Lowering Springs Pros and Cons

[Toadster]

what are the common socket/wrench sizes needed to install these springs?

I don't want to start pulling stuff off then realize I need a different size socket LOL

 

[2020FordRaptor]

For those that have installed the Steeda Springs, did you keep the Front Springs with the Writting upright ? Have seen on some of the install videos that others have mentioned that with other Brands they fit best when the writting was upside down on the front springs?

It has nothing to do with fitment of the springs, it's just how they stamp their name on the spring. Install them how they fit and should be installed, just ignore how the logo is oriented.

 

[whitenoise98gt]

It has nothing to do with fitment of the springs, it's just how they stamp their name on the spring. Install them how they fit and should be installed, just ignore how the logo is oriented.

Thats what I did when i put them in last week. I was pretty carefully to review how the stock ones were sitting once the hat was off. I really didnt see much of a difference in the orientation of the spring for the "bottom & top" like you do with the rear springs having the big flat section on the bottom side. I put them in "up-right" and even through it does skew slightly towards the strut, once i put the top hat on it was perfect up and down. if i can get it on a lift later this week I will check again as I still need to do an alignment but dont want to do it before if i do happen to need to flip the springs on the struts again.

 

[whitenoise98gt]

what are the common socket/wrench sizes needed to install these springs?

I don't want to start pulling stuff off then realize I need a different size socket LOL

If you pull up the HSF most recent video for spring install he calls out all the sizes and I made a "shopping" list to have handy already out of the tool box. I'll list what i can remember using.
15mm, 24mm, 21mm, 10mm, 13mm, 18mm
13/16in, t40 and t45 torx
hammer, spring compressor

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

I put the eibach's on my 23. I like how it sits now that they have settled and I think the ride is better than stock. I put the steedas on my former 21 and they kept the rake and I thought the ride was too harsh for a daily driver on Cleveland roads.

21 with steeda's


23 with eibach's


notice the difference in rake, the 21 looks like the back never was lowered.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I put the eibach's on my 23. I like how it sits now that they have settled and I think the ride is better than stock. I put the steedas on my former 21 and they kept the rake and I thought the ride was too harsh for a daily driver on Cleveland roads.

21 with steeda's
View attachment 25398

23 with eibach's
View attachment 25400

notice the difference in rake, the 21 looks like the back never was lowered.

Forgot about those older gen Edge Sport wheels you put on your old ‘21. Looked good.

 

[hfrog355]

I put the eibach's on my 23. I like how it sits now that they have settled and I think the ride is better than stock. I put the steedas on my former 21 and they kept the rake and I thought the ride was too harsh for a daily driver on Cleveland roads.

21 with steeda's
View attachment 25398

23 with eibach's
View attachment 25400

notice the difference in rake, the 21 looks like the back never was lowered.

I'm debating between these two sets, so I appreciate the photos. Are these shots right after install, or a little time to settle?

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

It was after they settled.

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

Forgot about those older gen Edge Sport wheels you put on your old ‘21. Looked good.

I kept them when I traded in the 21. I plan on using them again when I wear out the pirelli's on my 23, if I have to buy new tires anyway, I'll just put tires on the 22's

 

[whitenoise98gt]

i know theres been a few that have seen with instances where either the front or back really doesnt change height across multiple spring brands. I just did the Steeds on my 21 last week and theres a def change in both front and back, rake is there but slightly. Before and after

 

[2020FordRaptor]

i know theres been a few that have seen with instances where either the front or back really doesnt change height across multiple spring brands. I just did the Steeds on my 21 last week and theres a def change in both front and back, rake is there but slightly. Before and after View attachment 25402 View attachment 25403

Are those the newer Platinum wheels powder coated? Looks kind of neat.

 

[hfrog355]

Making a slightly duplicate post here (original was over the the WHYDTYET thread) with more detail. I wound up going with Eibach for springs.

First impressions (these were installed yesterday):
- One of my concerns was that I would need spacers to keep my wheels from looking sunk into the wheel wells. Also that the wells were too wide at the bottom and the wheels/tires would look undersized. Both of these were unfounded. I think it looks fine.
- Was also concerned that it would be too low on the wheels/tires. I do need this thing to act like an SUV every once in a while. I don't think these are too low for my needs or looks preferences.
- Getting in and out of the car is much easier/more comfortable. I've got little kids, so I expect this to make a big difference for them too.
- I'm tall, so I can now see over the vehicle a good bit. This is nice. However, it's not so low that I have comfort issues with the liftgate being too low.
- Initial driving impressions are that it feels a lot like the stock setup, just lower (duh), but I really haven't done much on them yet. I should get some decent highway time this week and will try to find some crooked roads to twist up if I can. Dealing with Louisiana's trash road conditions was another one of my concerns and so far not an issue. They are definitely stiffer, but I don't feel like I'm getting beat up.

The pictures don't really do it justice as the in person experience is a lot different than before installation. Here you go anyway though...
Before:

Front:

Rear:


After:

Front:

Rear:


Super scientific, I know.

Anyway, I'm very happy with them out of the gate. This is the first car I've ever done any suspension mods to and now I've done springs, sway bar, and the subframe lockout (if that counts as suspension?). My goal was to get handling and aesthetic mods out of the way this fall and then do power in the spring. So far so good!

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

i know theres been a few that have seen with instances where either the front or back really doesnt change height across multiple spring brands. I just did the Steeds on my 21 last week and theres a def change in both front and back, rake is there but slightly. Before and after View attachment 25402 View attachment 25403

I like the bronze rims! Looks sharp!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[UNBROKEN]

Making a slightly duplicate post here (original was over the the WHYDTYET thread) with more detail. I wound up going with Eibach for springs.

First impressions (these were installed yesterday):
- One of my concerns was that I would need spacers to keep my wheels from looking sunk into the wheel wells. Also that the wells were too wide at the bottom and the wheels/tires would look undersized. Both of these were unfounded. I think it looks fine.
- Was also concerned that it would be too low on the wheels/tires. I do need this thing to act like an SUV every once in a while. I don't think these are too low for my needs or looks preferences.
- Getting in and out of the car is much easier/more comfortable. I've got little kids, so I expect this to make a big difference for them too.
- I'm tall, so I can now see over the vehicle a good bit. This is nice. However, it's not so low that I have comfort issues with the liftgate being too low.
- Initial driving impressions are that it feels a lot like the stock setup, just lower (duh), but I really haven't done much on them yet. I should get some decent highway time this week and will try to find some crooked roads to twist up if I can. Dealing with Louisiana's trash road conditions was another one of my concerns and so far not an issue. They are definitely stiffer, but I don't feel like I'm getting beat up.

The pictures don't really do it justice as the in person experience is a lot different than before installation. Here you go anyway though...
Before:
View attachment 26428
Front:
View attachment 26429
Rear:
View attachment 26430

After:
View attachment 26425
Front:
View attachment 26426
Rear:
View attachment 26427

Super scientific, I know.

Anyway, I'm very happy with them out of the gate. This is the first car I've ever done any suspension mods to and now I've done springs, sway bar, and the subframe lockout (if that counts as suspension?). My goal was to get handling and aesthetic mods out of the way this fall and then do power in the spring. So far so good!

The correct way to measure is on flat ground then measure from the axle centerline to the bottom of the fender opening.

 

[hfrog355]

The correct way to measure is on flat ground then measure from the axle centerline to the bottom of the fender opening.

Noted. I didn't have any extra hands, so had to settle for sitting the tape measure body down.

 

[powerboatr]

Most important item


You are happy

That little bit of lowering, makes that color look more sinister.
looks good sir
Louisiana roads are "different"
Very similar to our highways over here next door in Texas, the chunk a chunk a chunk on expansion joint is a rhythm that can be described as horrible

 

[Toadster]

Getting my springs and rear sway installed tomorrow

 

[Caster]

I'm gonna go the opposite direction soon and put on a Traxda 1.5" lift !!

 

[Toadster]

had the Steeda springs and rear swaybar installed yesterday - definitely a tighter feel and more like the Focus ST we used to own - makes the SUV feel more nimble for sure

I wish someone would develop some great shocks for these cars!

no pics yet as I'm sure the springs will settle more, but the alignment was done too

 

[UNBROKEN]

Rear camber should be -.5° for optimum wheel fitment and rear toe under .1