Lowering RX: For the wife
#1
Lowering RX: For the wife
Before anyone jumps to crucify me for this, let me explain. The wife does not want a minivan. However she also doesn't want to hoist our twins: and twin-sized strollers and all the accompanying bags and whatnot into the back of it, so she's asked me to lower it for her. First step, finding springs or (less desirable) coilovers, determining whether the car can be aligned properly with an up-to 3" drop, and then downsizing the tires from a 55 series to a 45. All of the above should get her about 5" closer to the floor and make the lifting more manageable. All this being said, I am struggling to find any company that makes springs or coilovers for the RX (clearly not a mod-friendly platform, as expected) so here I am asking for some assistance!
Thank you
Thank you
#3
Lexus Champion
Ditto!
P.S.
It is easier to load stuff at a higher height as you don't have to bend over. It's less hassle for me to put our youngest into the RX than into my 4-door STi.
Same applies to strollers and everything else.
P.P.S.
You can get some lowering by installing F-Sport components.
P.S.
It is easier to load stuff at a higher height as you don't have to bend over. It's less hassle for me to put our youngest into the RX than into my 4-door STi.
Same applies to strollers and everything else.
P.P.S.
You can get some lowering by installing F-Sport components.
Last edited by vlad_a; 08-11-15 at 11:47 AM.
#4
Pit Crew
Zoom Bane has springs for the RX but would prob need to order online and have it shipped from Japan. It seems like they're for the third gen RX but not really sure. It's mostly in Japanese.
#5
Moderator
It would not ride or handle the same with those modifications and may no longer be the driving experience you bought and that your wife has become accustomed to driving. There are very few sources of lowered springs and all are from Japan, and none for shocks/struts to go with the springs. If you lower it that much, the original shocks/struts would not last very long. You would spend a few thousand dollars for these changes and would diminish the value and driving experience of the vehicle.
I agree, you should look at a new Subaru Legacy Outback wagon. I have a few friends with 2015 models that love their cars. They are very nice, comfortable with great interiors and infotainment. My father has the 2015 Legacy sedan which I have driven and it is every bit as nice as the RX and it has many more modern safety features that are lacking in the RX. Plus it is much less expensive even fully loaded. You may make money getting rid of the 2013 RX and getting a new Subaru. Plus you can custom order a Subaru and the wait is not that long as they are made in the US. Finally, he paid way below list price and the negotiations were not unpleasant.
Here is a chart from the Subaru site that lets you compare it to other cars and I plugged in the RX350. It appears interior volume is about the same. http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/outba...-vehicles.html
http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/outback/index.html
I agree, you should look at a new Subaru Legacy Outback wagon. I have a few friends with 2015 models that love their cars. They are very nice, comfortable with great interiors and infotainment. My father has the 2015 Legacy sedan which I have driven and it is every bit as nice as the RX and it has many more modern safety features that are lacking in the RX. Plus it is much less expensive even fully loaded. You may make money getting rid of the 2013 RX and getting a new Subaru. Plus you can custom order a Subaru and the wait is not that long as they are made in the US. Finally, he paid way below list price and the negotiations were not unpleasant.
Here is a chart from the Subaru site that lets you compare it to other cars and I plugged in the RX350. It appears interior volume is about the same. http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/outba...-vehicles.html
http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/outback/index.html
Last edited by Clutchless; 08-11-15 at 12:28 PM.
#6
+1 ... the Outback has really easy access ... plus the 2015/2016 Outback has virtually all of the perks and ride quality of the RX. I think the 2015/2016 Outback with the Eyesight system is also safer. I purchased the 450h for my wife. But, after a week she was feed-up with the thing and I went went down and picked up the Outback. It is a SUV with car like access and convenience.
Last edited by UCSB; 08-11-15 at 01:12 PM.
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#8
Moderator
Since you appear determined to follow this route, I think that one of our sponsors, Carson Toyota, can get some aftermarket parts from Japan. Look in the vendor section.
Here is the post by the guy who got Zoom Bane springs and lowered it 3 inches. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...rk-wheels.html
I think smaller tires in addition to lowering is a bad idea as it will mess up the speedometer settings, mileage and acceleration.
How about a Venza?
Here is the post by the guy who got Zoom Bane springs and lowered it 3 inches. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...rk-wheels.html
I think smaller tires in addition to lowering is a bad idea as it will mess up the speedometer settings, mileage and acceleration.
How about a Venza?
#9
Wasn't trying to be a smart a**. But spending thousands to change the RX from its intended function seems to be counter productive. That said its your car....good luck and let us know how it turned out.
#10
Intermediate
The rear swallows up both the big Evolution Bob stroller as well as the newborn's stroller.
#11
I have more trouble putting our 3 year old in our Venza than I do the RX.
#12
Lowering RX: For the wife
Originally Posted by Ricknee
Why not add side-steps? She will be able to easily step up to set things into the side. Doesn't really fix loading the back, but it's better than ruining the handling while only lowering the car several inches.
Well played sir