You aren't wrong! I actually love the car, been driving it around for a couple weeks now. I call it a turd "lovingly" lol Runs and rides great and gets awesome mileage!
@@RattleCanCustoms I get about 27mph for city & hwy mixed. I guess I expect better mileage- I used to have a Honda Civic hatchback that got 35 in the city! 27 isn't that bad now that I think about it. Hey what do you think is a reasonable price for someone to do all the struts & add spacers? I never know if I'm getting gouged.
Glad I searched for this. I'm trying to lift mine right now. I'll send you pics of mine, I've build a roof rack with a light bar and I think you'll get a kick out of it.
Did it change your mpg? Also you can get a 55gal plastic barrel.cut top and bottom off slit it long ways and heat it w/big ass torch to get it flat.remove the front tow hook(cut plastic to fit with jig saw) and use the holes to mount it and a couple lap screws in a few spots(you'll find a few places) and presto. skid plate (road armor). I did this to my vibe for oil/tranny pan protection.i was waiting for someone to lift one!thanks for video!!
Im planning on doing this. I'm not really sure what beefy size tire to go with though. A size that will look good without running into issues that is 😂
@EvilLIvaderGuy Did you end up doing this too? You're comment is exactly what I'm trying to figure out. Appreciate the good advice on here - just now trying to figure out what to ask for at the tire shop tho LOL
I have a 2003 xr ALL WHEEL DRIVE. I did this but just be aware that any mod adds stress on other components.. For instance after you do this mod, you will now hear a slight banging in the front part of your engine, Reason is the CV axles on both wheels are now at angles they are not designed to be so being a 3 bearing axle rotating at a now angle and not horizontal you will hear a thud as it turns... if the axle had four bearing you would not hear the grinding as much.. to test, lift the car totally up off the wheels on a lift and put it in drive and watch the engine jump everytime the axle does a full rotation... so yes your bearing and axles will break sooner with this lift. That is with all mods that the car was not intended or designed for. If you can deal with the added vibration and don't mind to nurse your car over speed bumps you will be fine and enjoy the added lift. I will . I think it's worth the benefits over the cons. But I want to be real. I don't drive on dirt roads and in the woods where rippin sound don't matter but Im in the city and drive on decent roads where I can hear birds and feel my steering shake a little and tires wobble. I also did the strut bar in the engine bay as well. I did post it but I dont see it my write up but for those people who had continued to read this tahdah... www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDE6EO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Also I will go with a larger size tire, that will raise the car up more, and will not hinder the axles at all or change the angles of the axles. Answer the question does it turn differently, no I feel no incumbrance or advantage it's the same. No way feeling of rolling over or losing control get that strut bar in the link even if you don't do the lift I think Toyota should roll all autos out the doors with these. BTW get a front end alignment ... and surprise.. you have to buy two bolts because your front tires are still cambered inat the bottom. You cannot do a proper alignment without it because your stock bolts are too short.
Definitely do a video of it after you get new tires. I actually bought Firestone snow tires for my rear wheel drive Colorado and it made it look a lot better and beefier compared to the regular tires that were on it before. They were pretty cheap and they lasted a really long time. I thought they would burn up pretty fast during the summer but I mainly rode motorcycles during the summer so that may have had something to do with why they lasted so long lol
Canadian here. If i tried any of this I would need to bolt extract and retap every hole haha. I tried to do my abs sensor, not only did the abs bolt head break off flush, the sensor itself broke off flush.
This is EXACTLY what I wanted to do to my little 2003 Matrix XR once i realized how low it rode. Maybe I should find somebody who'd be willing to do it (I have % mechanical skills) and I DO need new struts! At 114,000 miles I think it'd be worth it... whatdya think? Also can I drive down and have you do it? 🤣
Matt- with the lift, is the car actually only 1.6 inches taller? it looks so much taller, I can't fathom it's noticeable. Still... not scraping the bumper panel on the curb in parking lots is gonna be priceless. I'm still chickening on doing it myself. Where did you buy the struts from?
I had to do a light alignment after the new housing install, and they don’t seem to be too high or blinding. Never get high beamed either. But if that’s the case they’re gonna hate when I eventually add light bars
Depends on your abilities and tools, but honestly it shouldn’t take too long. The hardest part is removing the front shocks, but with help you could knock it out in a couple of hours!
I ended up using the NiLight kit from Amazon Nilight 9005 9006 LED Headlight Bulb Kit, 350% Brighter,HB3 HB4 LED High Beam Low Beam Bulbs Combo, 6000K Cool White, Mini Size, 4-Pack a.co/d/1TmK9k2
The rear of my car is sagging/squat. Might be due to hitch weight in rear and removed weight from up front combined with crap replacement struts. I need a lift for the rear only or cut the front springs. Anyone else have this issue?
I can guarantee you that the weight of the hitch is nowhere near enough for the rear to sag. Has Front/Rear weight distribution of 59/41, weighing ~2800 pounds means the rear suspension has ~1150 pounds of weight directly on it with a gross weight rating of 1850. Adding the hitch puts rear weight distribution up near 1300 tops, still plenty of headroom. Your sag is either from things being bent (control arms, axle beam, etc) or it is entirely from crappy struts. Also did you replace the strut assembly or just the “shock” portion of it? If you reused your old springs, they’re probably dog tired and that’s what’s causing sag because the spring is supporting weight while the strut is absorbing the harness of the roads and the old springs have “sprung” and are lazy.
@@Dude13450 Culprit was crappy strut assembly supply, FCS brand. They only lasted ~2.5 years. I replaced them at 3.5 years. "Lifetime replacement", but I got the next brand up (Monroe). ACDelco no longer stocks the front left strut, there are a few rights in stock. KYB doesn't make full assemblies for the rear.
Great video bro, I got the same exact matrix and been really wanting to do this but haven’t found a video on it anywhere until now. Update is with the tires
idk if you got tires yet but around me garages have a shit load of tires that fit matrix's just sitting in the junk tire pile. they're usually in bad to alright condition, but they're also free so who can complain
any update on the lifted matrix?!? hows the turning is what im wondering i take corners in my matrix my worry is either loosing control or rolling over….
I've got the same issue with my 40mm lifted '03 Matrix. I need to replace the front tires now and I'm trying to increase stability & handling. Be able to make turns at regular speed without anxiety. Right now it feels like it'll roll or something at regular speed on round turns. So How big can I go before I'm in a hot rod show? No but seriously what do you recommend??
@@sissimonster I’d go maybe an inch taller, maximum. Unless you get wheels with a deeper backspacing, you may rub in tight turns. Please don’t think you can put a 1.6” lift and 33s on it lol
-@@RattleCanCustoms hahaha. What size numbers would an inch or less be? Is that a 17" ? And if it's taller does that mean it's wider too? I'm sorry if these are dumb questions- I'm a complete newbie trying to make my car better. I appreciate all the advice! It would look better with a little wider. The P205/55R16 look puny now.
This is the first video I saw from your channel and got to say this gave me some great future ideas for my Matrix XR! Since it's lifted, how big of tires do you think you can add to them?
Glad it gives you ideas! Been researching the tires and we probably shouldn’t push it much bigger than 225s, just to prevent rubbing. Could always do spacers or backspaced wheels later if needed!
Any time you change anything with suspension, you’ll want to get an alignment. As far as angles, the lift is mild so it doesn’t change as much as you would think. I replaced my shocks and springs as well, but they were stock length. I didn’t have to do anything extra to mine, so you should be good. Hope that helps!
Surprisingly better looking going down the road with that lift.. and should handle that small trailer you plan on towing with it real well... Good job man 👍
@@RattleCanCustoms can any car be lifted? The reason I ask is I have a 2018 Ford Flex. I like the vehicle ok.. but I'm 6'6" and most vehicles of that type are simply too low to the ground. It's tough for us tall guys the world is simply way too low for us 😟 lol.. no joke! I like my truck because it's so much easier to get in and out of but I've always wished that Flex was higher off the ground and when I saw your video on lifting your little car it gave me the idea if that could be lifted maybe I could get my Ford Flex lifted ??
@@rapturebound197 I’m sure most vehicles can but there’s a lot of factors at play. I’m no expert by any means. You’re best bet would be to see if there’s a kit available, and go from there. It’s also going to depend on what height your looking for, too high and things start to bind. Hope that helps!
Plan to lift my 06' Vibe GT. Bought taller tires that should give a solid .5" lift, but strut spacers will be in the near future. May use wheel spacers for a slightly wider stance and add fender flares, along with custom bull bar with some driving lights.
hey what size tires did you buy? I need to replace the front tires and I'm trying to find what will be more stable on turns. Right now it feels like it'll roll or something at regular speed on round turns.
After the lift, it's basically what modern "sub-compact crossovers" are now lol
Pretty much lol
"I don't have any part of that foolishness," bless you sir.
@@leifhietala8074 to each their own, but it ain’t my cup of tea lol
That's not a bad looking "turd". The matrix is not a bad hatchback...better than most of the modern ones.
You aren't wrong! I actually love the car, been driving it around for a couple weeks now. I call it a turd "lovingly" lol
Runs and rides great and gets awesome mileage!
@@RattleCanCustoms what's your mileage? Mine isn't good
@@sissimonster north of 25 maybe? Haven’t really calculated, but it does better than my truck lol
@@RattleCanCustoms I get about 27mph for city & hwy mixed. I guess I expect better mileage- I used to have a Honda Civic hatchback that got 35 in the city! 27 isn't that bad now that I think about it. Hey what do you think is a reasonable price for someone to do all the struts & add spacers? I never know if I'm getting gouged.
@@sissimonster honestly not sure, but they aren’t too difficult to do with a couple buddies and some youtube videos lol
If I saw that driving by, I might think it was some kind of crossover. Doesn't look out of place at all
2:00 in the afternoon,I’m laying in bed assuring myself I’m going to do this to my Corolla. Damn I love UA-cam.
Do it.
DO IT.
DO IT NOW!!!! 🤣🤣
Glad I searched for this. I'm trying to lift mine right now. I'll send you pics of mine, I've build a roof rack with a light bar and I think you'll get a kick out of it.
Perfect!
Make a UA-cam video of it. I would love to see it
Did it change your mpg? Also you can get a 55gal plastic barrel.cut top and bottom off slit it long ways and heat it w/big ass torch to get it flat.remove the front tow hook(cut plastic to fit with jig saw) and use the holes to mount it and a couple lap screws in a few spots(you'll find a few places) and presto. skid plate (road armor). I did this to my vibe for oil/tranny pan protection.i was waiting for someone to lift one!thanks for video!!
Didn’t change mpg since we have yet to change tire sizes! And that’s a great idea with the barrel!
Ive always wanted to do that with my Matrix!
Do it!
Im planning on doing this. I'm not really sure what beefy size tire to go with though. A size that will look good without running into issues that is 😂
@EvilLIvaderGuy Did you end up doing this too? You're comment is exactly what I'm trying to figure out. Appreciate the good advice on here - just now trying to figure out what to ask for at the tire shop tho LOL
"Couple of things I want to do, one of them is in the backseat" Cut to intro. I see what you did there. 😂😂😂
Completely by accident lol
I have a 2003 xr ALL WHEEL DRIVE. I did this but just be aware that any mod adds stress on other components.. For instance after you do this mod, you will now hear a slight banging in the front part of your engine, Reason is the CV axles on both wheels are now at angles they are not designed to be so being a 3 bearing axle rotating at a now angle and not horizontal you will hear a thud as it turns... if the axle had four bearing you would not hear the grinding as much.. to test, lift the car totally up off the wheels on a lift and put it in drive and watch the engine jump everytime the axle does a full rotation... so yes your bearing and axles will break sooner with this lift. That is with all mods that the car was not intended or designed for. If you can deal with the added vibration and don't mind to nurse your car over speed bumps you will be fine and enjoy the added lift. I will . I think it's worth the benefits over the cons. But I want to be real. I don't drive on dirt roads and in the woods where rippin sound don't matter but Im in the city and drive on decent roads where I can hear birds and feel my steering shake a little and tires wobble. I also did the strut bar in the engine bay as well. I did post it but I dont see it my write up but for those people who had continued to read this tahdah... www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDE6EO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Also I will go with a larger size tire, that will raise the car up more, and will not hinder the axles at all or change the angles of the axles.
Answer the question does it turn differently, no I feel no incumbrance or advantage it's the same. No way feeling of rolling over or losing control get that strut bar in the link even if you don't do the lift I think Toyota should roll all autos out the doors with these.
BTW get a front end alignment ... and surprise.. you have to buy two bolts because your front tires are still cambered inat the bottom.
You cannot do a proper alignment without it because your stock bolts are too short.
Is there a video with the new beefier tires yet?
Still wearing out the old ones lol it’s my daily to work
@@RattleCanCustoms looking forward to what it looks like with the new shoes, and to see what size you can get under it.
@@illyadmark3223 same! Lol gotta do some more research as to what will fit, and what it will cost. Money plays a big factor lol
Definitely do a video of it after you get new tires. I actually bought Firestone snow tires for my rear wheel drive Colorado and it made it look a lot better and beefier compared to the regular tires that were on it before. They were pretty cheap and they lasted a really long time. I thought they would burn up pretty fast during the summer but I mainly rode motorcycles during the summer so that may have had something to do with why they lasted so long lol
I've got 215 65 16 Wild Peak A/T on my 09 Vibe AWD.
Thanks! Been wondering what would fit! Is yours lifted as well?
JUMP IT!!!!
…….maybe lol
Very nice job. Iam jelous, I want 1. Been looking 4 a 2009 Matrix 1.8L automatic
Nice choice! They’re great cars!
Canadian here. If i tried any of this I would need to bolt extract and retap every hole haha. I tried to do my abs sensor, not only did the abs bolt head break off flush, the sensor itself broke off flush.
Sounds like a not good day! Get it back together?
I really enjoyed the video. May have to do some of those mods.
Thanks for watching!
What size tires did ya go with brother i have a 2006 i'm thinkin of doing this on
Still haven’t decided honestly lol, the stock tires still have some life left
This is EXACTLY what I wanted to do to my little 2003 Matrix XR once i realized how low it rode. Maybe I should find somebody who'd be willing to do it (I have % mechanical skills) and I DO need new struts! At 114,000 miles I think it'd be worth it... whatdya think? Also can I drive down and have you do it? 🤣
It would be worth doing for sure! As far as having us do it……probably not lol
Matt- with the lift, is the car actually only 1.6 inches taller? it looks so much taller, I can't fathom it's noticeable. Still... not scraping the bumper panel on the curb in parking lots is gonna be priceless. I'm still chickening on doing it myself. Where did you buy the struts from?
@@sissimonster the struts and lift kit both came from Amazon
Don't LED in reflector housings blind everyone though
I had to do a light alignment after the new housing install, and they don’t seem to be too high or blinding.
Never get high beamed either. But if that’s the case they’re gonna hate when I eventually add light bars
Thank you for doing that
I love it!! How’s the ride still?
Rides great! Better actually lol
@@RattleCanCustomsThat's great, stock Matrix suspension runs super rough lol
@@itsAlphaFox it’s either super stiff or super rough, no in between lol
I got a idea for that back seat, me and you big boy
Boy you ain’t right lol
Thanks for the video very nice , question how long will take if I just add the lift kit ?
Depends on your abilities and tools, but honestly it shouldn’t take too long. The hardest part is removing the front shocks, but with help you could knock it out in a couple of hours!
Nice!! Unfortunately amazon link says unavailable in Canada 😢
I would search for a kit for a corolla or vibe. Should be able to find a different vendor! Maybe eBay?
@@RattleCanCustoms I'll take a look, I was talking about receiver by the way. Thanks for the reply 🤙🏿
It’s a 2003 same color. Wana buy it?
Don’t tempt me! Lol
Which LED lights did you end up buying?
I ended up using the NiLight kit from Amazon
Nilight 9005 9006 LED Headlight Bulb Kit, 350% Brighter,HB3 HB4 LED High Beam Low Beam Bulbs Combo, 6000K Cool White, Mini Size, 4-Pack a.co/d/1TmK9k2
The rear of my car is sagging/squat. Might be due to hitch weight in rear and removed weight from up front combined with crap replacement struts. I need a lift for the rear only or cut the front springs. Anyone else have this issue?
I can guarantee you that the weight of the hitch is nowhere near enough for the rear to sag. Has Front/Rear weight distribution of 59/41, weighing ~2800 pounds means the rear suspension has ~1150 pounds of weight directly on it with a gross weight rating of 1850. Adding the hitch puts rear weight distribution up near 1300 tops, still plenty of headroom.
Your sag is either from things being bent (control arms, axle beam, etc) or it is entirely from crappy struts. Also did you replace the strut assembly or just the “shock” portion of it? If you reused your old springs, they’re probably dog tired and that’s what’s causing sag because the spring is supporting weight while the strut is absorbing the harness of the roads and the old springs have “sprung” and are lazy.
@@Dude13450 Culprit was crappy strut assembly supply, FCS brand. They only lasted ~2.5 years. I replaced them at 3.5 years. "Lifetime replacement", but I got the next brand up (Monroe). ACDelco no longer stocks the front left strut, there are a few rights in stock. KYB doesn't make full assemblies for the rear.
Toyota doesn't make turds you're confused with Volkswagen
I mean….you’re not wrong lol
I use “turd” as a term of endearment lol
lmaooo freedom fractions thats to funny , dude this vibe i mean matrix looks good tbh lol
Great video bro, I got the same exact matrix and been really wanting to do this but haven’t found a video on it anywhere until now. Update is with the tires
Will do! Waiting on the old tires to wear down a bit more, so I can justify new ones with the wife lol
Thanks for watching!
idk if you got tires yet but around me garages have a shit load of tires that fit matrix's just sitting in the junk tire pile. they're usually in bad to alright condition, but they're also free so who can complain
got the same car, same color. i like the idea of a mild lift for more ground clearance when it snows up here in new Hampshire.
any update on the lifted matrix?!? hows the turning is what im wondering i take corners in my matrix my worry is either loosing control or rolling over….
@@9kia8 I’ve driven it as a daily since the video and it handled beautifully! Highly recommend it!
@@RattleCanCustomsi have the “lift kit” i bought it last 3 years ago now after watching your video im going to do it
I've got the same issue with my 40mm lifted '03 Matrix. I need to replace the front tires now and I'm trying to increase stability & handling. Be able to make turns at regular speed without anxiety. Right now it feels like it'll roll or something at regular speed on round turns. So How big can I go before I'm in a hot rod show? No but seriously what do you recommend??
@@sissimonster I’d go maybe an inch taller, maximum. Unless you get wheels with a deeper backspacing, you may rub in tight turns. Please don’t think you can put a 1.6” lift and 33s on it lol
-@@RattleCanCustoms hahaha. What size numbers would an inch or less be? Is that a 17" ? And if it's taller does that mean it's wider too? I'm sorry if these are dumb questions- I'm a complete newbie trying to make my car better. I appreciate all the advice! It would look better with a little wider. The P205/55R16 look puny now.
This is the first video I saw from your channel and got to say this gave me some great future ideas for my Matrix XR! Since it's lifted, how big of tires do you think you can add to them?
Glad it gives you ideas! Been researching the tires and we probably shouldn’t push it much bigger than 225s, just to prevent rubbing. Could always do spacers or backspaced wheels later if needed!
I want to do a 2” lift on mine I’m just not sure what else I would have to do for alignment or dl angles. Or if it’s needed or not??
Any time you change anything with suspension, you’ll want to get an alignment. As far as angles, the lift is mild so it doesn’t change as much as you would think. I replaced my shocks and springs as well, but they were stock length.
I didn’t have to do anything extra to mine, so you should be good.
Hope that helps!
At least throw some hubcaps on it! Lol what was the total cost if you didnt say?
Lifting my vibe. Thanks for info 👍👍
No problem, glad it helped!
Surprisingly better looking going down the road with that lift.. and should handle that small trailer you plan on towing with it real well... Good job man 👍
Much appreciated! Now we’ve got to get a trailer small enough for it lol
@@RattleCanCustoms can any car be lifted? The reason I ask is I have a 2018 Ford Flex. I like the vehicle ok.. but I'm 6'6" and most vehicles of that type are simply too low to the ground. It's tough for us tall guys the world is simply way too low for us 😟 lol.. no joke! I like my truck because it's so much easier to get in and out of but I've always wished that Flex was higher off the ground and when I saw your video on lifting your little car it gave me the idea if that could be lifted maybe I could get my Ford Flex lifted ??
@@rapturebound197 I’m sure most vehicles can but there’s a lot of factors at play.
I’m no expert by any means. You’re best bet would be to see if there’s a kit available, and go from there. It’s also going to depend on what height your looking for, too high and things start to bind.
Hope that helps!
@@RattleCanCustoms I know you got better things to do and you're busy. Thanx for taking the time to shoot me your thoughts!
👍😉
@@rapturebound197 not a problem! Anytime
If you can hook it to the hitch and the vehicle pull it then send it.... might be a matrix but it tows like a international
That’s fair lol
I got one just like yours same color with over 240k still running good
Can’t kill these yotas! Oil and gas and it’ll run forever
Plan to lift my 06' Vibe GT. Bought taller tires that should give a solid .5" lift, but strut spacers will be in the near future.
May use wheel spacers for a slightly wider stance and add fender flares, along with custom bull bar with some driving lights.
Sounds awesome!
That does sound awesome if you do it make a UA-cam video of it
I’m going to throw spacers on not for the spacing themselves but to convert from 5x100 to 5x114.3, because that’s what most aftermarket wheels are
@@Dude13450 understandable
hey what size tires did you buy? I need to replace the front tires and I'm trying to find what will be more stable on turns. Right now it feels like it'll roll or something at regular speed on round turns.
Great video!
Great video, is your matrix the front wheel the XR model?
All Matrix are FWD
@@buya_prthey made an AWD model
Yeah I'm looking to buy an AWD one and lift it like this with the hitch as well