<![CDATA[Suspension Q: is this normal?]]>I just got my 02 WRX wagon. First thing I did was install the wheels and Prodrive Springs I had already ordered. This is the first suspension work I've done. After installing the springs I found the ride to be ridiculously stiff. Like riding in an ox-cart. It's gotten a little better after 2 days of driving.

My question: is this normal? Do springs usually take a few days to break in and mellow out? The Prodrive's are supposed to be a very mild spring. Only lowering the car 1" - 1.5" and designed specifically to work with OEM struts/shocks. I hope I didn't screw anything up.

On another note, I'll hopefully take some pics tonight, cause it looks sweet!:icon_compress:

]]>https://fargostreet.com/topic/11459/suspension-q-is-this-normalRSS for NodeThu, 28 May 2026 02:41:17 GMTMon, 06 Aug 2007 01:15:40 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Suspension Q: is this normal? on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:33:19 GMT]]>

Sweet-WRX-Lovin;179649 wrote:
Right on. How you liking the new drop for handling?

I was surprised. Just the springs made a bigger difference in handling than I expected. There is considerably less body roll and the handling seems fairly neutral. I was expecting to need some adjustable shocks before it started really handling well, but the way it feels now I might get more mileage out of some beefy sway bars first. I'm rolling on Falken Azenis 225's and the only way I'd feel safe exploring the limits of this setup is on a track, so we'll see after I get it out to brainerd or auto-x.

And for looks, these springs are dead on. Fender gap is perfectly even. Not slammed - just right. Looks like it should have from the factory.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/169103https://fargostreet.com/post/169103Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:33:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Suspension Q: is this normal? on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:54:09 GMT]]>Right on. How you liking the new drop for handling?

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/169084https://fargostreet.com/post/169084Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:54:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Suspension Q: is this normal? on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:39:36 GMT]]>They have plenty of travel left. They lowered the car 1" in the back and 1.5" in the front.

It has mellowed out considerably since the first day I drove it. I was wondering if anybody else had suspension that broke in after awhile? There were also alot of creaks and squeaks when I first drove the car, which are almost entirely gone now. Probably just the car settling in.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/168989https://fargostreet.com/post/168989Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:39:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Suspension Q: is this normal? on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:06:31 GMT]]>maybe you need to chop the bump stops a little?

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/168977https://fargostreet.com/post/168977Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:06:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Suspension Q: is this normal? on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:21:38 GMT]]>Syries Tanabe springs ride great

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/168974https://fargostreet.com/post/168974Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:21:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Suspension Q: is this normal? on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 06:42:47 GMT]]>How close are you to the bumpstops? Subies get pretty damn close to them depending on the drop.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/168966https://fargostreet.com/post/168966Mon, 06 Aug 2007 06:42:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Suspension Q: is this normal? on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 06:25:26 GMT]]>

MisterCMK;179522 wrote:
When you lower your car, it is going to be stiffer as there is less suspension travel

What he said.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/168964https://fargostreet.com/post/168964Mon, 06 Aug 2007 06:25:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Suspension Q: is this normal? on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:54:43 GMT]]>When you lower your car, it is going to be stiffer as there is less suspension travel

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/168957https://fargostreet.com/post/168957Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:54:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Suspension Q: is this normal? on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:52:49 GMT]]>When i lowered my jetta it was definatley stiffer, and you felt every bump in the road, or maybe it was because they were installed wrong, i'll never know, corwin sold it already.

]]>https://fargostreet.com/post/168947https://fargostreet.com/post/168947Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:52:49 GMT