My Complete Review of H&R Lowering Springs

Installed H&R Lowering Springs yesterday:
- $200 from Tire Rack + $16 shipping
- $150 install cost
- Time: 2 hours

Fitting/Installation: First, I installed the springs with my stock shocks. I have <30k miles on them so it didn't make sense for me to replace them yet. The front springs went on the front struts just fine, he had to use a spring compressor to fit them. The rear springs is what slightly concerned me: When the rear suspension was fully extended/dropped (such as jacked on a lift) there is about 1/2" of "play" between the spring and the perch. Therefore, any time I lift my car (speed bump or on a lift), I have to be sure that the rear spring doesn't get shifted out of place. When I get my oil changed/tires rotated I'll have to make sure that the springs are set properly when they lower the car from the lift. Now I don't plan to do any off-roading so this won't be a problem: the weight of the car keeps the springs in place.

I've googled this issue and it seems quite common with lowering springs. The spring is lower so depending on the spring, there might be a small gap or "play." I just wish H&R would get their **** straight. First, the "H&R" lettering on the springs was upside down based on the only orientation they would install properly (it's not supposed to be). Then this issue of the spring being too short. My installer said the rear springs weren't made for the Touring since the strut was too long (hence the 1/2" gap w/ suspension dropped). I still disagree. Isn't the height of the strut the same between a Touring and base model? Or maybe the parts are the same dimension and the suspension drops differently? But like I said, not a big issue at all. I'm just glad my installer was kind enough to point it out.

Comfort: The ride is so surprisingly comfortable I can't tell I have lowering springs. Over bumps and bad roads, the ride feels just the same as before. Speed bumps seem to be my only new mortal enemy. I have to take them REALLY slowly now.

Handling: It doesn't handle like a Prius anymore, which is possibly the best part. There is almost no lean and body roll when taking turns. I can corner faster, too. I'll take a lower center of gravity over a strut or chassis brace any day. This is the real deal.

Mileage: In theory my mileage should go up because now there's a smaller drag coefficient. But I haven't noticed any improvements because it's so minimal. One of the coolest things is that the Prius does seem to accelerate faster, from a stop per se. You physics guys might be able to explain that better to me, but it could be a combination of less drag and a more responsive suspension system.

Alignment: I didn't bother to wait 500 miles to get an alignment (I have Lifetime Alignments at Firestone hehehe). Anyways, camber was surprisingly in spec. I'd expected it to go more negative. Toe was WAY out of spec (-.25) and they corrected that to -.01. SAI is slightly out of spec (13.5 from 13.3) and they didn't correct that, but I'm not worried.

Appearance: H&Rs advertised 1.4"F and 0.7"R drop is spot on and I think it does wonders for the Prius. It looks more balanced and sporty. I have about 2" of fender gap compared with like 3.5" before, so rubbing is definitely not an issue. Stock cars just don't look right to me anymore. They're too tall and awkward.

Summary: This is the most drastic modification I've made to date. I'm so excited that it serves its purpose. Looks, handling, and heck, I'll even throw in comfort. If you've been considering lowering springs, go for it!

 

Thanks guys!

My rims are just the stock Touring rims without wheel covers. Before my car was lowered I always thought these rims were funky. They looked like hubcaps to me. But now with the car lower, the rims look more like, well, rims. I wish I could explain how that worked.

 

Here's an old picture, hope it helps.

 

You did good Justin, because Eibach looks even better (bigger drop)! Here's Supreme's on Eibachs.

PM sending...

 

Yeah, personally I like your 'Lines. Nothing wrong with them at all. Better than OEM.

Also the good thing about this is we know George has worked on a Prius before (mine) so the install should go even more smoothly. When I visited him he said he'd worked on a Prius once before, but I dont know if that was true or not, lol!

 

Yeah it's something like that. However I don't notice the brisker accleration anymore, if it actually was ever there. It's hard to say if there's significantly less body sway, like on the highway because I still feel some. There is less roll in turns though. I remember feeling it on my first left turn out of the shop's road.

Another thing is your rims will look better after a lowering. It balances the look. But excuse me, I feel like I'm spoiling it for you.