Suspension Traps, what NOT to do

www.MRTperformance.com.au Brett shows and explains what you need to check if you raise or lower your car compared to standard factory ride heights and a horrible example of what not to do

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[lauriejamesmackeson]

Sorry for not being clear. I was referring to the "softening" of the springs/sway bars over time. Does this change your advice? Thanks for your ongoing help.

[Brettmiddleton]

@lauriejamesmackeson I am not saware of any problems like this with the OEM parts OR whiteline swy bars. So no risk :)

[lauriejamesmackeson]

Brett, from your experience, when would would you look to replace the OEM springs, sway bars (and links) on a wrx driven on the road. Of course it is difficult/impossible to give an exact amount. My struts have done 45,000km while the sway-bars and springs have been on the vehicle since new - 140,000 km.

[Brettmiddleton]

@lauriejamesmackeson do springs and sway bars when you want the car to handle BETTER!

If not you will be waiting for ever!

They never wear out!

[Brettmiddleton]

@lauriejamesmackeson thats fine, many people lower their cars and are happy with the handling as long as you know the outcome you can make a educatred decision

[lauriejamesmackeson]

@Brettmiddleton Thanks for the clear explanation. Give my driving needs and the fact that the car is designed to meet those needs + more, I was considering 'giving up' some of the 'extra' in favour of 'looks' - using factory tyres/rims. Thanks for the advice. Can you describe the difference to handling (of sway bars) to typical city, urban, highway driving where I spend most of my time. While the bars are a cheap/easy mod to fit, they are an expensive purchase if I do not 'need' them.

[Brettmiddleton]

@Brettmiddleton

To recover the lost suspension angles when doing this a roll centre kit is needed to fix the resulting poor geomtery (search the mrt e-CATalogue for roll centre kit)

I hope this helps

and yes the shocks will suffer, so check them as well at the same time as it may be better to replace them as well

[Brettmiddleton]

@lauriejamesmackeson first its important to remember if uopi LOWER the car it will handle WORSE, when compared to fitting sway bars first. Most ppl fit lowered springs assuming it will handle better when in fact it will LOOK better. And thats OK as long as ppl UNDERSTAND.

if you do lower the car, its imperative to not go too low otherwise the car will simply sit on the bump stops and have no effective suspension travel.

24 mm is HEAPS

[lauriejamesmackeson]

When considering 'road only' use, how much would you lower the 05WRX whilst keeping with the OEM Struts? Presuming I it is possible, in simple terms, what would I gain/loose by doing so? Your professional opinion much appreciated in helping me if this is an option for me.

[Brettmiddleton]

@Soundgarden8497 good idea thanks!