Lowering Height
The expected ride-height reduction is:
- Front: approximately 2 inches
- Rear: approximately 1.8 inches
Actual finished height can vary due to:
- Vehicle model and trim
- Engine and drivetrain weight
- Factory ride-height variation
- Worn original springs
- Shock and strut condition
- Added audio or cargo weight
- Previously installed suspension components
- Normal settling after installation
Measure ride height before and after installation from the center of each wheel hub to the fender opening. Measuring from the ground introduces variables from tire size, tread depth and pressure.
Spring Rates
The advertised spring rates are:
| Position | Metric rate | Imperial rate |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 4.2 kg/mm | 235.2 lb/in |
| Rear | 2.2 kg/mm | 123.2 lb/in |
Spring rate determines how much force is required to compress a spring by a specified distance. A higher rate generally reduces suspension movement and body roll, but the dampers must be capable of controlling that spring.
The front-to-rear rate difference reflects the vehicle’s front-heavy layout and suspension design. However, the way these rates feel will vary between the lighter Accord and the heavier Acura TL.
SAE 9254 Cold-Wound Steel
These lowering springs are constructed from SAE 9254 steel, a silicon-chromium alloy selected for components exposed to repeated compression and high cyclic loads.
The cold-wound construction is intended to provide:
- Consistent coil geometry
- Stable spring response
- Resistance to fatigue
- Predictable ride-height reduction
- Long-term dimensional stability
An anti-corrosion coating helps protect the springs from moisture, road salt, grime and common automotive chemicals. Manufacturer information for additional suspension applications can be found through maXpeedingrods.
Tested for Durability
According to the supplied specifications, these springs undergo:
- 200,000-cycle fatigue testing
- 720-hour salt-spray testing
Fatigue testing evaluates how the springs tolerate repeated compression and extension. Salt-spray testing evaluates the protective coating’s resistance to accelerated corrosion.
These tests support the manufacturer’s durability claims, but real-world service life still depends on road conditions, climate, installation and maintenance. Inspect the coating periodically, especially if the vehicle is driven in areas that use road salt.
Handling and Stability
Lowering a vehicle reduces its center of gravity and changes the relationship between the chassis and suspension. When properly installed with suitable dampers, these springs may provide:
- Reduced body roll
- Quicker steering response
- More controlled transitions
- Less front-end rise during acceleration
- Reduced nose dive under braking
- Improved visual stance
- More planted highway behavior
Lower springs do not create tire grip by themselves. Tire compound, alignment, shock control and suspension geometry still determine how effectively the car corners.
If adjustable ride height or damping is more important than a fixed drop, compare this kit with the options discussed in the My Pro Street daily-driver coilover guide.
Ride Quality
The product is promoted as improving handling without sacrificing comfort, but buyers should expect a firmer ride. A two-inch front drop significantly reduces available compression travel.
Ride quality will depend on:
- Shock and strut valving
- Remaining bump travel
- Bump-stop configuration
- Tire sidewall height
- Wheel diameter and weight
- Road condition
- Vehicle curb weight
Large wheels with short tire sidewalls will make the suspension feel firmer. Combining those wheels with tired factory shocks can create bouncing, bottoming or poor control over broken pavement.
Can These Springs Use Factory Shocks?
These springs are advertised as compatible with OEM-style and aftermarket shocks. Physical compatibility, however, does not guarantee ideal damping.
A two-inch drop places factory shocks farther into their travel while the vehicle is stationary. This leaves less room for compression over potholes, dips and driveway transitions.
Factory shocks may wear more quickly if they are:
- Old or leaking
- Already weak
- Underdamped for the new spring rate
- Frequently driven near the bump stops
- Operating with damaged mounts or bushings
The detailed My Pro Street article on lowering springs and shock wear explains why shorter, firmer springs can make factory dampers work harder.
For the best results, use healthy dampers designed for lowered vehicles or confirm that the existing shocks can handle the spring rate and reduced travel.
Inspect Supporting Suspension Components
Before installation, inspect:
- Front struts
- Rear shocks
- Upper strut mounts
- Spring isolators
- Bump stops
- Control-arm bushings
- Ball joints
- Tie-rod ends
- Sway-bar links
- Wheel bearings
- Brake hoses
- ABS sensor wiring
Replacing worn mounts, boots and isolators during the spring installation can prevent noise and avoid duplicating labor later.
Browse the My Pro Street automotive How-To library for additional suspension, repair and installation guidance.
Wheel and Tire Clearance
A two-inch drop can create clearance problems with aggressive wheels and tires. Check clearance at normal ride height and throughout the steering and suspension range.
Inspect:
- Tire-to-fender clearance
- Inner wheel-well clearance
- Wheel-to-strut clearance
- Full steering lock
- Suspension compression
- Brake-hose routing
- ABS wiring
- Exhaust and underbody clearance
Wheel width, offset and tire diameter should be considered before installation. A setup that clears while parked may rub during hard cornering or when the suspension compresses.
Professional Installation Recommended
These springs install in the factory suspension locations, but they should not be described as a casual bolt-on project. Coil springs store significant energy and can cause serious injury when handled improperly.
Installation generally requires:
- Raising and safely supporting the vehicle.
- Removing the front strut assemblies.
- Compressing the factory front springs safely.
- Inspecting or transferring the upper mounts.
- Installing the new front springs in the correct orientation.
- Removing and replacing the rear springs.
- Checking isolators and bump stops.
- Reassembling and torquing the suspension correctly.
- Settling the suspension at normal ride height.
- Performing a professional four-wheel alignment.
Suspension fasteners passing through bonded rubber bushings should be tightened according to the vehicle service procedure. Tightening certain bushings while the suspension hangs can preload them once the vehicle is lowered.
Alignment After Installation
A professional alignment is required after installation and should include:
- Front and rear toe
- Front and rear camber
- Steering-wheel centering
- Thrust angle
- Tire-clearance inspection
Toe is particularly important because incorrect toe can rapidly damage tires even when the car appears to drive straight. Additional camber hardware may be needed if the lowered suspension cannot be adjusted within an acceptable range.
Review the NHTSA tire-safety guide for information about tire inspection, pressure and abnormal wear.
Package Contents
The package includes:
- Two front lowering coil springs
- Two rear lowering coil springs
Unless specifically shown in the product package, the following are not included:
- Shocks or struts
- Upper mounts
- Bump stops
- Camber arms
- Alignment components
- Spring compressors
- Installation hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles do these springs fit?
They are advertised for the 2008–2012 Honda Accord, 2009–2014 Acura TL and 2010–2014 Acura TSX. Confirm the exact trim, drivetrain and body style before ordering.
How much do they lower the vehicle?
The advertised drop is approximately two inches in front and 1.8 inches in the rear.
Will they fit an Acura TL SH-AWD?
Fitment should be verified directly for the SH-AWD configuration. Its drivetrain weight and suspension setup differ from a front-wheel-drive TL.
Will they fit a TSX Sport Wagon?
Do not assume so without confirmation. The Sport Wagon carries different rear weight and may require application-specific springs.
Can I retain the factory shocks?
The springs may physically fit factory-style dampers, but a two-inch drop can reduce shock travel and accelerate wear. Lowering-compatible dampers are the safer performance choice.
Do I need an alignment?
Yes. A complete four-wheel alignment is required after installation.
Will the car ride like stock?
No. Expect firmer suspension response and less travel. Ride quality will depend heavily on the shocks, tires and road conditions.
Final Verdict
The maXpeedingrods lowering springs provide an aggressive fixed-height drop for select Honda Accord, Acura TL and TSX models. Their SAE 9254 construction, stated spring rates and corrosion-resistant coating make them a budget-conscious option for improving stance and reducing body movement.
The advertised two-inch front drop is substantial, so the surrounding suspension must be part of the plan. Healthy shocks, adequate bump travel, correct wheel fitment and a professional alignment will determine whether the finished car feels controlled or simply low.
Visit My Pro Street for additional technical guides, product reviews and suspension-building advice.
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