Improving comfort and ride quality

[Norm Peterson]

I have a 07GT with Tokico struts, OEM springs and changed to 2014 front and rear sway bars. Therefore I could make the struts softer and it improved comfort a lot. And because of the stiffer sway bar it didn't sacrifice cornering much. That was the best mod I did, but on a 07GT.
So with a stiffer sway bar one can drive softer springs and dampening.

Sort of. The real problem in your case was the Tokico strut valving. Strictly speaking, more bar should probably be accompanied by a little more damping at low shock piston velocities if you're chasing improvements in cornering/cornering composure.

Japanese preferences in shock damping tend to run a bit harsh and Tokicos are no exception. The Tokico Illuminas I used on a couple of cars (mainly because nothing better was available) were the harshest-riding dampers I've ever used.


Norm

 

[GriffX]

Sort of. The real problem in your case was the Tokico strut valving. Strictly speaking, more bar should probably be accompanied by a little more damping at low shock piston velocities if you're chasing improvements in cornering/cornering composure.

Japanese preferences in shock damping tend to run a bit harsh and Tokicos are no exception. The Tokico Illuminas I used on a couple of cars (mainly because nothing better was available) were the harshest-riding dampers I've ever used.


Norm

Totally agree. (I especially don't like the high speed compression rate) Would like to change to adjustable dampers from other brands, but not sure if its woth the effort and money.
Probably if I ever find 0.75 lowering springs in black, but haven't seen some.

 

[Redoubt]

Changing that front tire to a 265/35/20 or 275/35/20 will help a lot with comport while improving handling

275/35/20, I'm not sure if they fit. I could not fit 275/40/20.

 

[Redoubt]

An update, I have installed the OEM front sway bar, front end links, rear sway bar, rear end links, upper control arm. I think the is better, less noise but not so much on rough roads. It is still not comfortable enough. There is a jiggly feeling on the bumps. I'm going to try the roush springs.

 

[DieHarder]

If you can find them I would pair the Roush springs with Bilstein B6 struts/shocks. I think you'll be pleased. A note of caution. You want to ensure all of your sway bar links and other connections (especially to the frame) are tight and well greased (I use marine grease). You want all of the links to move freely where they should but remove all slop where possible. Otherwise, NVH/clunking will surely ensue. In my case I've always targeted a firmer ride; but avoid the buckboard. I also have a set of FRPP 'P' springs and they're just too stiff (However, if I was to track the care I'd put them back on in a minute). So, in my case the Roush/Bilstein's are the best combination (comfort/handling) I've found for my '06 so far. Good (confidence-wise) for spirited mountain driving/light corner carving but also comfortable enough for long trips. Every so often I have to drive from Ohio to DC so she does get to stretch her legs now and then. The rest of the time I'm upgrading/tinkering between runs.... At least that's my story and I'm stickin' to it. YKY

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

Springs and dampers at the same time.
And I beg to differ on .3 inches making little difference.
.3 at the hub isn't much but transferred out to my chin spoiler it's significant.
I had added 245/45r19 tires on 19x8.5 front wheels with the original Eibachs at 1.3 drop, and from the side, the gap from the top of the tire to the fender was much smaller than the gaps from front of the tire to the front fender and the rear to the rear.
Looked stupid to me, now the gap is uniform all the way around the fender well.
And I had clearance issues under the car at convenience stores, if i wasn't cautious I'd scrape my exhaust on the little covers on the ground where they fill the underground tanks.
The concrete parking blocks and curbs I had to be careful of my front end.
Not worth the headache to me, plus as I've already said, I didn't like the look.
So if you don't think .3 inches isn't enough to make a difference, that's your opinion.
My opinion is, when talking about ride height, it is significant to me.

I also forgot to ask from the previous post, if your running Bilstein B6 dampers or B8's? According to Bilstein's website, their B6 dampers are designed exclusively for "OEM" spring and stock height applications, while their B8 dampers are designed exclusively for lowering spring applications. Anyhow, for whatever reason, Bilstein no longer offers the option for purchasing the B8 dampers for the 2005-09 Mustang separately, but are only available with their B12 Pro kit package which include Eibach Pro Springs. Meanwhile, you may find the links provided below as useful references/resources

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/prod...58014538160001&SubModelId=7256024721472257274

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product/bilstein-b6/

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product/bilstein-b8/

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product/bilstein-b12-pro-kit/

https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/b...ifference-between-bilstein-b6-and-bilstein-b8

 

[07 Boss]

Springs and dampers at the same time.
And I beg to differ on .3 inches making little difference.
.3 at the hub isn't much but transferred out to my chin spoiler it's significant.
I had added 245/45r19 tires on 19x8.5 front wheels with the original Eibachs at 1.3 drop, and from the side, the gap from the top of the tire to the fender was much smaller than the gaps from front of the tire to the front fender and the rear to the rear.
Looked stupid to me, now the gap is uniform all the way around the fender well.
And I had clearance issues under the car at convenience stores, if i wasn't cautious I'd scrape my exhaust on the little covers on the ground where they fill the underground tanks.
The concrete parking blocks and curbs I had to be careful of my front end.
Not worth the headache to me, plus as I've already said, I didn't like the look.
So if you don't think .3 inches isn't enough to make a difference, that's your opinion.
My opinion is, when talking about ride height, it is significant to me.



That really looks good.
I bought 2. 285/40r19's Michelins Pilot Sports for the back of my 05. And man are they WIDE!
Unfortunately I think my 19x9.5 wheels are a bit too narrow to fully utilize all that width.
But I don't track it or anything, but boy do i like the way they look on it.
Good to know about the improvements on the 2019's.
Hopefully, if I get back to work when school starts, and I can add my 6 months of deferred mortgage payments to the back end of my loan, AND Ford is still hurting, I'll be in the market for a 2019 or 2020.
Going for the PP1 with A10 like yours.
My friends make fun of me (I'm 67).
None of them understand the importance of getting to 60 in 3.9 seconds.......

.3" can be a big difference. I switched from CJ RA springs up front to BMR GT500 drag springs and it only raised the front by about .2" but it was enough for me to get in and out of my driveway.

285's should fit fine on a 9.5" rim. I ran 305's on a 10" rim. Check the tires rim fitment chart but I bet your're good.

 

[DieHarder]

I understand what you're say'in.....Still using B6/Roush springs. Never had a problem with lowered operations. As I said for me it's been the best comfort/handling set up that I can find and I've tried at least three different combinations to find the right balance. I don't track my car but I do high speed runs now and then through the mountains and wanted a combination that would handle well and be comfortable over a 6 - 8 hr drive. I've also improved the overall handling of the car (at least in my mind) by adding Brembo brakes, aftermarket sway bars, links, strut braces, front lower frame braces, frame connectors; a few gauges and a few gimmicks like ambient lighting/LED's and what not along with sound deadening and just about everything else you could do to one of these cars sans a Watts/Link and Torque arm (which I may try just to see if they make a difference). Each item that's still on the car I've kept for a reason. Some will argue they're unnecessary (like superchargers); truth be known everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I like my setup and I think most people will agree.

As far as pre-tension of the shock goes at full height I have no issues with the springs being too short so I've never worried about a safety issue. If someone is I suggest tying down the spring to the base of the shock with a couple of heavy duty plastic ties (applies to front struts only). As noted the Roush springs are shorter than stock but not by much. Enjoy.

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

I understand what you're say'in.....Still using B6/Roush springs. Never had a problem with lowered operations. As I said for me it's been the best comfort/handling set up that I can find and I've tried at least three different combinations to find the right balance. I don't track my car but I do high speed runs now and then through the mountains and wanted a combination that would handle well and be comfortable over a 6 - 8 hr drive. I've also improved the overall handling of the car (at least in my mind) by adding Brembo brakes, aftermarket sway bars, links, strut braces, front lower frame braces, frame connectors; a few gauges and a few gimmicks like ambient lighting/LED's and what not along with sound deadening and just about everything else you could do to one of these cars sans a Watts/Link and Torque arm (which I may try just to see if they make a difference). Each item that's still on the car I've kept for a reason. Some will argue they're unnecessary (like superchargers); truth be known everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I like my setup and I think most people will agree.

As far as pre-tension of the shock goes at full height I have no issues with the springs being too short so I've never worried about a safety issue. If someone is I suggest tying down the spring to the base of the shock with a couple of heavy duty plastic ties (applies to front struts only). As noted the Roush springs are shorter than stock but not by much. Enjoy.

View attachment 74073 View attachment 74074 View attachment 74075

View attachment 74076 View attachment 74077

IMHO! Knowing the Roush springs lower both the front and rear suspension by just 1/2" over "OEM" My guess is you shouldn't run across any issues as far as the springs being too short for the B6 dampers, even when the shock/strut goes to full height. Nevertheless, despite the Roush springs being shorter than "OEM" stock, just as you noted, it's not by very much at all to be concerned about

 

[Pentalab]

Roush front springs are .5" shorter than oem springs. Roush front struts ...between bottom of strut to spring perch, is exactly 1/2" shorter than an oem front strut. That's how roush gets the 1" drop ( 1/2" from front springs..and another 1/2" from the shorter roush struts). If you install roush front springs and oem front struts, you will only get the 1/2" drop from the roush springs. ( roush springs are aprx 20% stiffer than oem springs.

Roush rear springs lower the car by 1.25" (all from the roush springs only). I use roush rear shocks as well.

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

Roush front springs are .5" shorter than oem springs. Roush front struts ...between bottom of strut to spring perch, is exactly 1/2" shorter than an oem front strut. That's how roush gets the 1" drop ( 1/2" from front springs..and another 1/2" from the shorter roush struts). If you install roush front springs and oem front struts, you will only get the 1/2" drop from the roush springs. ( roush springs are aprx 20% stiffer than oem springs.

Roush rear springs lower the car by 1.25" (all from the roush springs only). I use roush rear shocks as well.

According to the description from the Roush website, their rear coil springs (part#401295) lowers the rear suspension by 1/2" with "OEM" dampers. If used with the ROUSH Rear Shocks on a 2005-2010 Mustang, will lower the vehicle to roughly 1.00” inch over stock. The description for (Part#404472) also lowers both front and rear suspension by 1/2" with "OEM" dampers. If used with the ROUSH Front Struts and ROUSH Rear Shocks on a 2005-2010 Mustang, will lower the vehicle to roughly 1.00” inch over stock. Anyhow, just providing info straight from the source.

https://www.roushperformance.com/mustang-coil-springs-rear-2005-2012.html

https://www.roushperformance.com/pa...egory/mustang-lowering-springs-2005-2012.html

 

[Norm Peterson]

285's should fit fine on a 9.5" rim. I ran 305's on a 10" rim. Check the tires rim fitment chart but I bet your're good.

285 tires anywhere from 30 profile to 40 profile are approved for fitment on 9.5" wide wheels (diameter is irrelevant). But they're all minimum-recommended fitments (narrowest wheel for each size), so you'll get the softest ride legitimately possible from those sizes, and the softest handling.


Norm

 

[Redoubt]

I also forgot to ask from the previous post, if your running Bilstein B6 dampers or B8's? According to Bilstein's website, their B6 dampers are designed exclusively for "OEM" spring and stock height applications, while their B8 dampers are designed exclusively for lowering spring applications. Anyhow, for whatever reason, Bilstein no longer offers the option for purchasing the B8 dampers for the 2005-09 Mustang separately, but are only available with their B12 Pro kit package which include Eibach Pro Springs. Meanwhile, you may find the links provided below as useful references/resources

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/prod...58014538160001&SubModelId=7256024721472257274

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product/bilstein-b6/

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product/bilstein-b8/

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product/bilstein-b12-pro-kit/

https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/b...ifference-between-bilstein-b6-and-bilstein-b8

I have the B12 kit, so I guess it is the b8 struts I have. I have managed to order the roush springs and I hope they help. Since making the changes so far, the Mustang is driving a lot better than it was, the comfort has been improved noticably.

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

I have the B12 kit, so I guess it is the b8 struts I have. I have managed to order the roush springs and I hope they help. Since making the changes so far, the Mustang is driving a lot better than it was, the comfort has been improved noticably.

Actually! My previous post was in response towards Kyle2115's post in an attempt to find out if he's running Bilstein B6 or Bilstein B8 dampers paired with his Steeda Sport Springs? but have not yet received a follow up response at this time. Anyhow, knowing that you have the Bilstein B12 Pro Kit which include the Bilstein B8 dampers with Eibach Pro Springs, just out of curiosity, what did you not like about the Eibach Pro Springs with the Bilstein B8 struts/shocks, was the ride quality still too stiff/not comfortable enough? If you found the Eibach Pro Springs were still not comfortable enough paired together with the Bilstein B8 shocks/struts? I would highly recommend against making the switch to Roush Springs, as the Bilstein B8 dampers will end up being approx one inch shorter than the Roush Springs. IMHO, you would be much better off looking into getting Steeda Sport Springs over the Roush Springs, as the Steeda Sport Springs will be nearly identical in height as the Bilstein B8 dampers and are also more compatible. At any rate, just saying

 

[Redoubt]

Actually! My previous post was in response towards Kyle2115's post in an attempt to find out if he's running Bilstein B6 or Bilstein B8 dampers paired with his Steeda Sport Springs? but have not yet received a follow up response at this time. Anyhow, knowing that you have the Bilstein B12 Pro Kit which include the Bilstein B8 dampers with Eibach Pro Springs, just out of curiosity, what did you not like about the Eibach Pro Springs with the Bilstein B8 struts/shocks, was the ride quality still too stiff/not comfortable enough? If you found the Eibach Pro Springs were still not comfortable enough paired together with the Bilstein B8 shocks/struts? I would highly recommend against making the switch to Roush Springs, as the Bilstein B8 dampers will end up being approx one inch shorter than the Roush Springs. IMHO, you would be much better off looking into getting Steeda Sport Springs over the Roush Springs, as the Steeda Sport Springs will be nearly identical in height as the Bilstein B8 dampers and are also more compatible. At any rate, just saying

When my Mustang was shipped to Hawaii the Bilstein strut was broken (long story) I replaced it with one from Rock Auto, same part number. That part number shows as a b6 not a b8 and mine was definitely the b12 kit. I don't like the ride because it's too bouncy over small bumps. Pretty harsh too. I've measured the wheel gap on the eibach pro springs, I'll report back when they roush ones are installed.

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

When my Mustang was shipped to Hawaii the Bilstein strut was broken (long story) I replaced it with one from Rock Auto, same part number. That part number shows as a b6 not a b8 and mine was definitely the b12 kit. I don't like the ride because it's too bouncy over small bumps. Pretty harsh too. I've measured the wheel gap on the eibach pro springs, I'll report back when they roush ones are installed.

Well I'm sure you checked out the Bilstein website links that I posted which clearly states the parts in the B12 pro kit include Eibach Pro Springs and Bilstein B8 struts/shocks. Therefore either Rock Auto shipped you out the wrong part which they sometimes are well known for doing or Bilstein has not updated their website in regards to the B8 dampers being replaced by the B6 dampers in their B12 Pro Kits. If in fact, the B8 dampers are no longer available/included with the B12 Pro Kits? Then obviously someone needs to inform the folks over at Bilstein their website needs to be updated with current and accurate info

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/prod...58014538160001&SubModelId=7256024721472257274

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/prod...58014538160001&SubModelId=7256024721472257274

 

[Redoubt]

Well I'm sure you checked out the Bilstein website links that I posted which clearly states the parts in the B12 pro kit include Eibach Pro Springs and Bilstein B8 struts/shocks. Therefore either Rock Auto shipped you out the wrong part which they sometimes are well known for doing or Bilstein has not updated their website in regards to the B8 dampers being replaced by the B6 dampers in their B12 Pro Kits. If in fact, the B8 dampers are no longer available/included with the B12 Pro Kits? Then obviously someone needs to inform the folks over at Bilstein their website needs to be updated with current and accurate info

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/prod...58014538160001&SubModelId=7256024721472257274

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/prod...58014538160001&SubModelId=7256024721472257274

Take a look at this, cortex sells the b12 kit and it states the drop of the eibach springs and the struts are B6.

https://cortexracing.com/product/bi...kit-lowering-spring-kit-2011-2014-mustang-gt/

I'm not sure what to say, this is how Bilstein sells them.

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

Take a look at this, cortex sells the b12 kit and it states the drop of the eibach springs and the struts are B6.

https://cortexracing.com/product/bi...kit-lowering-spring-kit-2011-2014-mustang-gt/

I'm not sure what to say, this is how Bilstein sells them.

The cortex racing link lists the B12 Pro Kit for 2011-14 Mustang GT models which include Bilstein B6 struts/shocks. The Bilstein website links that I posted list the B12 Pro kits for 2005-10 Mustang GT models which include Bilstein B8 struts/shocks. So my guess is this.. There are 2 different B12 Pro Kits for 2005-10 cars and 2011-14 cars. At any rate, I have no idea behind the reason Bilstein has 2 different B12 Pro kits for 2005-10 models and 2011-14 models knowing there were no major suspension changes between them, at least that I'm aware of

 

[Redoubt]

The cortex racing link lists the B12 Pro Kit for 2011-14 Mustang GT models which include Bilstein B6 struts/shocks. The Bilstein website links that I posted list the B12 Pro kits for 2005-10 Mustang GT models which include Bilstein B8 struts/shocks. So my guess is this.. There are 2 different B12 Pro Kits for 2005-10 cars and 2011-14 cars. At any rate, I have no idea behind the reason Bilstein has 2 different B12 Pro kits for 2005-10 models and 2011-14 models knowing there were no major suspension changes between them, at least that I'm aware of

I'm so confused. Anyhow I have a bigger problem. I have the springs compressed, the strut top but removed and the steeda heavy duty strut mount will not remove. I have no idea what is keeping it on there. There should not be anything. I've tapped at it with a rubber mallet and it won't budge.

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

I'm so confused. Anyhow I have a bigger problem. I have the springs compressed, the strut top but removed and the steeda heavy duty strut mount will not remove. I have no idea what is keeping it on there. There should not be anything. I've tapped at it with a rubber mallet and it won't budge.

View attachment 74097 View attachment 74098

I'm just as confused as you are. Wish that I could help with your strut mount issues, but unfortunately that's something I haven't done before, so hopefully someone can chime in who has experience