2006 Mustang GT - Front Struts/Springs

[Rokkaholik]

It seems I have to replace my front struts/springs on my 2006 GT. 99k miles and still originals. I usually tend to stick to Monroe as I've had good luck but since my car already has Strange adjustables in the rear, should I go more performance for the front? It's not lowered at all and I'll be keeping it that way as I don't race or anything. I'm looking for them already to bolt in as I don't want to mess with spring compressors etc. Also trying to stick to budget friendly options.

Gabriel? KYB?

 

[07 Boss]

So you want to go with coil over struts? That's not very budget friendly.

 

[Racer47]

I have a pair of like new struts, approx 5,000 miles, still look new, that I would sell cheap. I'm not going back to stock. You would need to change springs. They are struts only

 

[Rokkaholik]

Just looking to replace the ones that are in there. Nothing race or dragstrip. I've usually always used Monroe. I'm inquiring about the quality of other brands such as Gabriel or KYB or similar without going to Koni or Bilstein expense

 

[Rokkaholik]

My car currently has Strange adjustables in the rear which are rather stiff right now. I may dial them down a notch or two. It also has a rear shock tower brace

 

[07 Boss]

I'm not understanding what exactly you are looking to do. You said you didn't want to mess with the springs but all the options you mentioned need to swap the springs onto? So are you looking for just struts or a coil over kit?

 

[Samos3]

There are some suppliers that sell spring /strut assemblies, but not usually performance stuff. Have a look at Rockauto.

2006 FORD MUSTANG 4.6L V8 Shock / Strut & Coil Spring Assembly | Shop Now at RockAuto

Suspension Parts and More for Your 2006 FORD MUSTANG at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

 

[07 Boss]

There are some suppliers that sell spring /strut assemblies, but not usually performance stuff. Have a look at Rockauto.

2006 FORD MUSTANG 4.6L V8 Shock / Strut & Coil Spring Assembly | Shop Now at RockAuto

Suspension Parts and More for Your 2006 FORD MUSTANG at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

Didn't know that. I stand corrected.

 

[Samos3]

Didn't know that. I stand corrected.

For the difference in price, I'd buy the spring compressor (except I already have two!).
Top mount is possibly shot, too, but I don't know what brand is used in the 'assemblies'. Or what brand spring.

 

[Rokkaholik]

I'm not understanding what exactly you are looking to do. You said you didn't want to mess with the springs but all the options you mentioned need to swap the springs onto? So are you looking for just struts or a coil over kit?

Basically..... I've used Monroe for most of my life.... I was looking for other comparable brands such as KYB and Gabriel, etc... if people have had luck or experience, etc. And yes, I'm looking for the assembled ones that I don't have to mess with. I had a close call once. That was enough

 

[Samos3]

I've used KYB GR2 (more or less the Excel G used in their assemblies) on other cars (Opel Manta and GT) with good results. I used KYB stock type replacements on aToyota Tercel (worked well, but you could tell the springs should have been replaced).
All of those were light cars, 2300 lbs or less.
No experience with Monroe or Gabriel.
OEM Ford is a known quantity, too.

I don't really like mixing and matching suspension stuff. However you go, try to eventually replace all the springs and shocks/struts with the same brands/models.

 

[DieHarder]

The cheaper you go the more often you will replace them... IMHO I'd save up and buy the Bilstein's. The difference in ride and handling is worth the extra expense. And, Samos3 is right. Whatever you decide on get the matching rear shocks as well. At least handling will be the same on both ends.

 

[Samos3]

The Koni Str.ts I have on my 08 GT lasted about 60-70k. Firm, maybe choppy, but I also have the Ford lowering springs (P or K, can never remember which, but about 1" lower, not the 1.5").

 

[07 Boss]

The nice thing about having some lowering springs is that you never have to use those damn spring compressors again. Those things scare me.

 

[Samos3]

The nice thing about having some lowering springs is that you never have to use those damn spring compressors again. Those things scare me.

Strut spring compressors are much less scary than ones I used on the old 73 Mustang.
Or what we have to do on the Opel Kadetts and GTs....

https://www.opelgt.com/threads/spring-compressor-j-21689.111772/#lg=thread-111772&slide=8

 

[JC SSP]

Yeah there are stories of coil springs wedged into a-arms jumping out and taking off people’s hands, heads etc. There is a lot of stored energy in those things…

Not so much with McPherson struts. Just rent the tool at Autozone for free.

 

[Samos3]

Yeah there are stories of coil springs wedged into a-arms jumping out and taking off people’s hands, heads etc. There is a lot of stored energy in those things…

Not so much with McPherson struts. Just rent the tool at Autozone for free.

One time I was doing a front end rebuild on an XB Falcon (just like 71-73 Mustang/pre-72 Torinos). Just couldn't get the spring compressed enough to get it seated on the spring perch. Wedged in pretty good, though. Couldn't get it out, either. Had to sit on my butt and kick with both feet to get that spring seated.
I think I had to remove the compressor before the kicking....

 

[MasterofDisaster]

FWIW, a local shop installed Monroes a month ago after a truck ran me off the road. I'm happy with the Monroes, and I've had no problems with them.

 

[Rokkaholik]

FWIW, a local shop installed Monroes a month ago after a truck ran me off the road. I'm happy with the Monroes, and I've had no problems with them.

I've never had problems with them either.... I was just inquiring in a couple other brands because I feel the sportier cars require a little bit sportier suspension and I wasn't sure on some of the brands that are out there. I see their names a lot but that could just be advertisement. I was more looking for Real World Experience pros and cons

 

[GriffX]

If you want to have a bit sportier ride but not sacrifice ride quality (what ever that means) get some bigger sway bars first.
I installed some take-off sway bars from the 2014 and that was one of the best modifications I did on my 2007.

PS: You have a 06? Take a look if you have a k-brace installed, my 07 didn't have one, makes the car much stiffer.

PPS: Speaking of scary spring compression, front spring Mercedes, 4.5 turns and you need to compress 3 turns so that the wire touches each other. I secure them with ratchet strips when I handle the compressed spring.