When it comes to installation,...
When it comes to installation, the daylight running lamp relay box must be removed to access the upper mounting bolts. On the driver's side, an igniter is situated in the same place on the tower. It should be noted that when the TRD units go on, these items should be installed underneath the upper mounting plate.
For the rear, the wheels are removed, as is the trunk carpet kit. The game remains the same, except that the rear dampers have two additional 12mm mounting bolts located at the mid-point of the shock body. Again, the sway bar is loosened for better access. When installing the rear coil-overs, the guys at Mullinax told us the key was to first tighten the lower bolt, the three upper bolts second and the middle bolts third. Not following this order can result in a gap at the top of the coil-over and an accompanying rattle.
On the road, there was an added feeling of connection with the car. It seemed more eager to respond to steering input and much more precise in the execution of its duties. This performance was at the shock setting as delivered (No. 2) and we expect a real party when we start twisting the dial. The Lexus is hunkered down and looking mean; we can't wait to add some 18s and play with the spring perch position. There is a slight change in ride feel as the IS transfers a little more of the milder suspension impacts, but the increase in steering feedback is exponentially greater that any impact in ride quality. You can't go wrong with this setup, as we have a softer setting and two stiffer settings to experiment with, but this coil-over package is only one of the suspension systems TRD has developed for the Lexus. If you are looking for added g-forces, give TRD a call. The accompanying gallery of photos details the TRD components and gives some visual insight to the installation procedures described in the text.
The front ABS line (arrow)...
The front ABS line (arrow) must be loosened before the suspension is manipulated to remove the stock setup. This line is electrical, providing the pulse for the ABS system, and contains no fluid.
| Stock |
| Front | 14 1/4-inch |
| Rear | 14 1/2-inch |
| TRD Modifed |
| Front | 13-inch |
| Rear | 13-inch |
| Total Drop |
| Front | 1 1/4-inch |
| Rear | 1 1/2-inch |
The chart illustrates the amount of suspension drop provided by the kit, as it was delivered straight from TRD. Our measurements were taken from the centerline of the wheel hub to the fender lip. In a future article, we will address manipulating the ride height of the coil-overs.
The upper body support from...
The upper body support from the OE unit is retained and put on the TRD coil-over before the TRD piece is positioned within the fenderwell.
Since it is shorter overall...
Since it is shorter overall (compared with stock), the TRD coil-over's short-tube design provides the desired amount of drop with the proper rod travel in order to handle the harshest of suspension impacts.
At the rear, the manner in...
At the rear, the manner in which the TRD units are installed will affect the smoothness of the install and the performance of the coil-overs. The rear dampers have two additional 12mm mounting bolts located at the mid-point of the shock body. Again, the sway bar is removed for better access. When installing the rear coil-overs, Mullinax told us that the key was to tighten the lower bolt first, the three upper bolts second and the middle bolts third. Not following this order can result in a gap at the top of the coil-over and an accompanying rattle.