Perrin Suspension Parts: A Buyer’s Guide to Upgrading Your Ride

Perrin Performance has been a staple in the Subaru aftermarket scene for decades, known for high-quality parts that balance daily drivability with track-ready capability. Their suspension components are among the most popular upgrades for WRX, STI, BRZ, and other performance models. If you're looking to sharpen handling, reduce body roll, or fine-tune ride height, Perrin’s suspension lineup offers several options. This guide breaks down each product category, explains what it does, and helps you choose the right parts for your car and driving style.

Perrin Suspension Springs – Lowering and Handling

Perrin offers two main spring types: lowering springs and performance springs. Lowering springs reduce the gap between tire and fender, giving your car a more aggressive stance while improving cornering by lowering the center of gravity. Perrin’s springs are engineered to work with the factory dampers, so you get a mild drop (usually 1.0 to 1.5 inches) without ruining ride quality. They are made from high-tensile chrome silicon steel, shot-peened for durability, and are powder-coated to resist rust.

Performance Springs vs. Coilovers

If your goal is a dedicated track car or you want adjustable ride height, coilovers are the next step. But for street-driven cars that see occasional autocross or canyon runs, Perrin’s performance springs are a budget-friendly upgrade. They retain the OEM struts, so installation is straightforward and cost-effective. However, if you plan to track the car often or you need fine damping adjustment, a full coilover system (like Perrin’s own coilovers or those from KW, Ohlins, etc.) might be better. Perrin springs are a solid middle ground.

Perrin Sway Bars – Reducing Body Roll

Sway bars (anti-roll bars) are one of the most effective suspension upgrades for flatter cornering. Perrin sway bars are hollow, 22mm or 25mm in diameter depending on the model, and come with adjustable end links. They reduce chassis lean without overly stiffening the ride, making them ideal for street cars that need better handling. The bars are made from chromoly steel and feature multiple adjustment holes so you can fine-tune the stiffness to your preference.

Front vs. Rear Sway Bar Upgrades

A common question is whether to upgrade the front, the rear, or both. Many enthusiasts start with a rear sway bar upgrade because it reduces understeer without making the ride harsh. Perrin’s rear sway bar for the WRX/STI is a popular choice because it allows the car to rotate more easily into corners. A front sway bar can also help, but it may increase understeer if not matched properly. For balanced handling, an adjustable rear bar paired with a stock front bar is often recommended for daily-driven cars. If you also upgrade the front, go with a 22mm adjustable bar and set it to the softest setting initially.

Perrin End Links – Precision Steering Response

End links connect the sway bar to the control arms or struts. Factory end links often have rubber bushings that allow slop, reducing the sway bar's effectiveness. Perrin end links use spherical bearings (heim joints) that eliminate deflection, giving you immediate steering response. They are adjustable in length, which allows you to pre-load the sway bar or fine-tune geometry after lowering. These are a great complement to any sway bar upgrade and are also available as standalone parts.

Other Perrin Suspension Components

Beyond springs, sway bars, and end links, Perrin also offers:

• Suspension Bushings: Replace worn rubber bushings in control arms and subframes with polyurethane or spherical bearings for more precise location and less deflection.
• Strut Tower Braces: These stiffen the chassis, reducing flex during hard cornering. Perrin’s brace is lightweight aluminum with a simple, effective design.
• Lower Control Arms: For some models (e.g., BRZ/FRS/86), Perrin makes adjustable lower control arms to correct rear camber after lowering.

These parts are focused on tightening up the chassis and suspension geometry for better feel and consistency.

Choosing the Right Perrin Suspension Parts for Your Vehicle

Start by defining your goals. For a daily driver that sees spirited weekend drives, a set of Perrin lowering springs and a rear sway bar with end links is a great combination. It lowers the car, reduces body roll, and tightens up the steering without breaking the bank. For a car that sees track days, consider performance springs or coilovers, plus front and rear sway bars (adjustable) and spherical end links. For maximum precision, add chassis braces and bushings.

Also check compatibility: Perrin parts are vehicle-specific. Make sure you order for your exact model year and trim (e.g., 2015+ WRX, 2008-2014 STI, etc.). Some parts may not fit base models without certain options.

Installation Tips and Considerations

Installing springs and sway bars is a DIY-friendly job for those with basic mechanical experience, but there are some caveats. Spring removal requires a spring compressor and careful handling. Sway bars are relatively easy on most Subarus; you’ll need a set of jack stands, wrenches, and potentially a torque wrench. Perrin parts come with instructions and hardware. A professional alignment is highly recommended after any suspension work that changes ride height or geometry. Expect to pay $200-$400 for installation at a shop, or do it yourself over a weekend.

Final Recommendation

For most street-focused drivers, the best entry point into Perrin suspension parts is a combination of lowering springs and a rear sway bar with adjustable end links. This package offers noticeable handling improvements, a sportier look, and minimal compromise in ride comfort. If you plan to track the car, add a front sway bar and consider upgrading to performance springs or coilovers. Perrin’s build quality and engineering make their suspension parts a reliable choice for enhancing your Subaru’s dynamics without overdoing it.