Cut or No Cut - Front Strut Rubber Bumpers

BBN-Boys · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 264

I'm planning on installing Tanabe NF210 springs (1.0"F / 1.7"R drop) with TSW 18" staggered wheels / Tires:

Front: 18x8.0 +40 225/40-18
Rear: 18x9.5 +40 255/35-18

Would you recommend cutting the rubber bumpers on the front struts???

From what I understand, cutting these bumpers gives your struts that much more suspension travel. I would think that this would equal to a smoother ride and less chance of bottoming out the front suspension.

I've seen people cut the bumpers in half with the Tanabe DF210 (1.7"F / 2.1"R drop). Since the NF210 is a relatively mild drop, I was thinking of cutting off just 1/4 of the bumper. Anybody have any rubbing or bottoming out issues with 1/4 cut off.

Would leaving the whole bumper uncut help alleviate any potential rubbing issues?
I'm just very worried that I'll have rubbing issues when fully loaded with people and hitting speed bumps or pot holes.

I also noticed the TRD spring install instruction do not mention anything about cutting these spring bumpers.

Thank you for your response and recommendations.

~~

Go_HIN · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 257

I'm leaning towards rub if you dont do some slight fender work on those wheel size and tires.

ShaffNasty · Posted: 7/9/08 3:57PM Post subject:

I have Df's and left them alone.. but i also have 16's too... No probs and so smooth...

CIONIDE · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 2625 Location: Napa, CA

This should put your mind at ease:
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=3385299
19-8.5 +35 Offset Front w/235-35-19 General Exclaim
19-9.5 +45 Offset Rear w/265-30-19 General Exclaim

The strut bumpers have 3 nubs (it'll make sense when you see them). I was the first to put NF's on, and my spring installer cut off the 1st nub (smaller end) to match the 1" drop. My understanding since then is that nobody else with the NF springs has cut their bumpers, and none of them have had any problems at all. The front drop is the same as TRD, so I say leave them alone and don't cut them.

DREWxB08 · Posted: 7/9/08 10:09PM Post subject:

I have had my NF-210's on for about 1,500 miles so fair and love them. When installed i did not Cut the Bump-Stop's they were left alone. I have not had any problem's what so ever, Going to be adding 18" wheels soon alonge with Tanabe Strut Bar and Tanabe Under Brace and a Rear Sway Bar.

Thank you again CIONIDE :bow:

BFDBOX · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 361 Location: Chino Hills, Ca

They were put there for a purpose, i too have this problem cuz im lowered on sprints. You just have to wait for a company to come out with struts for lowered springs.

Maddman · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 45 Location: NC

I installed my nf's about 6 mos ago or so and cut about 1.5'' off and had no bottomimg out or any problems

BBN-Boys · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 264

Thanks...

I'll maybe consider cutting the first nub off.

~

deflaytedwayz1 · Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 694 Location: concord, ca

If it doesn't say to do it in the directions then don't do it. When I put my tein H-techs on my tC it said to cut a certain amount. If you end up bottoming out all the time then maybe you could cut a little but I don't think you will have a problem. And if your tires rub they're probably going to be on the fender lip because you're rears might have the wrong offset. Tire rubbage would be caused by wheel and tire setup not drop.

UNOHxB · Joined: 11 Oct 2007 Posts: 110 Location: Lima Ohio

my eibach sportlines came with new bump stops that were about 1/2 the size of the originals.

i vote for cut em

SupaGlove · Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 243

Im on DF's and I cut mine in half and I still bottom out on certain bumps or potholes. Just cut them.

CIONIDE · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 2625 Location: Napa, CA

Cut off the first small nub and be done with it. You'll be fine.

When do we get to see pictures of the xB with the new springs, tires, and wheels?

BBN-Boys · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 264

The first nub will be lopped off!!! :rolling:

CIONIDE,
I sincerely appreciate your great facts and encouragements on all your other posts. You've been a big help for sure. :bow:

I can't wait till I get it all together. I just want to do things the correct way the first time. I try to do as much research and fact finding as I can first. I usually sleep on ideas for a week or so before I go all out. I've got a bunch of parts (CAI, Exhaust, misc interior parts, alarm) ready to go in. I just need a buddy to help me out on a few of the installs..... That reminds me... I gotta stock up on some beer and soda. :)

I'll post pics in a couple of weeks of the box. I'll try and do some DIY info as I go along with some of the installs to help others out.

Thanks

CIONIDE · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 2625 Location: Napa, CA

You're very welcome. We're here to help. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

NoLimitzInd · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 2222 Location: Arizona

You should have no rubbing issues with +40 offset. I am running +38 and have some rubbing in the rear, but only if I hit a solid bump. I know +2 does not sound like a big difference but it can be either rubbing or not.

As for the nubs. I can not say on this one as to wether or not cut them. But when I did the S techs on my tC before I did the K sport coilovers, I cut them in half. Still had good ride, but kept it from ruining the struts.

CIONIDE · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 2625 Location: Napa, CA

NoLimitz, in addition to the 2mm difference in offset, he's also only going to be dropped 1.7" in the rear on NF210's, not the 2-1/2" to 3" like your rear coilovers. No rubbing at all!