Lowering springs 01 avensis

[cgmd4d]

Looking to lower a 01 d4d avensis sr, first of all will these fit a 01 d4d? - http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/lowering-springs/car/toyota/avensis-97-03/2001/2-0td/gmax-lowering-spring-kit-lowers-40mm

Not sure on how much to lower it, anyone have any pictures of an avensis lowered about 40mm?

[sproutdreamer]

You need to be aware that lowered springs may alter the steering characteristics more than you expect. I had a Ford car some years ago that had quite a soft suspension and rolled on corners. So I got suitable springs to lower the suspension and went ahead. |The car looked great and having higher rated springs did not roll as much on corners BUT it then had a high amount of oversteer and it was very easy to lose the back end on corners. I think the lesson is to do some research and make sure that this particular model of car will be ok with shorter suspension travel but stiffer springs. Remember the people selling you the springs will not be bothered that the car handling may be worse with a lowered suspension!

[Exvec]

I once lowered a VX  Vectra mk 3 i used to own ,never again,felt every bump in the road and speed humps speaking of which are in abundance around here,took them off and sold em after a couple of months,if you get them done you'll need a proper 4 wheel alignment check done on a Hunter machine and not just tracking as lowering alters the geometry of the vehicle somewhat,having said this the Vectra handled like a rocket sled on wheels.

[B3rtie]

In response to your first question - yes those will fit your car. 

There are lots of tails of woe about lowering cars but I have had mainly positive results as long as the shock absorbers are matched well to the springs and the drop is not too low.  From experience the aftermarket spring manufacturers tend to supply one spring across a range of cars despite the rate/firmness of the original equipment (OEM).  I might assume either the SR has firmer spring or damper rates to the standard Avensis.  More likely the damping rates may have been increased a bit to make the ride more controlled (someone may correct me here) and a bit sportier but not harsh.  

One consideration for you is the aftermarket spring may be firmer rate than OEM therefore your standard dampers / shock absorbers as well as lower in which case the standard shock absorbers will struggle especially if they have covered a big mileage.  in which case you should consider firmer dampers.  I found the standard Delphi dampers on the Avensis to have poorer road control (or under-damped - most road cars in general are under-damped) so when I was considering replacements I opted for Koni special red inserts (which are adjustable from slightly firmer than standard to 'sport').  I also considered lowering springs as well but as my car is used for work on site visits I felt that lowering springs might be too low if I ended up on a dirt track somewhere or having to go over iffy speed humps.

I don't know your driving style or if you just wish to improve the looks in my view 40mm drop is too low and 25-30mm would be a better compromise.  An alternative but a bit pricier: http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/lowering-springs/car/toyota/avensis-97-03/2001/eibach-pro-kit-lowering-spring-kit-lowers-front-30mm-and-lowers-rear-30mm

BTW Eibach supplied springs to Toyota for the TTE badged dealer-fit lowering springs and these do look lower but not at all silly.  See this car: http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/cars-sale/357555-one-off-toyota-avensis.html