Steeda springs vs H&R springs

[CLAYMAN]

Which one to install on a new 2022 ST? Pros and Cons. Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
Planning on getting Vossen HF5's 22 x 10.5 +30. Tire size 305/35 or 40.

 

[Travis]

I am going with H&R with Vossen HF5 22 x 10.5 +30. Tire will be a 305/40/22. Not sure on what specific tire, probably Lexani. I am in Minnesota and will use the factory wheel and tire for the 4-6 months that we get winter up here.

 

[UNBROKEN]

No huge difference in ride between them. H&R sits a bit lower and level, Steeda is a bit higher with some rake.
FYI Lexani 305’s are more like a 295 in actual width…they run super narrow.
And OP you want +30, not +40.

 

[F=MA]

I have used both Steeda and H&R lowering springs on my 2021 Explorer ST. I am currently on the H&R springs. I also have the Steeda rear sway bar installed and was used with both spring sets.

I put about 8,000 miles on the Steeda combo. I have around 800 miles on the H&Rs now. While the Steeda lowering springs do not lower as much (especially noticeably in the rear) they absolutely 100% handle better than the H&Rs. They are more hardwired to the ground, and lateral handling and steering input is noticeably more crisp. With that said, the Steeda springs are noticeably stiffer, you feel bumps in the road more, but I wouldn't say it makes the ride harsh, unless you are going over pot holes or irregularities in the road, then it is more noticeably rough than the H&Rs.

The H&Rs are noticeably softer, and I noticed in comparison to the Steedas are a bit "floaty boaty" meaning the suspension isn't as responsive, or controlled and tends to float over bumps. It feels more like an SUV. The H&Rs are more comfortable, compliant and ride better especially on the highway. The floatiness I feel could probably be better managed with slightly stiffer shock valving. The Steedas have noticeably better lateral handling, but with less front end "unload" (weight transfer) during launches, which can make launching a bit more of a challenge with tire spin if you are drag racing.

With that said, I think the H&R springs are probably better for drag racing, while the Steedas would be the better choice on a road course. The H&Rs can sometimes "bottom out" (on road humps) in the rear (just have to go slower over speed bumps and road humps), there was no such issue with the Steedas, even with passengers.

Steeda Pros:

Better, more precise steering "feel"
Better turn in response, better steering feedback with road/tires
More hardwired to the ground, but not harsh ride
Better lateral handling
Feels more like a sports car than an SUV

Steeda Cons:

Ride noticeably rougher
Not as comfortable for a daily driver
Don't look as good installed since they don't lower as much as the H&Rs
Lower in the front than in the back

H&R Pros

More comfortable for daily driving, especially on the highway
Better weight transfer during launch (straight line)
Chassis looks less SUV-ish, looks BETTER
Front and rear lowering bias even

H&R Cons

Don't handle as well, more side sway despite having the Steeda sway bar.
Less precise steering input feel, less communication feedback with steering wheel to tires
Tends to feel a bit floaty boaty in comparison to the Steedas when going over bumps or imperfections. I noticed this almost immediately since I drive the same roads every day.
Rear tends to bottom out over road humps/speed bumps
Feels more like an SUV than a sporty vehicle (I'm sure it's better than the stock springs though)

Steeda side:

View attachment 7612

H&R side:

View attachment 7613

 

[ST PETE]

@F=MA Great review. I have a '22 on order and am in the accessory hunt. Being more of a performance guy, I am researching the various parts that will improve said performance. Thanks again

 

[F=MA]

FYI, pelotonracer2 wrote that review.

 

[MattJ716]

I do think the H&R look cleaner with the level and slightly lower drop however based on that review of them being more "floaty" and also I do hook up a trailer and often load the truck a little so I actually preferred the rake in the rear with the Steedas.

Ride comfort and quality.. I can't compare because I've driven solely on Steedas but based on that review.. if the H&Rs are more comfortable than they must be an amazing ride because I have no complaints about the Steeda ride quality. The handling is NOTICEABLY better than factory.. she hugs turns and even without the rear stabilizer bar (on my to do list) there is minimal body roll.

 

[ST PETE]

@F=MA. Well thanks to both. Again, great review

 

[Cdubya]

I've had H&R's in two other vehicles. They were similar to what Pelotonracer wrote. That float is controlled with better shocks which we may never see. Somethings gotta give when you have a more comfortable ride AND lower more.

Went with Steeda and pretty happy.

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

That float is controlled with better shocks which we may never see.

You would think there would be more aftermarket support for the suspension on the 20+ explorers, Ford probably sells more ST's in one year than they do for all models of the mustang combined, but you can get damn near anything for a mustang suspension. Go figure?

 

[ST PETE]

@Cdubya. Looking for upgraded or better performance shocks. Not out there that I can find.

 

[SwagSolo]

Anyone have a picture comparison of the installed difference/rake?

 

[mattastic13]

@F=MA has some in one of his posts. It was very informative

 

[SmittysST]

Great information here! Jury still out for me.....

 

[F=MA]

@F=MA has some in one of his posts. It was very informative

FYI, pelotonracer2 wrote that review.

 

[SmittysST]

Any that has H&R how’s the ride with a full load of passengers? Is it appear overloaded and sag in the back? We occasionally run 4 - 7 people in ours. Thx!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Svtguy]

You would think there would be more aftermarket support for the suspension on the 20+ explorers, Ford probably sells more ST's in one year than they do for all models of the mustang combined, but you can get damn near anything for a mustang suspension. Go figure?

That is probably true….but even a ST is still an Explorer and is much more likely to be a daily driver than a Mustang. Lots of people don’t ever mod their daily’s and an average Explorer buyer is far less likely to mod than an average Mustang buyer. The net result is likely a smaller market.

Couple that with a substantial Factory supplied modifications list…the ST package is already far beyond a typical “Sports Trim” and in lots of people’s minds, 21” tires, firmer springs, 400Hp etc is good enough…

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

I would like to see ford add magnaride from the mustang to the next gen explorer ST and throw the active exhaust too. or Ford could build a next level ST or even a explorer RS and give it the magnaride and active exhaust.

 

[UNBROKEN]

Steeda is all-in on suspension stuff now…finally. There’s a few Steeda guys in my ST group on FB…they’re talking about a full Stop The Hop kit and some other stuff as well in addition to their current offerings.

 

[Svtguy]

Steeda is all-in on suspension stuff now…finally. There’s a few Steeda guys in my ST group on FB…they’re talking about a full Stop The Hop kit and some other stuff as well in addition to their current offerings.

Can you get wheel hop on the stock rubber or is that only the people running DRs?