Steeda S197 Mustang Suspension - Q Grip

Before putting things back together, Steve swapped out the stock front sway bar for Steeda's adjustable version (PN 555-1050; $189.95).

Lighter than the stock model, this unit packs patented welded ends and a three-way adjustment to finetune your suspension.

After upgrading plenty of gear, it was time to begin putting things back together-but not before making more improvements. Steeda's billet camber adjusters (PN 555-8096; $209.95) allow much greater camber adjustments than the factory arrangement. Steeda also says this design will retain its settings even under the most intense loads, which is certainly a plus for those who like to participate in the occasional track day.

With the strut clearanced and the camber adjusters set, Steve bolts the newly spring'd and cambered strut back into place.

Steve could have reinstalled the stock brakes, but Dario's driving style warranted brake upgrades as well, and this was the perfect time. Steeda's 14-inch front brake upgrade (PN 492-84-330-7014-51; $2,395) is a bolt-on affair for all S197s. It features four-piston calipers, two-piece rotors, and all the necessary installation gear. The calipers are said to have pistons suited to mesh perfectly with the factory ABS system.

This adapter bracket bolts right to the factory spindle and allows you to easily bolt on the much larger caliper.

After sliding on the rotor and installing the caliper on its mounting bracket, Steve bolts on the caliper.

The last step is to install the included braided brake hoses and bleed the system. Steve developed a cool trick to reduce the mess and the amount of air introduced into the system. When removing the factory hose, he quickly plugs the line with a vacuum cap. It's so simple, it's ingenious.

After spending all that time on the front of the car, there were a few items to attend to out back. Dario wanted to keep his suspension combo fairly straightforward and streetable, so he didn't throw the book at it. Of course, Steve swapped out the stock rear springs for Steeda's aforementioned Sport units. The rear spring swap is more like what you've done on earlier 'Stangs. Simply support the axle with a jackstand, remove the lower shock bolt, then slowly lower the axle until you can safely remove the stock spring. Slip in the new spring, raise the rear, and bolt it back up.

To balance out the new sway bar up front, Steve removed the stock rear bar and replaced it with Steeda's rear sway bar with optional end links (PN 555-1052; $359.95). Steeda says it increases roll stiffness by a whopping 50 percent, which reduces understeer and improves the balance of the car.

The last piece of the suspension puzzle on Dario's '08 was a pair of Steeda's billet lower trailing arms (PN 555-4405; $299.95). These rugged arms are stronger and lighter than their stock counterparts and are fitted with polyurethane bushing. In total, they reduce dreaded wheelhop when you drop the hammer.

This is an unbolt-and-swap job, but you do have to torque the bolts for the new lowers to ensure they stay put.