I wish to lower my 2012 XS. I would like to drop it 2 inches and keep the factory ride. I don't want a harsher ride, and wondered if anyone know of a good option for me. Thanks in advance.

 

I don't believe a 2" drop and same factory ride are possible. Not sure you can even drop a AWD that much.

 

What do you think I can drop an AWD, 1 1/2?

 

Yes, you can lower an AWD as much as you want, there are several sets of coilovers available, including the newest being Fortune 500, which has a Swift spring option. I went the Eibach lowering spring route and have been very pleased. A lot lower than stock but never scrapes. Fender to ground measurement settled at about 26.75" all around. Ride quality is not far off from stock and I've had the setup for a while now.

 

Just keep in mind you have a transfer case to deal with which you really don't want to have slamming on concrete. Ryne has a nice stance w/ his and should be pretty easy to get around daily obstacles. I wouldn't drop much more than 1.75" w/ the AWD, but I'm an old geezer, so there's that.......

 

I want my car to look just like that, no noticeable gap like there is now. Just worried about ride quality, but you say it is close. I'm not sure what close means, is it harsher over bumps? What about riding along a nice road, is it still smooth and quiet? Thanks.

 

Also, did you need additional camber items?

 

In my experience I had both, eibach springs on my coupe and now swift springs in my sedan but rwd, ride is still smooth if you have S Suspension even more to the fact that it won't change, my coupe was a S and it rode smooth, when it comes to speed bumps and rough roads that's where you'll feel it, but when on smooth roads feels smooth, both are good choices. I have a journey sedan and I barely notice the difference with the swift springs. I would keep it mild in my opinion because it just would be a hassle having to worry about scrapping all the time and especially with a transfer case!

 

This is true. I don't scrape on anything and I have a nasty driveway. I like closing the fender gap, but not beaching my car trying to get over a speed bump.

I don't see a discernible difference in ride quality. People don't like when you say there is no difference on lowering springs, so I say close. The ride is not harsh, I've driven in lowered cars that have rough rides, this is not the case here. I drive about 60 miles a day for work and do not have any complaints about the ride. If you are frequently on terrible roads with large pot holes I'm sure it will be slightly worse. I drive mostly on the highway and civilized roads that only have occasional pot holes and bumps. I have a friend with a sedan and stock suspension and I have a hard time putting my finger on if and where any differences are.

I have front and rear camber arms and toe kits. You need them to get the car within factory alignment specs and get the full life out of your tires. You will see conflicting opinions on this but the fact is that you need them. Many people recant their statements about not needing them and end up in a position where they need new tires, alignment kits, and an alignment all in one shot after realizing their mistake. Eibach springs are not the most conservative lowering option which makes this non negotiable.

 

which kits did you use?

 

This is my setup:

https://conceptzperformance.com/Cart...on.php?II=3194

https://conceptzperformance.com/Cart...on.php?II=4362

https://conceptzperformance.com/Cart...on.php?II=4360

 

so were talking about 800-900 with labor to lower my car?

 

$850-$1,000 is a realistic range when you factor in the parts to do it correctly, installation labor, and an alignment. Pricing will vary depending on labor rates and part pricing. If I were you, I'd contact the vendors to see if they can get you a bundle price. I purchased my parts from THMotorsports and they were great to deal with. There are also other great vendors on this forum that have great reviews.

 

Thanks for the help. My G35 wheel gap was ok, but this is more than I can live with. The question is can I live with it for 1000.00? I just put a IPL front bumper, spoiler and exhaust on and thought I was done for a while. Guess not!!

 

Are you handy w/ mechanic stuff or have a friend or two that is? There's good DIY threads in teh DIY folder that will walk you through the lowering process.
If you can do the install and go w/ a mild spring drop you could get it done for around the following~
Springs $300
Rear camber bolt/toe bolt kit $50
Alignment $125
So about $500 if you can wrench & grind.
Ryne is correct about needing the alignment kits to get optimal wear on your tires. If you keep the drop mild you may be able to keep your front alignment specs pretty close without the front A arms but that's really your call., it's the rears that go off quite a bit even w/ mild drops.

I'd get both F&R kits but it sounds like your budget is tight and you can't barely be seen driving such a lifted stance so I'm just throwing that out there.