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Time to read 5 min
For many automobile enthusiasts, nothing quite matches the exhilaration of driving a performance-oriented vehicle with razor-sharp handling and unmatched cornering capabilities. Subaru owners are no exception, as their vehicles are renowned for their exceptional all-wheel-drive capabilities, competitive performance, and outstanding engineering. Yet, the quest for enhanced performance and handling doesn't end with factory specifications. Subaru owners seek suspension upgrades to improve grip, responsiveness, and stability, allowing their vehicles to truly shine, whether on the road or the track.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of Subaru suspension upgrades, providing you with the knowledge and insights necessary to make informed decisions on how to improve your vehicle's handling characteristics and optimize performance. We'll explore various suspension components, their functions, and the upgrade options available to tailor your Subaru to your specific driving preferences and goals.
Both seasoned automotive enthusiasts and newcomers alike will benefit from learning more about suspension modifications and how to fine-tune your Subaru. Whether your goal is to transform your daily driver into a more assertive and agile ride or improve your race car's performance on the track, this guide will provide actionable insights and valuable advice for achieving the ideal suspension setup for your Subaru. Let's embark on this thrilling journey together, unlocking your vehicle's full handling potential and enhancing your driving experience!
A crucial decision when it comes to upgrading your Subaru's suspension is choosing between coilovers and lowering springs. Both options have their unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's essential to understand their differences and suitability for your needs and budget.
A coilover system consists of a shock absorber and a coil spring, designed as an integrated unit. Coilovers provide significant handling improvements, enabling height, dampening, and often spring rate adjustments for fine-tuning your suspension setup. Despite their higher price tag, coilovers offer greater flexibility for meeting your specific performance goals and driving conditions.
These springs are designed to replace your factory springs, lowering your vehicle's ride height and providing a more aggressive stance. Lowering springs are more affordable than coilovers and generally come with a fixed ride height reduction, usually ranging between 1 to 2 inches. While they provide a sportier look and enhanced handling through a lower center of gravity, their adjustability and performance capabilities are limited compared to coilovers.
Carefully consider your handling goals, budget, and long-term plans for your vehicle when deciding between coilovers and lowering springs.
Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars or stabilizer bars, are a vital component in your vehicle's suspension system that helps control body roll during cornering. Upgrading sway bars and end links can have a significant impact on your Subaru's handling.
Installing thicker or adjustable sway bars can reduce your vehicle's body roll, leading to a more stable and controlled driving experience, particularly during aggressive cornering. These upgrades work best in combination with other suspension components, like coilovers or lowering springs, to further enhance handling characteristics.
As the connecting points between the sway bars and your vehicle's suspension, upgrading end links to more robust or adjustable versions can improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of your sway bars. High-quality end links reduce flex and ensure your upgraded sway bars deliver optimal performance.
Consider adding upgraded sway bars and end links to your suspension enhancement plan to achieve greater cornering stability and performance.
Stock rubber bushings can be upgraded to performance bushings in various suspension components. Performance bushings, typically made of polyurethane or solid rubber compounds, can provide increased stiffness and responsiveness to your vehicle's suspension, resulting in better steering feel, cornering precision, and overall ride quality.
Upgrading bushings in the following areas can provide noticeable handling improvements:
Upgrading control arm bushings can enhance steering response and cornering stability, keeping the suspension geometry more consistent under heavy loads.
Upgrading the steering rack bushings can help provide a more direct steering feel by reducing deflection and play in the steering system.
Installing stiffer subframe bushings can improve your vehicle's overall rigidity and responsiveness, particularly during aggressive driving.
Reducing bushing deflection can lead to increased responsiveness, steering precision, and improved handling overall. However, be prepared for a potentially harsher ride due to the stiffer materials used in performance bushings.
As you upgrade various suspension components, be aware of the significance of maintaining proper alignment and suspension geometry. Improperly aligned suspension can lead to uneven tire wear, unpredictable handling, and compromised vehicle safety. It's crucial to regularly check and adjust alignment angles after suspension modifications to ensure consistent handling and maximize tire longevity.
Consider investing in adjustable suspension components, like camber plates, camber bolts, or control arms, to fine-tune alignment settings and optimize your upgraded suspension system's performance.
Upgrading your Subaru's suspension can transform its performance and provide an exhilarating driving experience with greater responsiveness, stability, and overall enjoyment behind the wheel. Understanding the differences between coilovers and lowering springs, enhancing cornering performance with upgraded sway bars and end links, fine-tuning your suspension with performance bushings, and maintaining proper alignment are essential steps toward achieving optimal handling and performance.
Before you embark on your suspension upgrade journey, consider your specific performance goals, budget, and vehicle usage. Start by focusing on desired improvements and gradually expand your upgrade plan to cover additional aspects of your suspension system. With careful planning, research, and a commitment to enhancing your Subaru's performance, you'll soon be conquering the road or the track with newfound confidence and enjoyment.
At Subimods, we offer a wide range of Subaru suspensions and suspension components to help you achieve your desired performance goals. Our team of experts can help you navigate the different options and make informed decisions based on your specific needs. With the right upgrades and proper installation, you can transform your Subaru's performance and enjoy a more exhilarating driving experience.
Browse a small collection of the quality suspensions we have available in the Subimods catalog in the gallery below:
It is the primary goal at Subimods to create a powerful channel between the growing community of inspired enthusiasts and the productive marketplace who provides a plethora of quality solutions which assist in bringing victory to their lives through the performance of their cars.
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For additional information regarding aftermarket parts for your Subaru, please visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your year, model and platform.
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