How Do You Make Your WRX/STI Handle Better?

Handling is just as important as horsepower. A well-tuned suspension keeps your WRX or STI planted, improves traction, and sharpens steering, making every drive more controlled—whether you're carving backroads, hitting the track, or just commuting.

One of the biggest challenges is body roll—the way a car leans in corners. While some roll is natural, too much reduces stability and confidence. The WRX and STI have great AWD grip, but their factory suspension prioritizes comfort over performance, leading to noticeable body roll during aggressive driving.

Upgrading your suspension tightens up body control, improves balance, and makes your WRX or STI feel more precise and connected. Next, we’ll break down the best suspension upgrades to help you build a setup that fits your driving style.

How Reducing Body Roll Improves Performance and Stability

Excessive body roll creates several problems:

Loss of Grip – Too much weight transfer reduces tire contact, lowering traction.
Slower Steering Response – Extra chassis movement delays reactions in fast corners.
Unstable Cornering – More roll affects balance, making the car harder to control.

Reducing body roll helps the car stay stable in corners, minimizes understeer, and maximizes AWD performance. Whether for spirited driving, autocross, or track use, improved handling makes the WRX/STI feel more responsive and controlled.

How Does JD Customs USA Provide Suspension Solutions For My WRX/STi?

At JD Customs USA, we know that handling is just as important as horsepower when it comes to enjoying your WRX or STI. Whether you're carving up backroads, hitting the track, or just looking for a more responsive daily driver, the right suspension upgrades make all the difference.

We’ve put together our selection of coilovers, struts, sway bars, end links, bushings, and chassis braces to help you fine-tune your setup—whether you want to reduce body roll, improve steering feel, or just make your car more planted through corners.

This guide breaks down the best handling upgrades for your Subaru, so you can build a suspension setup that feels just right for your driving style.

What is Body Roll and How Does It Affect WRX/STI Handling?

Body roll is the side-to-side tilt of a car when cornering, caused by weight shifting toward the outside of the turn. Some body roll is natural, but excessive movement reduces handling precision, traction, and driver confidence—all critical factors for performance driving.

For WRX and STI owners, controlling body roll is essential to maximizing Subaru’s AWD performance. Too much roll reduces tire grip, making the car feel less stable and less responsive under aggressive driving conditions. By reducing body roll, you’ll experience:

Flatter, more precise cornering – Less weight shift keeps the car composed.
Better traction – Maximizing tire contact improves grip and stability.
Sharper steering response – A more stable chassis reacts faster to inputs.
Overall stability and control – A balanced suspension setup makes high-speed driving more predictable.

Whether you're carving backroads, tackling autocross, or just enjoying spirited daily driving, reducing body roll makes your WRX/STI feel more confident, connected, and controlled.

Stock WRX/STI Suspension: How It Performs & Where It Falls Short

The WRX and STI are both built for performance, but their stock suspension is a compromise between comfort and capability. While functional for daily driving, both models suffer from excessive body roll and understeer, limiting their true cornering potential.

WRX (Non-STI Models)

Softer suspension prioritizes comfort over handling.
More prone to understeer, making turn-in less aggressive.
Noticeable body roll, especially at higher speeds.
Lacks performance components like the Bilstein struts found in the STI.

STI (Higher-Performance Model)

Stiffer suspension tuning improves handling, but still allows some body roll.
Upgraded springs and dampers provide better road feedback.
Stock sway bars are decent, but upgrading them significantly improves responsiveness.

The STI is more track-capable than the WRX from the factory, but both models struggle with excess chassis movement, making handling feel less precise. Factory sway bars, bushings, and dampers prioritize comfort over performance, which limits cornering stability.

If you want to maximize AWD grip and sharpen handling, upgrading suspension components, sway bars, and chassis bracing is the key to unlocking your WRX or STI’s full potential.

Suspension Upgrades for Better Handling

If you want to eliminate body roll, improve stability, and sharpen handling in your WRX/STI, upgrading your suspension is the best place to start. The right suspension modifications can reduce weight transfer in corners, improve grip, and provide a more direct steering feel. Here’s a breakdown of the key suspension upgrades that make the biggest impact.

Find the Right Suspension Setup for Your Build

At JD Customs USA, we offer high-quality suspension upgrades designed specifically for WRX and STI owners. Whether you're building a track-ready setup or just want a tighter, more responsive daily driver, we have the coilovers, springs, and struts to match your driving style.

Upgrading your suspension isn’t just about looks—it’s about better control, sharper handling, and more confidence on every drive. Find the right setup and unlock your WRX/STI’s full potential.

Coilovers vs. Springs & Struts – Which Is Best for Reducing Body Roll?

Choosing between coilovers and a springs-and-struts setup depends on your driving style, performance goals, and budget. Coilovers provide maximum adjustability and are ideal for drivers who want precision handling, fine-tuned suspension control, and reduced body roll.

Coilovers: Maximum Adjustability & Performance

Coilovers integrate springs and dampers into a single adjustable unit, making them perfect for spirited driving, aggressive cornering, and track-focused setups.

Pros:

Adjustable ride height lowers the center of gravity for better cornering stability.
Customizable damping settings let you fine-tune stiffness for improved body control.
More rigid and responsive than stock suspension, significantly reducing body roll.
Designed for high-performance driving, whether on twisty roads, track days, or autocross events.

Cons:

More expensive than a traditional springs-and-struts upgrade.
Stiffer than stock suspension, which can reduce ride comfort on rough roads.

Recommended Coilovers for WRX & STI

For reducing body roll and improving handling, here are the best coilover options for performance, adjustability, and budget:

Best for Daily & Performance Driving

HKS HIPERMAX S Full Kit (15-21 WRX STI) – Offers an excellent balance of ride comfort and handling with progressive damping adjustments. Ideal for daily-driven performance builds.

KW Coilover Kit V1 (15+ WRX/STI) – A great entry-level adjustable coilover for street performance with moderate stiffness

Best for Street & Track Use

Ohlins Road & Track Coilovers (08-21 WRX/STI) – Premium Swedish-engineered coilovers that provide precise adjustability, excellent damping, and top-tier road feedback.

KW Coilover Kit V3 (15+ WRX/STI) – Features independent compression & rebound adjustment, making it an ideal choice for those who want a versatile setup for both daily driving and track days.

Best Budget-Friendly Option

BC Racing BR Series Coilover Kit (15+ WRX/STI) – A solid budget performance coilover with adjustable dampening & ride height, making it a great starting point for enthusiasts looking to dial in handling without breaking the bank.

Which Coilover Should You Choose?

If you want a great balance of comfort and handling, go with the HKS HIPERMAX S or KW V1.
If you’re serious about performance & adjustability, the Ohlins Road & Track or KW V3 are top-tier choices.
If you're on a budget but want a big handling improvement, BC Racing BR Series is a fantastic entry-level coilover.

Coilovers completely transform the WRX/STI’s handling by reducing body roll, sharpening response, and maximizing grip, making them one of the best suspension upgrades you can invest in.

Recommended Spring & Strut Setup for WRX/STI

If you’re looking for an effective way to tighten up handling while keeping your ride comfortable, here's our recommendation for spring and strut replacements:

Best Overall Performance & Comfort

Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit Front and Rear Monotube Suspension Kit (15-21 Subaru WRX STI) – This all-in-one kit combines Bilstein’s B8 performance dampers with Eibach Pro-Kit springs, offering better stability, reduced body roll, and a subtle drop in ride height for improved aerodynamics

Sway Bars & End Links: The Most Effective Upgrade for Reducing Body Roll

Upgrading sway bars and end links is one of the most effective ways to reduce body roll and enhance handling in your WRX or STI. The factory sway bars are designed with comfort in mind, which leads to excessive chassis movement during spirited driving. Installing stiffer aftermarket sway bars keeps the car flatter in corners, improving stability, steering response, and overall cornering grip.

How Sway Bars Improve Handling & Stability

Reduced Body Roll – Sway bars connect the left and right suspension components, reducing independent movement and keeping the vehicle flatter through corners.
Enhanced Steering Response – Less body lean means sharper turn-in and more precise handling.
Balanced Handling Dynamics – Adjusting front and rear sway bar stiffness helps fine-tune understeer and oversteer balance.

Front vs. Rear Sway Bars – What’s the Difference?

Front Sway Bar – Increasing stiffness can reduce understeer but may make the car feel less nimble.
Rear Sway Bar – A stiffer rear bar reduces understeer and enhances rotation, making it ideal for spirited driving.

Many WRX/STI enthusiasts upgrade the rear sway bar first for better handling balance, while keeping the front sway bar closer to stock for overall stability.

Get the Best Suspension Setup for Your WRX or STI

At JD Customs USA, we provide high-quality sway bars, end links, and suspension upgrades to help WRX and STI owners reduce body roll, improve handling, and boost driving confidence. Whether you want a simple rear sway bar upgrade or a full front and rear setup for the track, we have the right parts to match your driving style.

Reducing body roll is one of the biggest handling improvements you can make. With the right suspension upgrades, you’ll feel the difference in every turn.

Recommended Sway Bars & End Links for WRX & STI

Best for Adjustable Handling Performance

Whiteline 26mm 2-pt Adjustable Front Sway Bar (15-21 WRX) – Offers two adjustment settings, allowing you to fine-tune front-end grip and body control.

Whiteline 22mm 3-Point Adjustable Rear Sway Bar (2022+ WRX) – Allows for customized rear-end stiffness to help dial in oversteer or understeer balance.

Best for Rear-End Stability & Reducing Understeer

Perrin 25mm Rear Sway Bar Kit (08-11 STI/WRX/BRZ/FRS) – A stiffer rear sway bar that reduces understeer and enhances cornering grip, making the WRX/STI feel more balanced through turns.

Cusco 21mm Rear Sway Bar (22+ WRX) – A great option for drivers looking for improved rear-end stability without making the ride too harsh.

Best Complete Sway Bar Kits for Street & Track Use

Whiteline Front & Rear Sway Bar Kit (14+ WRX/STI Sedan) – A matched front and rear sway bar kit that provides a well-rounded handling upgrade, ideal for street and track driving.

Eibach Anti-Roll Bar Front & Rear Kit (15-21 WRX STI) – A full sway bar upgrade designed to enhance cornering grip and reduce body roll without sacrificing ride comf

Best End Links for Durability & Performance

Perrin Front Endlinks (2015+ WRX/STI) – A stronger alternative to factory end links, providing better response and longevity when paired with stiffer sway bars.

Torque Solution Spherical Bearing Rear Endlinks (Multiple Subaru Fitments) – High-quality end links that reduce deflection and provide more precise handling feedback.

Whiteline Rear Adj X H/D Sway Bar - Link Assembly (08-20 WRX/STI/BRZ/86) – Adjustable rear sway bar end links for fine-tuning suspension stiffness.

Upgrading end links alongside sway bars ensures optimal performance and reliability, as factory end links may not handle the added stress from stiffer sway bars.

Bushings & Mounts – The Most Overlooked Handling Upgrade

Upgrading your WRX/STI’s bushings and mounts is one of the most overlooked ways to improve handling. Factory rubber bushings prioritize comfort but allow excessive movement, leading to sloppy steering, reduced stability, and imprecise handling.

Swapping to performance-oriented bushings and mounts dramatically improves suspension response, chassis rigidity, and power transfer, making your car feel sharper, more predictable, and more responsive in every driving scenario.

While they’re not as flashy as other suspension mods, bushings and mounts quietly transform your WRX/STI’s handling by providing:
Sharper steering with less play
Better cornering stability with reduced chassis flex
More consistent handling under aggressive driving
Improved power transfer for quicker throttle response

For daily driving, spirited runs, or track days, these upgrades make a huge difference where it matters most.

Where To Find the Best Bushings & Mounts for Your WRX/STI?

At JD Customs USA, we offer top-tier suspension upgrades designed to tighten up your chassis, improve handling, and eliminate unwanted movement. Whether you’re upgrading control arm bushings, subframe inserts, or drivetrain mounts, these upgrades provide a long-term performance boost with minimal downsides.

Don’t overlook this critical part of your handling setup—tighten up your WRX/STI’s suspension and feel the difference.

Key Bushing & Mount Upgrades for Enhanced Handling

Control Arm Bushings – Sharper Turn-In & Stability

Upgrading to polyurethane or solid control arm bushings reduces flex and deflection, resulting in a more responsive front-end feel and increased stability during aggressive cornering.

Recommended:

Whiteline Front Control Arm Lower Inner Rear Bushing Kit (WRX/STI) – Provides a firmer, more controlled suspension feel, reducing unwanted movement in corners.

Perrin Control Arm Bushing Kit for Lower Inner Front Bushing (08-15 WRX/STI/BRZ/FRS) – Improves stability and steering response under hard braking and acceleration.

Steering Rack Bushings – More Precise Steering Feedback

Replacing soft factory steering rack bushings with stiffer options reduces steering play and enhances road feedback, making turn-in feel sharper and more predictable.

Recommended:

Perrin Subaru Steering Rack Bushing Kit (05-14 WRX/05-21 STI) – Tightens up the steering feel for better control and quicker response.

Subframe Bushings – Less Chassis Movement, More Stability

Stiffer subframe bushings prevent unnecessary chassis movement under load, helping to maintain alignment, improve traction, and keep the car more predictable during cornering.

Recommended:

Whiteline Subframe Mount Bushings (15-20 Subaru WRX/STI) – Locks down the rear subframe for a more stable and planted feel in aggressive driving.

Torque Solution Rear Subframe Bushings - Race (15+ Subaru WRX/STI) – Ideal for track-focused builds, reducing flex for better suspension geometry.

Engine & Transmission Mounts – Improved Power Transfer & Throttle Response

Upgraded engine and transmission mounts reduce drivetrain movement, leading to more immediate throttle response, reduced wheel hop, and improved power delivery.

Recommended:

Torque Solution Upper Differential Mount Inserts (15-21 WRX/STI) – Stiffens the drivetrain, reducing wheel hop and power loss

Torque Solution Rear Differential Lockdown System (08-12 Impreza WRX/STI) – Improves traction and eliminates excessive drivetrain movement under hard acceleration.

Alignment & Chassis Reinforcement

Once you've upgraded your suspension, the next step to improving handling and reducing body roll is fine-tuning your alignment and reinforcing the chassis.

Proper alignment maximizes tire contact, improves steering response, and enhances cornering stability. Chassis bracing reduces flex, strengthening the frame for a more planted and predictable feel.

Together, these upgrades create a more balanced, controlled, and confidence-inspiring driving experience.

How to Optimize Alignment Settings: Camber, Caster, and Toe for Better Handling

A proper alignment setup is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance handling and stability. Even with stock suspension, fine-tuning camber, caster, and toe settings can drastically improve cornering ability and reduce excessive tire wear.

Camber – Maximizing Grip Through Turns

Camber refers to the vertical angle of the wheels when viewed from the front of the car. Negative camber tilts the top of the wheels inward, increasing the contact patch while cornering.

Factory Camber Settings: Typically set for even tire wear, not aggressive cornering.
Recommended Camber for Improved Handling:

Street Setup: -1.5 to -2.0 degrees (front), -1.0 to -1.5 degrees (rear)
Track Setup: -2.5 to -3.5 degrees (front), -1.5 to -2.0 degrees (rear)

More negative camber increases grip in corners but can lead to inner tire wear if excessive. Adjustable camber bolts or control arms allow for fine-tuning based on driving needs.

Caster – Improving Stability and Steering Feel

Caster refers to the angle of the front suspension’s pivot point, affecting straight-line stability and steering return. Increasing positive caster improves high-speed control and cornering feel.

Factory Caster Settings: Around +5.0 degrees
Recommended Caster for Improved Handling:

Street Setup: +5.5 to +6.0 degrees
Track Setup: +6.0 to +7.0 degrees

Most WRX/STI models already have good caster from the factory, but adjustable top hats or bushings can help fine-tune the settings.

Toe – Balancing Turn-In Response and Tire Longevity

Toe refers to the angle of the wheels relative to the centerline of the car.

Toe-in (wheels slightly pointing inward) improves straight-line stability.
Toe-out (wheels slightly pointing outward) increases turn-in response.
Recommended Toe Settings:

Street Setup: 0 to -0.05 degrees (front and rear) for balanced wear and handling.
Track Setup: -0.1 to -0.15 degrees (front) for sharper turn-in, 0 degrees (rear) for stability.

Excessive toe-out will increase tire wear but improve agility, making it useful for autocross and aggressive driving.

Chassis Bracing & Subframe Reinforcement: Strengthening the WRX/STI Frame for Sharper Cornering

The WRX/STI chassis is built for rally performance but still flexes under high cornering loads. Reinforcing the frame, subframe, and suspension mounting points reduces flex, sharpens steering response, and improves handling precision.

Find the Best Chassis Bracing for Your WRX/STI at JD Customs USA

At JD Customs USA, we provide chassis reinforcement solutions for WRX/STI owners looking for tighter handling, sharper steering, and improved rigidity. Whether you need a strut tower brace, trunk brace, or full subframe reinforcement, we have the right upgrades to enhance performance.

Eliminate chassis flex and take your WRX/STI’s cornering ability to the next level!

Strut Tower Braces – Improved Steering Response & Chassis Stability

A front strut tower brace connects the shock towers, reducing chassis flex and improving steering feedback. A rear strut brace stabilizes the rear chassis, enhancing control during high-speed cornering and weight transfer.

Recommended Strut Tower Braces for WRX/STI

Cusco Front Strut Tower Brace (22+ Subaru WRX) – Reduces chassis flex for sharper handling and improved turn-in response.

Whiteline Front Brace Strut Tower (15-21 Subaru WRX/STI) – Enhances steering precision and front-end rigidity, making cornering more predictable.

Subframe Bracing – Reducing Flex for a More Predictable Suspension

Subframe flex reduces suspension efficiency and can make the WRX/STI feel less stable in aggressive driving. Upgrading to reinforced subframe braces ensures better power transfer, improved grip, and a more predictable handling balance.

Recommended Subframe Braces

Cusco Rear Power Brace (22+ Subaru WRX) – Strengthens the rear subframe for better power delivery and stability during acceleration.

Torque Solution Rear Sway Bar Brace (08-14 Subaru WRX/STI) – Prevents chassis flex from sway bar loads, improving handling consistency.

Lower Control Arm Braces – Sharper Handling & Reduced Deflection

Lower control arm braces reinforce the suspension mounting points, reducing unwanted flex and improving cornering stability.

Recommended Lower Control Arm Braces

Cusco Front Power Brace (15+ WRX/STI) – Reinforces the lower front suspension, reducing flex and improving turn-in response.

Cusco Rear Trailing Arms (08-14 WRX/STI) – Provides stronger suspension mounting, reducing unwanted movement under hard cornering.

Whiteline Rear Camber Kit (Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S) – Helps maintain proper alignment and suspension geometry, improving grip and handling balance.

Why Chassis Bracing is Essential for WRX/STI Performance

Installing strut tower braces, subframe reinforcements, and control arm braces helps to:

Reduce chassis flex for a more rigid and responsive feel.
Enhance steering precision by minimizing unwanted movement.
Improve suspension efficiency by keeping the alignment and geometry stable.
Increase handling predictability, making high-speed cornering and weight transfer smoother.

Final Thoughts on Alignment & Chassis Reinforcement

Dialing in the right alignment settings and reinforcing your chassis are essential for unlocking the true handling potential of your WRX/STI. Whether it's maximizing tire grip with camber and toe adjustments or adding bracing to reduce chassis flex, these upgrades ensure a more planted and controlled driving experience.

For daily drivers, canyon runs, or full track builds, refining your suspension geometry and chassis rigidity makes a significant difference in cornering stability and steering precision. Combining adjustable alignment components with strategic chassis reinforcement will help you get the most out of your Subaru’s AWD system and confidently push your car to its limits.

Upgrade Your WRX/STI’s Handling Today

Looking to sharpen your Subaru’s responsiveness? Whether you're fine-tuning your suspension for better grip or reinforcing your chassis for improved control, the right upgrades make all the difference.

Explore JD Customs USA’s selection of suspension, alignment, and chassis bracing solutions to transform the way your WRX/STI handles. Shop now and take your driving experience to the next level!