around 150lbs. 
although some days it feels like I'm driving around with a 400lbs system...
I'll snap some pics and post them in a little while...gotta get my world cup on!
although some days it feels like I'm driving around with a 400lbs system...
I'll snap some pics and post them in a little while...gotta get my world cup on!
Last edited by MoreMGD32; 06-23-10 at 05:24 AM.
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06-23-10, 10:10 AM
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Thanks again for the props!
Where do you guys think the best place to buy Tanabe Springs is? I did a Froogle.com search and it said YoParts.com for $210 + shipping.
Here are the stereo system pics:
Where do you guys think the best place to buy Tanabe Springs is? I did a Froogle.com search and it said YoParts.com for $210 + shipping.
Here are the stereo system pics:
06-24-10, 06:19 AM
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Definitely a super clean show quality system you got there Wow. I wish I could do something like that but I do use my trunk sometimes 
But I had to use my spare last week from a blowout on highway so I was glad it was there
Wow. I wish I could do something like that but I do use my trunk sometimes But I had to use my spare last week from a blowout on highway so I was glad it was there
06-24-10, 08:40 AM
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I have no advice for you whatsoever, but...
Very nice car bro! I am gonna be honest, but i was never a fan of the look on the facelifted model years like yours, but an example like this with the nice lip kit makes me change my mind!
Well done, the wheels aren't my cup of tea on a regular basis either, but you made them work!
Safe to say, you sir have taste!
-Mike
Very nice car bro! I am gonna be honest, but i was never a fan of the look on the facelifted model years like yours, but an example like this with the nice lip kit makes me change my mind!
Well done, the wheels aren't my cup of tea on a regular basis either, but you made them work!
Safe to say, you sir have taste!
-Mike
06-24-10, 12:55 PM
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Haha! Yea man, there have been many, many times when i wish i had a trunk. Whether it be that i wanted to transport something or just need my spare tire. I've learned to keep my relationship with AAA really good! i've had to use my membership many times!
As for es300series, yea i'm running 12" W6v2's. Im sure you can attest but they are by far the best sub i've ever heard. The best harmony of bass and clarity! I'll snap a few pics for you guys at night with the puddle lights and trunk illuminated.
Any word on a reputable vendor to buy Tanabe springs at?
Has anyone done a DIY on struts and springs for the 02-03 model ES yet? Planning on doing it if there isnt one already...
As for es300series, yea i'm running 12" W6v2's. Im sure you can attest but they are by far the best sub i've ever heard. The best harmony of bass and clarity! I'll snap a few pics for you guys at night with the puddle lights and trunk illuminated.
Any word on a reputable vendor to buy Tanabe springs at?
Has anyone done a DIY on struts and springs for the 02-03 model ES yet? Planning on doing it if there isnt one already...
06-24-10, 12:56 PM
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Haha! Yea man, there have been many, many times when i wish i had a trunk. Whether it be that i wanted to transport something or just need my spare tire. I've learned to keep my relationship with AAA really good! i've had to use my membership many times!
As for es300series, yea i'm running 12" W6v2's. Im sure you can attest but they are by far the best sub i've ever heard. The best harmony of bass and clarity! I'll snap a few pics for you guys at night with the puddle lights and trunk illuminated.
Any word on a reputable vendor to buy Tanabe springs at?
Has anyone done a DIY on struts and springs for the 02-03 model ES yet? Planning on doing it if there isnt one already...
As for es300series, yea i'm running 12" W6v2's. Im sure you can attest but they are by far the best sub i've ever heard. The best harmony of bass and clarity! I'll snap a few pics for you guys at night with the puddle lights and trunk illuminated.
Any word on a reputable vendor to buy Tanabe springs at?
Has anyone done a DIY on struts and springs for the 02-03 model ES yet? Planning on doing it if there isnt one already...