Sumjay
Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Hey everyone. I've been looking at the 7th gen's IRS setup and comparing with the 6th gen. Almost all of the hardware is either shared or similar enough that the difference is negligible - the toe links and camber arms use the same aftermarket replacements, and the RLCA to my knowledge is either unchanged or negligibly different at the knuckle-end.
The two main differences are due to the Brembo setup - the front mount caliper changes the knuckle design, and requires the shorter GT500 style vertical link to fit. I've swapped out an S550 vertical link for the Steeda part, and there's no question on the difference in build quality: the OEM part is stamped steel, I could probably hit it with a rock and bend it. The Steeda part will outlive me assuming the bushing holds up (which it has so far). However the S650 part is closer in build to the S550 Steeda link - it's a solid chunk of.. aluminum? Not sure, but there's no question that Ford realized they should probably build a stronger part.
With that being said - is there any need for 7th gen owners to swap for a Steeda/BMR/etc VL? The risk of flex seems much lower than the stock S550. I don't think Steeda's updated STH video addressed this change at all.
I don't really have a specific build in mind; I'm more just figuring out how the new gen's hardware holds up. I know the use case is a big variable here and a high HP strip launch is wildly different from a daily, HPDE, or autocross car. Just wanted to hear any opinions you guys have. TJ, I'd love if you or theater Steeda guys could weight in here. Thanks guys. I'll share a photo of all 3 links (S550 stock/Steeda & S650 stock)when I get home
The two main differences are due to the Brembo setup - the front mount caliper changes the knuckle design, and requires the shorter GT500 style vertical link to fit. I've swapped out an S550 vertical link for the Steeda part, and there's no question on the difference in build quality: the OEM part is stamped steel, I could probably hit it with a rock and bend it. The Steeda part will outlive me assuming the bushing holds up (which it has so far). However the S650 part is closer in build to the S550 Steeda link - it's a solid chunk of.. aluminum? Not sure, but there's no question that Ford realized they should probably build a stronger part.
With that being said - is there any need for 7th gen owners to swap for a Steeda/BMR/etc VL? The risk of flex seems much lower than the stock S550. I don't think Steeda's updated STH video addressed this change at all.
I don't really have a specific build in mind; I'm more just figuring out how the new gen's hardware holds up. I know the use case is a big variable here and a high HP strip launch is wildly different from a daily, HPDE, or autocross car. Just wanted to hear any opinions you guys have. TJ, I'd love if you or theater Steeda guys could weight in here. Thanks guys. I'll share a photo of all 3 links (S550 stock/Steeda & S650 stock)when I get home
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