Kyle Harty

iTrader: (17)

I hate to post a new thread on this; I've been searching and gotten alot of good info, but I'm hoping for some specific advice.

How much of an effect does suspension stiffness have in protecting your wheels; like would a softer suspension absorb significantly more of an impact that could otherwise bend a wheel if your springs were stiffer? Or would a stiffer spring that was less likely to bottom out actually be better? I'm of the opinion that you can bend any wheel if you hit the wrong spot the wrong way, but I'd like to do everything I can to protect them.

I've got a GS400, I'm looking for a fairly aggressive drop (not slammed but very little gap either) but am afraid the Tanabe's might be a little too much for daily driving, particularly highway. I know alot of people here drive around slammed alot lower, but I've never dropped a car this much before so I'm not sure how much it complicates fender clearance and all that good stuff.

I'll be running 20x8.5 and 20x9.5, 44 offset all around (I gather this is pretty conservative) with 245/35 and 275/30 Falken FK-452's. The previous owner of the wheels was dropped on NF210's with no rubbing other than full turn in reverse. I don't want to have to worry about chewing up my tires or fenders when turning or on the highway.

What is the drop on the Espelirs, I've read 1.8 front and 1.3 rear but I've also read 55 and 30 mm; which would be more like 2.3 and 1.3. Anyone know for sure which one is correct? The 2.3 and 1.3 doesn't seem like it would be well-balanced as far as stance, the front would be too low.

Can anyone who has experience with the DF's and the "fat" tire setup on 20's chime in on the fender gap and driveability? Same question with the Espelirs.

Thanks and much appreciation if anyone actually reads all that and takes the time to offer some wisdom.

GSlider

Not sure about the Lexus, but my experience with Tanabe products isn't the greatest. I would stay away from them if you don't want an extremely choppy and harsh ride. Their suspensions are setup for racing and not street use.