Steeda strut tower brace absolutely works

[RocketJock]

I have a stock (for now) XLT, AWD eco and the handling on this truck is terrible, especially compared to my former rides: a lowered F150 and a heavily modified Miata. I was skeptical, but for ~$100 I bought a Steeda strut tower brace and man does it work! The entire front end is tighter and the truck doesn't feel like it's diving when cornering. I'll eventually lower the Mav and install a better rear sway bar (Goodwin set up) to take it to the next level, but this one mod already made a huge improvement.

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[fossil]

Yep, terrible

 

[not null]

Glad you're happy with the mod. That's the important part!

Is there something measurable to quantify the difference?

 

[colinl]

Yep, terrible

like they often say, tightening the nut behind the wheel is usually the most effective modification. that was very clean driving by Buschur.

but speaking of this, I will be autocrossing my Maverick. I intended to get out to events already, but life's been a bit busy. planning on an event 10/1. now I just have to figure out how to get my eibach lowering springs installed asap.

 

[Markii56]

I'd love to add that to my truck, but when you live in Pinellas County, FL, and every road is a straight one going north-south or east-west, well... there are better places to spend my $100.00. Just sayin'...

 

[RocketJock]

If you're asking if I have the technical means to scientifically measure pre and post performance directly related to this part the answer is no.

What I can tell you is that before the install, the outside, front corner of the truck would dive significantly during hard turns resultng in a pucker factor of 8 out of 10. Now the front end hardly dives at all under the same conditions and the pucker factor is now a 1. Does that address the conclusive, scientific evidence that you needed?

Like I said before, it works and you will immediately feel the difference (unless, of course, you only drive in straight lines or you corner like someone that doesn't enjoy driving in which case it would be a waste of ~$100).

 

[K5Blazer]

I have a stock (for now) XLT, AWD eco and the handling on this truck is terrible, especially compared to my former rides: a lowered F150 and a heavily modified Miata. I was skeptical, but for ~$100 I bought a Steeda strut tower brace and man does it work! The entire front end is tighter and the truck doesn't feel like it's diving when cornering. I'll eventually lower the Mav and install a better rear sway bar (Goodwin set up) to take it to the next level, but this one mod already made a huge improvement.

“A heavily modified Miata”
What were you expecting out of the Maverick anyway?

 

[Skyline]

Like I said before, it works and you will immediately feel the difference (unless, of course, you only drive in straight lines or you corner like someone that doesn't enjoy driving in which case it would be a waste of ~$100).

I somewhat disagree with that...

My Lariat had the tendency, ever so slightly, to pull to the right; that was noticeable even on the highway. Nothing to worry about, but it was there. After installing the Steeda brace, that went away and the steering is somewhat firmer. So, even in straight line, it can help...

 

[KSC Grey Ghost]

In sorry but I know we are talking about a ECO But with a FWD hybrid would it help or with it being FWD its already handles better Sorry if this seems to be a dumb question.

 

[mfergel]

I've been curious about this but am skeptical because it only uses one bolt on each tower. My last rides were a Porsche Cayman and Mustang GT. One of the mods I did to the Mustang was to add a K-member brace from the convertable, which had an impact. I've wondered if the same type of thing could be done with the Maverick.

 

[MMaverick]

If you're asking if I have the technical means to scientifically measure pre and post performance directly related to this part the answer is no.

What I can tell you is that before the install, the outside, front corner of the truck would dive significantly during hard turns resultng in a pucker factor of 8 out of 10. Now the front end hardly dives at all under the same conditions and the pucker factor is now a 1. Does that address the conclusive, scientific evidence that you needed?

Like I said before, it works and you will immediately feel the difference (unless, of course, you only drive in straight lines or you corner like someone that doesn't enjoy driving in which case it would be a waste of ~$100).

I'm someone who enjoys driving as well. What else do you see as "easy" handling type mods for the truck? I really like the strut bar idea. I know several other Type R owners who have installed one.

I'm hoping for a Dec. delivery for mine. I was originally thinking of wider wheels and tires. Something like a 245/40/18. They must have a 18 X 8.5" wheel for this?

 

[RocketJock]

Goodwin has you covered:

https://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Parts/Maverick/Suspension.html

 

[RocketJock]

And 18x8.5 wheels just as you mentioned:

https://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Parts/Maverick/Wheels-Tires.html

 

[colinl]

.. and the last thing he mentioned is tires. A 245/40-18 is way too short for a maverick. More like 245/55-18 or 255/55-18 which are the heights of the 225/65-17 and 235/65-17 stock tire options, respectively.

 

[EchoPear]

Did you notice any impact to ride quality (NVH or extra bumpyness) over choppy surfaces after the install? Essentially did you lose comfort by doing this?

My concern would be by connecting the sides to each other would give a similar effect, albeit extremely less so, to a solid axle where disturbing one side also disturbs the other side

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