Wheels or Suspension First?

[AndyLifts]

I don't know if this topic was talked about already, but should I lower my car first or buy wheels for it first? What's the pros and cons of doing one before the other?

Sponsored

 

[kn7671]

Depends on a lot of things, but there is no fast and hard rule here. The decision should be placed on what your planning to do with the car before you spend money on this or that. Tell us what your short and long-term plans are for the car, what you currently have, and what you're most unhappy with on the car.

If you simply want to go around a track faster, get driving lessons, as that will help you go faster without better tires or suspension. If you want to drag race, usually drag radials are the go to, but then again, driver experience cannot be fixed by tires.

What I'm basically saying is, money does not make a car faster or better, it only makes the car more suited for a specific goal.

 

[Tcstang]

Are you doing this for cosmetic or performance?

Personally I'd go wheels with some upgraded rubber. Not only will it look better you'll also get better traction and enjoy driving it more.

 

[BMR Tech]

A good set of wheels and tires should be the first thing on anyone's list as far as I am concerned. Better looks, better performance.

There are a few things on the chassis/suspension that I also think are no brainers. Things that really help provide better performance AND a much better driving experience. Nice linear lowering springs, adjustable sway bars and something like our CB005 Kit that eliminates all that nasty IRS cradle deflection.

Good luck!

 

[Need4SpeedMotors]

Wheels and tires first, since depending on the setup you go with it can alter your ride just a tad, once that is done a good set of suspension is needed such as BMR or Steeda for example.

 

[VibeMotorsports]

It's all personal preference. I have to agree with what kn7671 said. A lot depends on what your short and long term goals are. So maybe let us know what you're thinking and we can all better help your decision making.

 

[Need4SpeedMotors]

I forgot to answer you pro and con.

Pro if you do wheels first, you change the look of the car and it gives a fresh perspective to mod her up.

con of wheels first, depending on the size it may lift the car up a slight bit but nothing bad.

pro of lowering first, improve handling the harder installation if over first.

con if your wheels are stock and you lower, it may look weird because the fitment is not flush. also lowering changes ride quality a tad by making it rougher so if you lower first then do wheels it may be a tad bit rougher then you like.

overall what I did was wheels then lowering this way you get a feel of the car and how it is first before modifying the suspension which thus changes ride quality as well, but in the better of course.

 

[Velgen]

As stated before it all depends on what your plans are for the car. You do not want to do a double purchase of tires. What I mean by that is depending on how much you lower the car will determine the size of the tire you go with. The size of the tire you use on your car at stock height may be different than the size of the tire you use when it is lowered, depending how low you go.

 

[Silver50Pony]

Your going to want to do wheels and tires but I highly recommend you upgrade your IRS with anti wheel hop stuff to strengthen everything... plus that stuff alone will help with handling!

 

[solshinobi]

I'm going through this now. I decided on wheels and tires (19s), linear springs and Ford Racing Shocks/Struts to start. I will add to the suspension afterward and do a larger upgrade.

Sponsored