Mitsubishi Lancer IX Rear Suspension Parts Names: A Complete Guide

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (often called Lancer IX or Evo IX) is known for its rally-bred performance, and the rear suspension is a critical component of that handling. Whether you're rebuilding, upgrading, or just trying to understand your car's setup, knowing the names of each rear suspension part is essential. This guide breaks down every major component in the Lancer IX rear suspension system, explaining what it does and how to identify it.

Rear Suspension Architecture Overview

The Lancer IX uses a multi-link independent rear suspension (IRS) with four lateral links per side, along with a trailing arm, coil spring, and shock absorber. This design allows for precise control of toe, camber, and caster, contributing to the car's agility. The main structural components are mounted to the rear subframe, which itself bolts to the unibody.

Control Arms (Lateral Links)

The rear suspension features four lateral links on each side that locate the rear hub relative to the subframe. Their names and functions are:

• Upper Control Arm (Upper Lateral Link): Connects the top of the knuckle to the subframe. It primarily controls camber during suspension travel. Often replaced with adjustable arms for alignment tuning.
• Lower Control Arm (Lower Lateral Link): Connects the bottom of the knuckle to the subframe. It carries much of the lateral load and also affects toe.
• Front Lower Lateral Link (Forward Lower Arm): Attaches from the front of the knuckle to the subframe and helps control toe angle.
• Rear Lower Lateral Link (Rearward Lower Arm): Attaches from the rear of the knuckle to the subframe, also affecting toe. Along with the front lower link, it forms a toe control mechanism.

On some Lancer IX models, these links are stamped steel, but aftermarket aluminum versions are common for weight reduction and stiffness.

Trailing Arm

The trailing arm runs longitudinally from the chassis (or subframe) to the rear hub. It controls fore-aft movement and maintains wheelbase. On the Evo IX, the trailing arm is a solid piece with a bushing at the chassis side and a ball joint at the hub side. It also provides a mounting point for the parking brake cable.

Coil Spring and Shock Absorber Assembly

The Lancer IX uses a separate coil spring and shock absorber (not a coilover as standard). The spring sits between the lower control arm and the chassis, while the shock absorber mounts to the knuckle and the upper shock tower.

• Coil Spring: Provides the spring rate (typically around 8 kg/mm front, 6 kg/mm rear on stock Evo IX). Spring perches and rubber isolators are also part of this assembly.
• Shock Absorber (Damper): Controls rebound and compression damping. The Evo IX came with Bilstein shocks as standard (or optional on some trims). The rear shock is inverted, with the body on top and shaft below.
• Upper Shock Mount (Shock Absorber Bracket): Mounts the top of the shock to the chassis. Includes a rubber bushing and sometimes a dust boot.

Stabilizer Bar (Sway Bar)

The rear sway bar is a torsion spring that reduces body roll. It attaches to both lower control arms via end links and is mounted to the subframe with bushings.

• End Links: Connect the sway bar to the lower control arm. These have ball joints and are often replaced during suspension work.
• Stabilizer Bar Bushings: Rubber or polyurethane bushings that hold the bar to the subframe. Worn bushings cause clunks.

Other Mounting Components

• Rear Subframe (Axle Carrier): A cast aluminum or steel cradle that holds all the suspension components. It bolts to the chassis and houses the differential on AWD models.
• Differential Mounts: On all-wheel-drive Lancer IX, the rear differential is mounted to the subframe with rubber or polyurethane bushings.
• Toe Control Arm (Toe Link): Though sometimes considered part of the lateral links, the toe link specifically connects the rear of the knuckle to the subframe and adjusts toe angle. On the Evo IX, it is a separate threaded rod with heim joints on some aftermarket versions.
• Knuckle (Hub Carrier): The upright that holds the wheel bearing and provides attachment points for all links, trailing arm, and shock.

Bushing and Bolt Kit

Every suspension link has bushings at both ends—either rubber, polyurethane, or spherical bearings. Common bushings include:

• Control Arm Bushings: Front and rear bushings on each lateral link.
• Trailing Arm Bushing: Large bushing at the chassis end.
• Knuckle Ball Joint: Where the trailing arm meets the knuckle (often integrated into the trailing arm). A full bushing kit is called a "suspension bushing set."

Common Upgrade Parts Names

If you're modifying your Lancer IX's rear suspension, these are typical aftermarket part names:

• Adjustable Control Arms: Replace stock lateral links with threaded bodies allow camber and toe adjustment.
• Coilover Conversion: Replaces the separate spring/shock with a threaded spring-over-shock unit. Common brands include Ohlins, KW, and BC Racing.
• Polyurethane Bushing Kit: Replaces all rubber bushings for reduced deflection and sharper response.
• Sway Bar Upgrade: Thicker or hollow sway bars (e.g., from Whiteline or Eibach).
• Rear Shock Tower Brace (Strut Bar): Connects the rear shock towers to reduce chassis flex.

Final Recommendation

For owners looking to refresh or replace rear suspension parts on their Mitsubishi Lancer IX, start by identifying which parts are worn. Common failure points are the trailing arm bushings, lower control arm bushings, and sway bar end links. If you're tuning for track use, adjustable rear control arms and a rear sway bar upgrade offer the most noticeable handling improvement. Always use OEM replacement parts for bushings unless you are prepared for increased NVH from polyurethane. For shocks, the Bilstein units are excellent for street use; if you need more performance, a coilover system from a reputable brand is a worthwhile investment. Keep a list of the part names and their locations when ordering to avoid confusion.