Switch From 14/15 Stock Suspension to 16+ Stock Suspension

[gtx3076]

Anyone swap from the older suspension to the newer one? Is it noticeable, worth it? I find the ride to be pretty stiff, especially so when I have passengers when I get more self conscious about it.

 

[Dialcaliper]

The later model spring rates are softer, and the front struts and rear shocks are valved differently. Just be aware that the later models have a stiffer front sway bar and slightly stiffer rear beam axle to make up the extra body roll from softening the springs.

But before you go through the trouble of a suspension swap, ditch the OEM 17” rubber band tires and get some 15 or 16” wheels and tires if you haven’t already - it will make a much bigger difference in ride quality than the subtle change to the suspension.

 

[Dpro]

The later model spring rates are softer, and the front struts and rear shocks are valved differently. Just be aware that the later models have a stiffer front sway bar and slightly stiffer rear beam axle to make up the extra body roll from softening the springs.

But before you go through the trouble of a suspension swap, ditch the OEM 17” rubber band tires and get some 15 or 16” wheels and tires if you haven’t already - it will make a much bigger difference than the subtle change to the suspension.

This or an aftermarket coilover setup. I Found the ride softened up with my first set of coilovers which were ST XTA’s but I switched out to the Meister R’s. I also did 16x8 wheels w205/45 at first and then 215/45 either way the ride was better.

 

[M-Sport fan]

^^^Sadly, many of us in the more temperate/arctic in the winter climes cannot use any of the available 215/45-16 tires out there due to the need for low temp, year 'round traction, totally killed by the exclusively 100 or 200 tread wear gummies offered to us in that size.

 

[faust]

just replacing the rear shocks on the older cars makes a huge difference. I went with Bilstein B6s and have been happy.

 

[gtx3076]

just replacing the rear shocks on the older cars makes a huge difference. I went with Bilstein B6s and have been happy.

I don’t want to lower my car any more than stock height, I drive over rough terrain too often.

 

[M-Sport fan]

The B6es when used with factory springs do NOT lower the car at all.

IF anything, they may even raise it up a tiny bit over (even fresh, let alone older) factory dampers.

 

[faust]

agreed re: ride height. The improvement in ride quality over rough terrain is big.

 

[Fusion Works]

What was the thickness of the rear beam on the 17 and up beams? Wondering if my car had the thicker beam or the earlier beam. My car is a 5/16.

 

[Dialcaliper]

What was the thickness of the rear beam on the 17 and up beams? Wondering if my car had the thicker beam or the earlier beam. My car is a 5/16.

My car is a 2016 with the earlier suspension and measured right around 8 mm which is close to 5/16”. The later model is supposedly only 10% stiffer, so it may be hard to tell just by measuring thickness (you’d be looking for a roughly 5% increase in thickness/diameter).

The two easiest ways to tell are: 19mm vs 21mm original front sway bar, and failing that, your car’s manufacture date on the door sill. The changeover was apparently mid February 2016 (2/16 on the sill), and so far all indications are that the suspension changed all at once. Mine was January (1/16) and had the older suspension.

 

[Fusion Works]

So mine should have the newer beam at least. Might need to find an early front bar. I need more loose.