It's not going to be raced. The goal is a fun daily that also gets driven to the mountains for some fun driving time. No drag racing or anything like that, so I don't feel like a stop the hop kit would be needed. I also don't think anything too stiff would be needed. I'm good with firm, which these springs are going to be on the softer side of things to work with the stock struts.
I already have the strut tower brace and cowl extension. I’ll look into the toe link bearings.
That’s a good idea
That’s a great idea
They will, massively
Yes, they defo compliment each other
This is the only bit my opinion varies on.
As the braces are easier to fit and the OP already has someone going in and messing with the subframe, I would take that opportunity to get the support bushes done - Doing the braces at a later date is a easier and quicker DIY option, that won’t mess with any alignment settings that should have been done following the spring install (the same can’t be said or guaranteed swapping the order of those two mods around).I am a PP1 mag ride car, but the biggest single difference I have noticed to date is the subframe lockouts.
I know some people rave about the rear subframe braces but to me, the subframe lockouts made a much bigger difference.
I suspect it comes down to which mod goes on the car first.
First mod (be it braces or lockouts) gets you 90% of the total benefit, second mod gets you the last 10% i.e. whichever you do first, will leave the biggest impression on you.
Lockouts are smaller and lighter, but more difficult to fit.
Braces are easier and quicker to fit.
Both mods are 100% reversible.
Both will corrode if used in a harsh environment without additional maintenance / protection.
WD
I have done steeda minimum drop springs, pro-action shocks/dampers, strut tower brace, 2 point g-trac, but as others have mentioned the irs brace and alignment made the biggest difference in stabilizing the rear end giving you that planted feeling.
I’ll be doing the install myself and taking it somewhere for an alignment, which is why I’ll be doing the subframe alignment and bushing kit. I can add the braces later on if need be.That’s a good idea
That’s a great idea
They will, massively
Yes, they defo compliment each other
This is the only bit my opinion varies on.
Personally I think they do a very similar job, and the first one that’s done will give you the biggest % gain :
As the braces are easier to fit and the OP already has someone going in and messing with the subframe, I would take that opportunity to get the support bushes done - Doing the braces at a later date is a easier and quicker DIY option, that won’t mess with any alignment settings that should have been done following the spring install (the same can’t be said or guaranteed swapping the order of those two mods around).
I would add that the subframe alignment dowels should be done at the same time. They are inexpensive and will ensure the subframe goes back on square, with future repeatability. Again and like the bushes, this area is getting disturbed so it’s almost like getting them fitted for free.
Don’t expect any performance improvements from them, it’s purely a convenience mod, even though some say otherwise - that’s just the placebo effect working in overdrive …
I was kind of in a similar situation to the OP (Ford had to drop the subframe for a warranty repair), and I used that as an excuse for them to do the following mods at the same time, with minimal additional work / maximum saving when compared to doing the mods separately at a later date :
WD
- Subframe bushing supports.
- Alignment dowels.
- Diff bushing supports / diff bolt sleeves / upgraded diff bolts.
- H pipe.
