Front end too low after Whipple install - how to raise it?

Dougmore · Jul 16, 2021

I didn't think about the extra weight of a Whipple Gen 5 on my '14 GT. While I was installing the Whipple kit, I replaced the front struts (one was leaking) with KYB SR4533 strut/spring units, which were supposed to be stock height.

Now my front end sits too low; it's exactly 2" lower than the rear when measured through the centerline of the wheel to the wheel arch. It rides okay; it just sits too low. I threw the old struts/springs away, or I'd try the old springs. I want to return it to stock height, or get at least 1.5" back. Everything I find is for folks who want to lower the ride height.

Any ideas?

eighty6gt · Jul 16, 2021

ST Suspension Mustang ST-XTA Height and Rebound Adjustable Coil-Over Kit 18230845 (05-14 GT, V6) (americanmuscle.com)

Eibach Multi-Pro R2 coil overs, double adjustable with reservoirs. (torontomustangclub.ca)

SilBult · Jul 16, 2021

GT 500's of that time period came with supercharged engines so stock springs from a GT 500 might just work. No guarantees, the GT 500 engine without a supercharger probably weighs more than a stock coyote. In any case stock springs either base or track pack are probably fairly cheap. Chances are somebody that has lowered their car might still have their old stock springs that you can buy used.

LarryJM · Jul 16, 2021

How heavy can that supercharge be?

stkjock · Jul 16, 2021

LarryJM said:
How heavy can that supercharge be?

with intercooling and liquid, it could add 150#

86GT351 · Jul 16, 2021

Problem is that the shock does not control ride height. The ride Height is based on the spring with standard technology. Are the KYBs possibly for a lowered car where they have a shorter travel distance?

86GT351 · Jul 16, 2021

This product fits this position on your 2014 Ford Mustang:

Front

Notes: Recommended OEM Replacement, w/o 19 inch wheels

Dougmore · Jul 17, 2021

SilBult said:
GT 500's of that time period came with supercharged engines so stock springs from a GT 500 might just work. No guarantees, the GT 500 engine without a supercharger probably weighs more than a stock coyote. In any case stock springs either base or track pack are probably fairly cheap. Chances are somebody that has lowered their car might still have their old stock springs that you can buy used.

I thought about GT500 springs. Will they fit a stock strut? Do they provide a lower ride height than a stock GT?

86GT351 said:
Problem is that the shock does not control ride height. The ride Height is based on the spring with standard technology. Are the KYBs possibly for a lowered car where they have a shorter travel distance?

When I check fitment, the same KYB part number comes up for both the GT and the V6. I should have checked that before I bought them. Nuts.

SilBult · Jul 17, 2021

I haven't tried GT 500 springs on anything so I can't speak from personal experience, but I think they should fit stock or stock replacement struts. The one thing I know you have to match up is the right year [s ] strut and strut mount. '05-'10 struts have to use '05-'10 strut mounts and '11-'14 struts need '11-'14 mounts. You can use the earlier struts in '11-'14's, but you must use the earlier strut mounts when doing so.

jmustang · Jul 19, 2021

Following this thread, I have the same issues. Stock suspension struggles under the added weight in the front for sure.

Thinking about going with the Koni yellow adjustable shocks but not sure on the spring. Not really looking to lower the car if possible.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Racer47 · Jul 20, 2021

This is probably your best bet. They are 225 lb/in front springs (at least thats the info that was available yrs ago. I can't find it now). 225 is higher than most strut front springs. Steeda says its only a 0.2" drop. Yours will be more. If you're on stock rear springs, the new rears will help level the car.

I went through all of this years ago before I finally gave up on stock type struts and went coil over. These cars really like about 400 lb/in springs. That where the handling picks up a lot and the ride is still good. So don't think that 225 is too much.

https://www.steeda.com/steeda-boss-mustang-lowering-springs-555-8245.html

DieHarder · Jul 20, 2021

I have a set of FRPP "P" springs (brand new; used for 2 weeks). Lowers ride height by 1/2" or so. Should still be plenty of clearance. PM me if you're interested. I would pair them up with Bilstein's and GT500 strut mounts.

eighty6gt · Jul 21, 2021

SilBult said:
GT 500's of that time period came with supercharged engines so stock springs from a GT 500 might just work. No guarantees, the GT 500 engine without a supercharger probably weighs more than a stock coyote. In any case stock springs either base or track pack are probably fairly cheap. Chances are somebody that has lowered their car might still have their old stock springs that you can buy used.

FrankieD · Jul 21, 2021

When I re-did my suspension I put stock coupe springs and struts on my vert and they lowered it 1.5" -2" so maybe try some convertible springs since they are heavier you might get a rise out of them
.

Dougmore · Aug 9, 2021

Saturday I installed what I hope are springs for the convertible, BR3Z-5310-F. The Ford parts websites make it kinda hard to tell.

I gained 1 1/16" ride height. I would be happier with another 1/2", but the car looks much better and rides better. We'll see how the springs settle in. Right now the front is about 1" lower than the rear -- maybe a good thing if I ever load the trunk up with suitcases or put anyone in the back seat.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Steer clear of the KYB SR4533 if you have a 5.0 -- especially if you have a blower -- if you want to maintain stock ride height. They might be okay if you drive a V6.

Front end too low after Whipple install - how to raise it?

Dougmore

Junior Member

eighty6gt

forum member

SilBult

Junior Member

LarryJM

Resident Fuktard

stkjock

---- Madmin ----

86GT351

forum member

86GT351

forum member

Dougmore

Junior Member

SilBult

Junior Member

jmustang

Junior Member

Racer47

Doesn't have much to say

DieHarder

Senior Member

eighty6gt

forum member

FrankieD

Member

Dougmore

Junior Member

Similar threads

Latest posts

Support us!

Sponsor Links