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Need new struts/shocks, should I get coilovers? SoCal

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by Dakota88, Jul 17, 2023.

  1. Dakota88

    Dakota88 Junior Member

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    Proud new owner of a Prius V. Mechanic has suggested new struts and shocks. Considering if I should go for coilovers. I wouldn't mind maybe an inch lower than stock but want to maintain near stock ride comfort. Located in SoCal. Wondering if anyone who has done coilovers chime in on daily driving experience.
     
    #1 Dakota88, Jul 17, 2023
  2. Dakota88

    Dakota88 Junior Member

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    I will reply to myself haha. So far have narrowed down perhaps 2 options.
    1. Tein z flex Coilovers - Can lower it a bit w better handling and seems can maintain comfort
    2. OEM - Cheaper in the long run, reading Teins are built to last 50k-70k miles before needing to be re-built
    Decision? Don't know yet
     
    #2 Dakota88, Jul 18, 2023
  3. slow_wagon

    slow_wagon Junior Member

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    How many miles are on your car? I'm at 215,000 on the originals and they all still work fine. No leaks. Maybe get a second opinion before replacing. If you definitely have to replace them, I would recommend OEM. The whole point of the Prius is low cost of ownership. You want struts that will last a long time.
     
    #3 slow_wagon, Jul 21, 2023
    Mendel Leisk, rampante550 and Dakota88 like this.
  4. Dakota88

    Dakota88 Junior Member

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    Thanks for reply! 130k miles, mech says I have leak on one and worn on the rest. I do feel small bumps and hear them in cabin. Could be that LA has bad roads? Im sure tires will play a part as well.
     
    #4 Dakota88, Jul 24, 2023
  5. Dakota88

    Dakota88 Junior Member

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    Ok so I'm gonna chase the crickets away. Got some 18x8.5 Konig Hypergrams on 215/45r18 Michelin AS4s. I assume its not urgent to replace the suspension but probably will help the ride. Probably will go for Tein Flex Zs and probably adding the active EDFC to it. Will ride the stock suspension for a bit till I make a decision.
     
    #5 Dakota88, Aug 10, 2023
  6. Xterra72

    Xterra72 Senior Member

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    Go with TRD Springs and OEM shocks.

    This was my favorite setup before I went with the Blitz Coilover kit. My coilover rides really rough especially when the car goes over potholes.

    I wish that I kept the TRD and OEM shocks combination. This setup rides smoother and going over potholes and was not that harsh of a ride compared to my Coilover kit.
     
    #6 Xterra72, Aug 11, 2023
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  7. JohnnyPR

    JohnnyPR Member

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    A local mechanic also recommended that combination. One of their customer revert back to oem shocks when got nittos from 4Wheelonline. The aftermarket coilovers were not that comfortable says the owner.
     
    #7 JohnnyPR, Aug 15, 2023
    Xterra72 likes this.
  8. Dakota88

    Dakota88 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the info! I just saw this and had already placed an order that cant be cancelled for the Tein. So there is a bunch of contradicting info online regarding the subject. But I have come to the conclusion the Tein Flex are far more comfortable than other coilovers due to them being tuned for street and not for track. I was also recommended TRD springs with OEM shocks but I had also read lower springs on OEM suspension is really best for a low budget setup. I personally have done lowering springs on OEM shocks before on another car and it felt ok but performance over bumps/uneven surfaces was not good. Let's see how the Tein are with the Active electronic dampening system.

    Too bad there aren't more prius meet ups so I could get some real in person feedback haha
     
    #8 Dakota88, Aug 16, 2023
  9. Dakota88

    Dakota88 Junior Member

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    Oh also I don't plan on slamming my coilovers but to use them at max height, so I assume more travel with the shock will help the cause too...
     
    #9 Dakota88, Aug 16, 2023
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