Product Spotlight: Tanabe DF210
No matter what car you drive, it is my opinion that there is always a nice, clean, drop in order! Whether you select a simple spring, spring/shock combination, or go all out with a coilover and/or bag system, a drop can provide a drastic improvement in both appearance, and maybe even handling and performance.
For today’s spotlight I will be reviewing Tanabe’s DF210 series springs, providing the lowest drop without taking the plunge into coils or bags. The drop rate is, according to Tanabe, 1.9 Front and 2.2 Rear, respectively. Where as most springs will follow the height ratio of the manufacturer, the DF’s will bring the body completely level, rather than slightly (ever so slightly) raked up in the rear as the OEM set up is. For this reason, there is a noticeable gap in the front fenders between the wheels (as seen with OEM steelies+dunlops), where the rear is actually flush with the quarter panel line. Overall, this would be my overall gripe with the product. Everything else is flawless.
Handling/Daily Driving
The biggest concern people have with a lowered car is not necessarily handling, but how will it FEEL when driving through town? Before I address how it feels, I’d like to give you my insight on what “harsher” ride quality means. In my opinion, a harsher ride can vary from strong jolts whenever riding over a pothole (eek!), and can include the extra body movement you feel as you go over a small hump in the road. In my 1100 mile experience, the only thing you’ll notice is that extra body travel as you ride over a small hump. The ride isn’t uncomfortable or disheveling in any way, and to be quite honest, is still just as soft and cushy as the OEM springs. (Let me say now, that I’m riding on the OEM Shock/Strut set up, so ride quality and handling improvements are solely based off the springs alone).
Handling, as with any worthwhile suspension upgrade, brought an immediately noticeable improvement in cornering. Hard cornering, when paired with some sticky tires, should be no problem for this set up. Seeing as how I’m riding on all seasons, my handling through hard corners isn’t quite up to par, but I can assure that the crispness is there, and VERY enjoyable. Pair it with a nice, thick, rear sway, and I think all xD owners will have a thrilling little ride on their hands!
Kit Includes
-Tanabe DF210 Springs
-Tanabe Stickers (YEA!!)
Tools/Install
Tools required are as follows:
-Torque Wrench (yes it’s first. Anyone planning on doing DIY work for their cars should have a good Torque Wrench!)
-Sockets: 10, 14, 17, 22 mm
-A 17mm offset wrench (had to run out to the store to buy this one)
-6mm allen wrench
-Last but not least, a Spring Compressor for the front springs
Overall Install
The install wasn’t horrible, and it definitely wasn’t my first time working on suspension. However, having said that, I did struggle with the front struts because of Toyota’s genius Wiper Guard design. Instead of following logic, I opted to not remove this piece, and struggled for a good hour, harshly stripping the top nut for my front driver side strut. So let this be a warning to you: DO NOT SKIP THIS PROCESS. Remove the Wiper Guard, and all will be happy.
Final Review
I truly enjoy my xD with the DF’s installed, and would recommend them to anyone looking to drop their car. Dont be scared by the 2″ drop, it’s really not bad at all. Theres still a 7″ clearance. If you live in a pothole ridden area of town, or commute to a pothole ridden area, fear not! My locale has by far some of the worst roads I’ve ever driven on, and my little xD survives just fine, drop and all. So don’t be afraid! Get as low as y ou can, and enjoy every inch of it!
-Corey
