SUSPENSION REBUILD

[max0611]

Hello, I currently have just under 95k miles on my 08 GT/CS and am going to be completely rebuilding the suspension front and rear in hopes of totally refreshing the ride on the street and in the canyons. If anyone has any input I would appreciate it. I am dropping about 3500$ and that's with the more budget friendly alternatives. I am very familiar with wrenching on my s197 and don't see this taking more than two full days of work (hopefully). Any recommendations or feedback would be appreciated!

What I plan on installing

• Pedders eXtreme XA Coil-Over Plus Kit
• Eibach Front Anti-Roll Bar
• Eibach Rear Anti-Roll Bar
• J&M Adjustable Bump Steer Kit
• BMR Upper Panhard Rod Support Brace
• BMR On-Car Adjustable Rear UCA
• BMR Non-Adjustable Rear LCA
• BMR Rear LCA Relocation Brackets
• BMR Tubular Strut Tower Brace
• BMR Rear UCA mount
• Upper Differential Bushing (so excited to remove the old one!)

What I already have installed

• Ford Performance Front LCA
• 8 Piece Steering and Suspension Kit (Ball Joint, Tie Rod and Sway Bar Links Kit)
• SR performance springs/shock
• Adjustable Panhard Bar

 

[TexasBlownV8]

A few things you don't really need to replace:
- upper panhard rod support brace: it's all metal OEM, no rubber bushings, no real need to replace it unless it's bent.
- the sway bars can have the links/bushings replaced, but if you want to replace with new, that's up to you.

Workmanship-wise, properly lubricate everything, and torque every bolt to spec. If you re-use bolts that have 'blue' or 'yellow' on them, clean off the threads and use some blue loctite when putting back in; you don't want anything to work its way loose. The big LCA, UCA, and panhard bolts torque spec is 129 ft-lbs.
Otherwise, be careful if you're working 'in the driveway' or garage; use multiple jack stands under multiple points, never working under the car with a jack holding it up alone.

The feel of the car will be very nice when done; good luck!

 

[max0611]

Much appreciated, Thank you!!

 

[07 Boss]

The upper diff bushing is easy peasy if you drop the rear end out of the car, literally 10x easier. Granted you don't have to remove the rear end to swap all those parts but its only a couple more steps and like 10 bolts at that point. You might as well. I had to pull mine to get some sway bar mounts welded on and had them weld up the tubes too, but it made the bushing swap a 10 minute job as opposed to trying to do it lying on your back. I had my relocation brackets welded in place as well.

 

[StockishS197]

Also, be sure to have the car aligned well after all.

After I did my suspension refresh (FRPP LCAs, Sway Bars, Eibach Springs, Koni struts, etc), caster was off and cradle had to be shifted a bit