Steeda Active Suspension, Variable Rate Spring Install and Impressions

[5speed]

I have a 2018 GT with the PP package, 6 Speed Manual. I do have a Ford performance Exhaust and a K&N installed the rest stock. Ive had the car several months and it didnt take long before I noticed the slop in the rear end straight away and got it bind up during some performance driving which was disconcerting. That is what started my investigation into the subframe issues and hence Steeda came to the forefront.

I called Steeda and decided that for me a better road going car with higher performance for a track day or two and mountain driving when I get up to NC where I grew up was the aim. I purchased the active suspension, Variable rate springs, subframe alignment bushings, rear bushing supports, subframe braces and the two point from subframe brace. I waited for the shipments to arrive over several weeks and before the planned install realized I did get and bump stops so ordered some from Steeda which is important for the lowered springs. I had install planned for a month and right before install, I called the day before and they said 'oh yeah we meant to call you, we are too busy to work on your stuff (exotic car dealer) but we someone who has been handling our overflow.

Turns out that worked super good for me because that shop was amazing!
Here suspension and the rear support brackets. Here is a picture of the car prior to the install

View attachment 672470

View attachment 672472

View attachment 672473

Sponsored

 

[5speed]

I also wanted to keep the wheels because I really like them for one, and two has a brand new set of tires installed. So I purchased some 1" spacers. I also now have the standard spare tire kit which is supposed to fit over the brembos since I have the 1" spacers.
The shop took their time on the install. I had them change the tranny and rear diff fluids with some good stuff and with 46K miles on it, he mentioned the tranny probably could have been changed sooner. If you have 25K on the odo, might be a good idea to change it. The front bar, even just the two point, ties in the subframe and is well worth the money. Car steers much better. Also probably because of all the time they took on the wheel alignment.
Turns out the rear was a bit too negative and right on the line of being in the green but would have caused accelerated tire wear. So I ended up ordering some BMR adjustable camber arms from Letal Performance. Nice billet pieces and they were able to get them to me next day. With that the shop was able to get the rear fully in the green. Some cars may not need this. I do not have the Steeda adjustable lower arms. Also I did order the front camber bolts from the beginning so the fronts were no problem.

Here are pictures of the rear arms and springs, shock and upper camber arm. Hard to see I know and I will get some better pictures to share.

 

[5speed]

This is after install. The spacers and the suspension have the stance exactly the way I wanted it. Perfect for me.

 

[5speed]

So how does it drive? So my initial impressions; Suspension; more controlled, stable,
first inch (es) of travel is supple, firm and controlled. Not harsh at all. And not broken in yet either.

Best news for me is that I am leaving Wednesday for 6 days in the North Carolina TN mountains. I intend on running Tail of the Dragon so it should be interesting to see what thats like and a good test. I have only run my motorcycles up there so am anxious to give it a real test. Driving 12 hours from Naples too will give it a real world highway test. I also have a 2020 Durango RT that has made that trek before and my '17 explorer before that. This will not be cushy like the Explorer nor that more controlled ride of the RT. Down on the ground, sport suspension, more noise, all of which will add to the fatigue. But is it doable is the question that I will find out.... More to come....

Sponsored