Is doing springs on an AWD really not recommended? I keep seeing posts about this causing issues.

Causing vibrations in the driveshaft or some such...


Can anyone expand on why this might be a bad idea for AWD, or at least detail the cons of it? I'd *really* like to do a slight lower, the smallest drop. So Swift Sport, RSR Downs level.

 

The previous generation GS had issues, this one does not. It’s perfectly safe to lower an awd model. I have driven mine for 45,000 miles without a single problem.

 

Thanks! As I start researching what to consider, I keep seeing (maybe the same user) warn people away from lowering AWD's. *If* I do this it will be the most drastic and daring mod I've ever thought about, and I'd hate to take a truly wonderful and dependable car and **** it up.

That said, this sounds quick and easy, and smallest tier lower sounds like it works on stock everything, and really helps with looks, and does improve handling, so I'd love to get this done.

 

We have many happy AWD owners here that lowered and even installed airbags on their GS.
There won’t be any issues, don’t worry.

 

Great to hear!

So, If I'm going for the least amount of drop, and best bang for buck while keeping stock comfort (or as close as possible), which brand do I go with ? Swift, RSR, or Tanabe?

 

FYI here are some pics of my awd with Tanabe with 15mm spacers. A mild drop nothing crazy, no rubbing no vibrations no nothing. Ride is very comfortable almost same as stock and handling got much better.👍

 

well i cant really tell you about springs , but im dropped on bc coils on my 13awd and its just fine. * sorry if this pic comes out too big.

 

Was this the 'smallest' lower from Tanabe?

Also, whats the deal with spacers? If I don't use them will it look stupid with a small drop?

 

There is only one option from Tanabe for this GS TNF170 Sustec NF210.
And yes I think it looks a lot better with spacers if you lower the car.

 

I had two GS vehicles dropped an had no problems with it, worked fine, especially since now tanabe makes lowering springs for AWD model GS now.

 

Did you opt to buy the swift springs upgrade with them? and if so are they worth the extra money?

 

Great feedback, thanks everyone so far...

What would one expect to pay to get springs installed? And what is everyone's preference, Swift, RSR, Tanabe?

 

@Jtran2323 Yes I have the swift springs upgrade. It's worth it since this is a big body car, it really stiffens it a little more.

 

Springs is really not that hard tho install. The rears is the easiest. The front little more difficult, but if you can definitely get it done over the weekend. But I think you might pay around $300 depending on location and shop.

 

Never heard of it causing driveshaft problems. Have heard of it anecdotally causing premature strut leaks/failure, but this is hard to pinpoint because some people have had their struts just leak anyways, even without lowering.

The one reason I won't do it- even dropping a half inch on this car will introduce a ****load of city-type curb and parking structure incompatibilities. So if you lower the car, better be extra careful when you park... because the car will not barely hang over a parking stop, etc, anymore... you will trash the **** out of the lip.

The wheel gap is ugly, but not that ugly.