Wanting To Upgrade Suspension.

Lot of great advice and information. So many options to choose from. A little overwhelming. My first "modern" Mustang. Have only had it since April. I have more inquiries. Therefore. I have a lot to learn. Thanks to all for being patient "teachers". Great forum.

OLD 96 said:

Lot of great advice and information. So many options to choose from. A little overwhelming. My first "modern" Mustang. Have only had it since April. I have more inquiries. Therefore. I have a lot to learn. Thanks to all for being patient "teachers". Great forum.

Click to expand...

Had my mustang for 9 years. Too many options. still have not decided. think I have it straight now. But if I NEED to replace parts sooner than later? Will have to go less expensive and cut my plans back.

It's a never ending struggle.

I am still learning the ropes here. I originally posted this in tech. But. It was moved here. So. I reckon suspension is not tech? Just engines? I don't what to run afoul of mods right off the bat.

OLD 96 said:

I am still learning the ropes here. I originally posted this in tech. But. It was moved here. So. I reckon suspension is not tech? Just engines? I don't what to run afoul of mods right off the bat.

Click to expand...

Just takes a little getting used to. Tech is mire about the physical repairs or modifications as opposed to just a discussion on parts. What spark plug to get is chit chat. How to put them in is tech.

My best suspension mods were the sway bars from the 2014 GT and the J&M Extreme LCAs

Bilstein HD's and BMR handling springs or Maximum Motorsports Road and track springs.

I need to do something about the rear end. Don't like the ride and I don't know what to do. I put on aftermarket Koni Shocks. Eibach pro springs have been on from the first owner. Put on BMR lower control arms. Bought some BMR bushings. Haven't installed yet. Still have stock sway bar. Anything else?

Anyone else miss Norm?

MrBhp said:

Anyone else miss Norm?

Click to expand...

Yes sir........I do.
I read over a lot of his postings still.

OLD 96 said:

Thanks to all. Not going to lower it. It already has enough damage to front lower bumper from previous owner. Gotta watch out for those parking stops. Not going to race it. Just want to replace the OEM parts with some thing a little better. Without breaking the bank. Thanks.

Click to expand...

You could think about the Ford Racing suspension used in the Shelby GT's (1.5" lower, nice balance of cornering and comfort). Not as stiff/nasty as a serious Eibach or Bilstein track setup and you know the parts will fit your car.

capper said:

I need to do something about the rear end. Don't like the ride and I don't know what to do. I put on aftermarket Koni Shocks. Eibach pro springs have been on from the first owner. Put on BMR lower control arms. Bought some BMR bushings. Haven't installed yet. Still have stock sway bar. Anything else?

Click to expand...

Ride too firm/soft? What's the issue? Eibach springs like FRPP/others tend to be on the "stiff" side. I tried FRPP for about a week. Rode like a buckboard buggy.

If all you want is a better ride yet still compliant I recommend looking at Roush springs; then add Bilstein B-6 struts/shocks and GT-500 strut mounts. Good handling; slightly firmer compared to stock, still comfortable ride. Ride is night/day difference with Roush.

Update on my thread. I went with the SR Performance Strut and Shock package from American Muscle. GT 500 strut mounts. For what I am looking for. Economical upgrade from old OEM. I think that is a good start for my Mule and me. Just got the parts in. Not installed . Yet. So. No feedback on the difference. Thanks to everyone for all of the great info, advice, recommendations.

tabstang said:

I've lowered a lot of cars and every single one rode better by far after lowering. Smoother, more solid, more comfortable, NOT in any way worse than factory. The key is the quality of the springs, the stock springs are super bouncy. I find it puzzling and curious why the stock setup is so bad - but it is.

Click to expand...

LOL All springs are "bouncy" that is what they do. It has everything to do with shock absorber valving and stock shocks are far too "loose". Lowering always reduces wheel travel and that can mean hitting the bumpers on the axle and that is not "comfortable". On the street lowering is strictly for looks and that is fine but don't kid yourself. My Stang has performance pack struts. shocks and sway bars and it is not bouncy at all.

I have a different experience on springs. Having tested a few I've found that "performance" springs tend to be on the stiff side (with the same struts/shocks) which is fine provided you're on a smooth track. In real-world every day driving IMHO stock and Roush springs are liveable w/the Bilstein struts/shocks while FRPP/Eibach are just too stiff at least for my liking. Of course, everyone has a different opinion. All I'll say is try a couple of different springs if you don't the ride. I'm glad I bought Roush (1" lowered). They've made a hell of a difference; car rides firm and smooth. (Roush satisfied customer).

I'm looking for some advice from the experts here. I have a 2012 V6 with performance package and with 214,000 kms (133,000 miles) on it, on the stock suspension. This past year I've noticed that the suspension is, unsurprisingly, feeling a little weak and I'm noticing some front end noise that is likely the Sway bar links, bushings or both so that's on the list. The car came with 19 inch rims so there is a 2 or 3 inch gap around the tires that I've never liked so I'm going to lower the car to get reduce the gap. Since I'm going to need to replace the struts and shocks I'm going to go with a coilover kit and lower the car 1 to 1.5 inches. I know I'm probably going to have to get an adjustable panhard bar at the minimum but my questions are for you good people, since a lot of you have gone through this process is can you give me a list of what else I'm going to need so I'm not chasing issues after the coilover install?

I don't track the car and don't plan on it. It's being done more for appearance and improved handling to replace worn suspension components. Cost isn't a huge issue but like most people I don't have a bottomless wallet so if you can chime in with your thoughts, it would be appreciated. Not that I would buy from American Muscle but I find they have the best website for browsing options but by looking at their site, I started overwhelming myself with all that's available and all the different components involved if that makes sense. I guess I'm just looking for a shopping list to get the drop as painlessly as possible so recommended brands are welcomed as well. I'm also concerned about durability so if you could recommend brands to avoid that would be great too. Sorry for the long post but just trying to give you as much info as I can so I can get the best advice. Thanks in advance.

Best bang for the buck - Bilstein B-6 Struts/Shocks; GT-500 strut mounts and Roush springs. You'll note an immediate handling difference (firmer, more composed). Or, just go with the struts/shocks if cost is an issue right now. Then look at replacing LCA's (front/rear); sway bars (front/rear) as your wallet will allow. Others will chime in as well so I'm sure you'll have plenty of options/opinions to choose from...

DieHarder said:

Best bang for the buck - Bilstein B-6 Struts/Shocks; GT-500 strut mounts and Roush springs. You'll note an immediate handling difference (firmer, more composed). Or, just go with the struts/shocks if cost is an issue right now. Then look at replacing LCA's (front/rear); sway bars (front/rear) as your wallet will allow. Others will chime in as well so I'm sure you'll have plenty of options/opinions to choose from...

Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I've been looking at Bilstein Kits that come with the B-6 shocks and struts you mention but they come with Eibach springs. I have heard that name tossed around over the years. Does anyone else have any gripes with Eibach equipment? Not ignoring Dieharder's advice, I'm only asking because I can save extra shipping costs by getting everything together. If the general consensus is that the Eibach springs suck then I'll definitely buy the parts separately.
Also if I get the GT500 strut mounts would I need Caster/Camber plates also with a one inch drop?

As far as replacing the sway bars go, because I have the performance package it already came with SVT sway bars so I think I'm set in that area. The control arms are on the list though.

As the newbie to the forum, but NOT to Mustangs (i.e., Fox, SN95 & S197) I will throw my .02 cents.

You cannot go wrong with a good set of quality struts and shocks (i.e., Bilstein, Tokicos, Ford Racing, etc.) Dont forget to upgrade with GT500 upper strut mounts and some camber bolts (depends on if you lower or not)

On the coil springs, the debate (not starting one) of progressive and linear rates always seems to get people talking... I suggest looking how low do you want to go 1"- 3"+/- drop etc. Also, buy quality name brand stuff which has been proven to perform as expected.

Control arms, braces and sway bars are all good too, but as with everything in life... How much can you afford $$$ Some of these packages can get expensive and then you sacrifice ride quality.

In the end, its your car... do what you like and take into consideration what you intend on doing with it (Commute, cruise, race, track, drag, etc.).

Either way, enjoy your Pony!

totaljustice said:

Thanks for the reply. I've been looking at Bilstein Kits that come with the B-6 shocks and struts you mention but they come with Eibach springs. I have heard that name tossed around over the years. Does anyone else have any gripes with Eibach equipment? Not ignoring Dieharder's advice, I'm only asking because I can save extra shipping costs by getting everything together. If the general consensus is that the Eibach springs suck then I'll definitely buy the parts separately.
Also if I get the GT500 strut mounts would I need Caster/Camber plates also with a one inch drop?

As far as replacing the sway bars go, because I have the performance package it already came with SVT sway bars so I think I'm set in that area. The control arms are on the list though.

Click to expand...

You can buy the Bilstein's and Roush springs separately. In my experience I find the Eibach and FRPP springs too stiff (you can try them of course and decide for yourself). Roush are the only one's I've found that are firmer yet still compliant for everyday use (they use a slightly thinner diameter spring so I believe that's why). If you do buy the Bilstein's you'll need to buy GT500 strut mounts; they're the only ones that fit (The straight GT version does not).

Don't need camber/caster plates unless you get lowering springs. For a 1" drop simply spin the top of the strut plates 180 deg and you'll be set. At least that's what I did and I'm at .7/.8 both sides on the struts which is near stock (~.75).

What you buy is up to you. I'm only one member sharing my experience. If you like stock you will like the above combo. Totally up to you.

All great suggestions here but I'll add what I have done. I understand not wanting to lower the car, but you can lower it a little and improve the dynamics greatly. I installed Ford Racing ( now Ford Performance) P springs, matching shocks and GT 500 strut mounts. It all came in a kit from LMR for just over $1,000. The springs lower the car 1". Hardly noticeable and never a problem with speed bumps,etc.. I do have an aftermarket chin spoiler so have to be careful with parking stops, but no problems and the ride, while not as compliant as it was when stock, it handles a lot better, like a different car. I was going to install an adjustable panhard bar also but after a lenthty discussion with tech support at Ford Racing I was advised that with just the one inch drop it would not be necessary. Whatever you do will be a great improvement, enjoy your car. I've had mine since new and will not part with it as long as I can drive it.