Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of upgrading your Mitsubishi Grandis with a spring sport suspension. If you're looking to enhance your ride's handling, performance, and overall driving experience, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about spring sport options for your Grandis, helping you make an informed decision and get the most out of your vehicle.

Understanding Spring Sport Suspensions

Spring sport suspensions are designed to provide a firmer, more controlled ride compared to the standard factory suspension. The key here is understanding what that actually means for your daily driving. Instead of the softer, more comfort-focused feel of the original suspension, a spring sport setup uses stiffer springs and often matched performance shocks to reduce body roll, improve cornering, and offer a more connected feel to the road. This means you'll experience less of that 'floaty' sensation, especially when taking corners or navigating winding roads.

The main goal of upgrading to a spring sport suspension is to enhance the vehicle's handling capabilities. The stiffer springs reduce body roll during cornering, keeping the car flatter and more stable. This allows you to maintain better control and confidence, especially during spirited driving. Additionally, a sport suspension can improve braking performance by minimizing weight transfer, resulting in shorter stopping distances. For those who prioritize a more engaging and dynamic driving experience, a spring sport suspension is a worthwhile upgrade.

However, it's essential to consider the trade-offs. The firmer ride can be less comfortable on rough roads, as you'll feel more of the bumps and imperfections. It's a balance between comfort and performance, and deciding what matters most to you is crucial. Think about your typical driving conditions – are you primarily on smooth highways, or do you frequently encounter potholes and uneven surfaces? This will help you determine if the benefits of a spring sport suspension outweigh the potential drawbacks in comfort.

Why Upgrade Your Mitsubishi Grandis Suspension?

Upgrading your Mitsubishi Grandis suspension can bring a multitude of benefits, transforming your driving experience from mundane to exhilarating. The standard suspension on the Grandis is designed primarily for comfort, which means it might not offer the most engaging or responsive handling. By opting for a spring sport suspension, you can significantly improve your vehicle's performance and driving dynamics.

One of the primary reasons to upgrade is enhanced handling. Spring sport suspensions typically feature stiffer springs and matched shocks, which reduce body roll during cornering. This means your Grandis will feel more stable and planted when you're navigating turns, giving you greater confidence and control. Whether you're tackling winding roads or simply maneuvering through city traffic, the improved handling will make a noticeable difference.

Another key benefit is improved responsiveness. A sport suspension can provide a more direct and connected feel to the road, allowing you to better anticipate and react to changes in driving conditions. This can be particularly valuable in emergency situations, where quick reflexes are essential. The enhanced responsiveness also makes the driving experience more engaging and enjoyable, turning every journey into an opportunity for fun.

Furthermore, upgrading your Grandis suspension can enhance its overall aesthetics. Lowering springs, often included in sport suspension kits, can reduce the wheel gap and give your vehicle a more aggressive and sporty stance. This not only improves the appearance but also contributes to better aerodynamics, potentially improving fuel efficiency at higher speeds. Just be mindful of speed bumps!

Choosing the Right Spring Sport Kit for Your Grandis

Selecting the right spring sport kit for your Mitsubishi Grandis is a crucial step in ensuring optimal performance and satisfaction. With numerous options available on the market, it's essential to consider several factors to make an informed decision. Let's break down the key aspects to consider when choosing a spring sport kit that perfectly matches your needs and driving style.

First and foremost, consider the spring rate. The spring rate determines the stiffness of the springs, which directly impacts the ride quality and handling. Higher spring rates provide a firmer, more controlled ride with reduced body roll, making them ideal for performance-oriented drivers. However, they can also result in a harsher ride, especially on rough roads. Lower spring rates, on the other hand, offer a more comfortable ride but may not provide the same level of handling performance. It's essential to find a balance that suits your preferences and driving conditions.

Next, consider the drop height. Lowering springs not only improve the appearance of your Grandis but also lower the center of gravity, further enhancing handling. However, it's crucial to choose a drop height that's appropriate for your driving environment. A too-low drop height can result in clearance issues, making it difficult to navigate speed bumps and steep driveways. A moderate drop height strikes a good balance between aesthetics and practicality.

Also, don't forget to check compatibility with your existing shocks. While some spring sport kits are designed to work with the factory shocks, others require aftermarket shocks for optimal performance. Upgrading to performance shocks can significantly improve damping and control, resulting in a smoother and more controlled ride. If you're serious about performance, consider investing in a complete spring and shock kit.

Installation Tips and Considerations

Installing a spring sport suspension on your Mitsubishi Grandis can be a rewarding DIY project, but it's essential to approach it with the right knowledge and tools. If you're not comfortable working on your car's suspension, it's always best to seek professional help. However, if you're up for the challenge, here are some essential installation tips and considerations to ensure a smooth and successful upgrade.

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and equipment. This typically includes a spring compressor, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, and a torque wrench. A spring compressor is crucial for safely removing and installing the springs without causing injury. Make sure you have the correct size sockets and wrenches for your Grandis, and always use jack stands to support the vehicle securely.

Once you have all the tools, start by loosening the lug nuts on the wheels you'll be working on. Then, jack up the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands. Remove the wheels and locate the suspension components. Carefully disconnect any sensors or brake lines that may be attached to the struts or shocks. Use the spring compressor to compress the springs before removing the strut assembly.

When installing the new springs and shocks, make sure they are properly seated and aligned. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and use the correct torque specifications when tightening the bolts. It's also a good idea to replace any worn or damaged suspension components, such as bushings or ball joints, while you're at it. After installing the new suspension, double-check all connections and make sure everything is secure.

Finally, after the installation, it's crucial to get a wheel alignment. Lowering your Grandis can affect the suspension geometry, leading to uneven tire wear and poor handling. A professional wheel alignment will ensure that your tires are properly aligned and that your vehicle handles safely and predictably.

Maintaining Your Spring Sport Suspension

Once you've upgraded to a spring sport suspension on your Mitsubishi Grandis, proper maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Regular maintenance will not only extend the life of your suspension components but also keep your Grandis handling its best. Here are some key maintenance tips to keep in mind.

Regular inspections are crucial. Periodically inspect your suspension components for any signs of wear, damage, or leaks. Check the shocks for leaks and the springs for cracks or corrosion. Also, inspect the bushings and ball joints for any play or looseness. Addressing any issues early on can prevent them from escalating into more significant problems.

Keep your suspension clean. Road grime, salt, and other debris can accumulate on your suspension components, leading to corrosion and premature wear. Regularly wash your undercarriage, especially during the winter months, to remove any contaminants. Applying a protective coating to the suspension components can also help prevent corrosion.

Also, avoid overloading your vehicle. Overloading your Grandis can put excessive stress on the suspension components, leading to premature wear and damage. Be mindful of the maximum load capacity of your vehicle and avoid exceeding it. Distribute the weight evenly when carrying cargo to minimize stress on the suspension.

Lastly, be mindful of driving conditions. Aggressive driving, such as hitting potholes or curbs, can damage your suspension components. Avoid these hazards whenever possible and drive cautiously on rough roads. If you frequently encounter challenging driving conditions, consider upgrading to heavy-duty suspension components.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your spring sport suspension in top condition and enjoy enhanced handling and performance for years to come. Regular maintenance is a small price to pay for the benefits of a well-maintained suspension system.