I noticed that these metal brace"ring"s are missing on my 2013 Outlander Sports vs. 2012 models..

2012 (you can see the black metal "ring" bolted down to the top of the strut towers)


2013 (they are missing)


Close-up Driver side


Close-up Passenger side


Does anyone know why?
Did Mitsubishi strengthened the strut towers either with thicker/stronger steel or may have left these off just to save a buck?

(I'm not referring to a "strut bar" but more like a "ring" bolted down over each of the strut towers, individually from each other.)

Should I worry?? Does anyone know if Mitsubishi strut towers are areas of concern - from "mushrooming"? The reason why I ask is some of our roads/streets have a fair amount of potholes and I don't want to risk deforming if I can help it.

Should I re-enforce the towers with an aftermarket strut bar... or stick with factory brace "rings"?

Thanks

 

i have no clue.. I have a 2011 I wonder if i have that ring.

 

I wonder if you have different shocks as well...

 

Hmm.. I think I did read somewhere online that the 2013 did get some suspension tweaks.. but it wasn't detailed on what was done/had changed from previous models.

 

2013 has a stiffer rear suspension

 

Hmm... is that right?
Do you mean the subframe-bushings, control arm bushings, or stiffer shocks? More details?? Link to info??

 

Makes sense I always found the rear too soft.

My thoughts were to try to get stiffer and taller rear springs, but haven't really bother to figure how or where to get some from. The first place I thought of checking was to see if the outlander had the same spring design and how that they were taller and stiffer.

 

Wish I can find a stronger anti-roll bar for this model. body roll is still too much....

 

Don't know, I guess a different rear spring, nothing major.