Struts/shocks during lowing, who did it?

[Blownblu03]

I went to Carlsile PA this past weekend for the Ford Nationals and I went to the FRPP trailer. I was speaking with them about lowing these cars and according to them strut/shock change is a must to avoid driving issues and noises from the front end. Whats everyones thoughts? I'm thinking of just going to a FRPP GT500 upper strut mount and the FRPP FR500 strut/shock kit M-18000-A but I was not really feeling another $400 bucks but if it is needed to do it the right way then it is what it is.

 

[Seer]

I planned on going Koni STR.T's along with either Eibach Springs or Ford K springs with the GT500 Strut mounts when I lower mine.

May as well, since you gotta take it all apart when lowering anyway.

 

[mac10chap]

I did Tokico D-Specs at the same time as my Eibach Pro Kit. Might as well do it all at the same time while you're down there.

 

[blacks197]

I put the BMR springs I had on my 2007 onto my 2011 using stock strut mounts/struts with no ill effects after 4k miles

 

[Hatchman]

I don't think you have to swap them out, though I'm sure it would be an improvement.

 

[johnQ]

I went to Carlsile PA this past weekend for the Ford Nationals and I went to the FRPP trailer. I was speaking with them about lowing these cars and according to them strut/shock change is a must to avoid driving issues and noises from the front end. Whats everyones thoughts? I'm thinking of just going to a FRPP GT500 upper strut mount and the FRPP FR500 strut/shock kit M-18000-A but I was not really feeling another $400 bucks but if it is needed to do it the right way then it is what it is.

my .02. I think that is a pretty broad statement. The key is that you properly match your springs and shocks. If you are planning on putting a 2+" drop or super stiff springs, then yes you might have issues with the stock GT shocks. If you put a moderate spring on it (e.g. Eibach pro-kit), then you should be ok. Noise wise, I've seen 90% of the issues due to reusing the strut-mounts or incorrectly tightened end-links, not the shocks that you are using.
Of course, as others have mentioned, the strut-mounts-springs-shocks all go together, so if you are replacing one of those items, you'll save time and effort by replacing all of it at the same time.

 

[COYO TT]

I got Steeda Sports with koni STR-T and GT500 mounts and its great, rides better than stock. Did them all at the same time, only way to do it, correct the first time.

 

[S197 GT]

I got Steeda Sports with koni STR-T and GT500 mounts and its great, rides better than stock. Did them all at the same time, only way to do it, correct the first time.

^ this!

Cutting corners now will result in shitty ride quality.

This has been beaten to death on the earlier year S197's. The same theory applies.

If you want to lower the car "properly" you need springs to lower the car, shocks and struts to accommodate the increased spring rate, strut mounts to prevent the popping from reusing the one-time use OEM ones, adjustable panhard bar to align the wheels, and LCA relocation brackets to correct the LCA geometry (usually only needed on more aggressive drops but I recommend them on all drops).

Off to chat.