Shocks Struts

[Frisky]

What is everyone recomending? Go withs/Not go withs ?

Suggestions please.

And yes i know i should have boughten a V8 but whatevers.




Thanks Alot
-Kris-

[BondoSHO]

Bilstein and H&R seem to be the preferred combo here.

[BISKIT]

Like Sean said,

Bilstein + H&R
or
Tokico D-spec + H&R

You can't lose.

Stay away from Eibach or any of the no-name springs.

Don't bother with any of the other Tokico's as they don't last for a damn.

[Frisky]

Is a sway bar necessary or is it just for the improvement of the ride.?

[BISKIT]

Is a sway bar necessary or is it just for the improvement of the ride.?

:nod:

[RedRyder]

Bilstein and h&r. preferably some coilovers. all the cool kids have them.

[1EVLPNY]

Bilstein and H&R. I have the Saleen front swaybar, way better handling than with the skinny stock one.

[Frisky]

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii10/friskykilla911/shocks.jpg

RED ARROW Only 2 Shocks and struts for all 4 wheels? :scratch:

[mustangdriv3r03]

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii10/friskykilla911/shocks.jpg

RED ARROW Only 2 Shocks and struts for all 4 wheels? :scratch:

its two of each.. meaning fronts and backs.. i keep forgetting which is for which.. but its two shocks and two struts.. :bazooka:

and hey mark i thought you said tokicko D-Specs were alright because they did last? :whoknows:

[Frisky]

From doing a little reading, Struts (i think) go in the back, and shock absorbers go in the front.

[RedRyder]

wrong! struts up front homeslice.

[Frisky]

So there is more weight in the rear than the front? You'd think the front would weigh more with the Engine :shrug:

[OttoCobra]

MM coilovers all around with Bilsteins

Struts up front...Shocks in the rear.

Awesome, and you know Mark has a MM hook-up on pricing.
(BTW, don't go knocking over any 7-11's they won't have enough $$) :ninja:

[Enorbit3]

:ugh: n00bs

Oh and bilsteins and MM new springs.

[5litrarag]

H&Rs and Bilsteins for the killer budget setup...


If money is no object, full coilovers.

But the above budget suggestion is no joke. Until MM started making C/Os it was their top level setup for a street car.

[Frisky]

Sorry if i ask questions, i like to know what i am/might be purchasing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
So i'm guessing Coilovers compliment shocks to help sustain the pressure and basically make the shocks last longer? (is this correct ?)

So i'm guessing from MM this would be the package i would ideally get.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii10/friskykilla911/shocks-1.jpg

[RedRyder]

the coilovers replace the springs in the stock location. the spring is now located over (around) the shock or strut.

[Frisky]

So getting coilovers means i don't need Springs?

:ninja:

[OttoCobra]

So getting coilovers means i don't need shocks,?

:ugh:

they go "inside" the new springs...

Know what "wiener tots are?"

.....same concept. :D

[Frisky]

:ugh:

they go "inside" the new springs...

Know what "wiener tots are?"

.....same concept. :D

I meant to say springs :/ sorry! :(

[grumps91GT]

So getting coilovers means i don't need shocks,?

You have to make sure what you are getting. Some manufacturers offer a coil-over kit, which sometimes doesn't include the shock and struts.

That MM one seems about right as far as a full coil-over kit is concerned.

What is your ideal intention on how you want your suspension to do?

Better than stock handling? Or extreme corner-carving?

Remember its hard to get the best of both worlds and when you do, it gets real pricy real fast. Keep that in mind.

[BondoSHO]

An ant on a skateboard will outhandle a stock 94-04 :look:

For just street, I don't recommend coilovers unless you get the spring rate just right.

[OttoCobra]

An ant on a skateboard will outhandle a stock 94-04 :look:

For just street, I don't recommend coilovers unless you get the spring rate just right.

Mark and the MM team have this all worked out for about evry state of a car's mods you could image. Their is a huge database made on all the customers experiences and orders to help make this choice just about perfect.

(Imagine how hard it would have been to calculate the Ottocobra's extensive mods .... Balance was dead "ON.")

[Frisky]

GrumpsGt - I don't want to be sliding or hearing screech noises when i'm turning the corner on Angeles Crest if i'm cruising its not my MAIN reason, but more of a better ride and smoother. I somewhat feel almost all bumps on the road, and a pebble i dont even try to move out of the way...cuz YES i somehow feel the pebble that i just rolled over. Unless this $1600.00 Kit is for on the corner carving & GT aka Faster Cars then someone let me know :biggrin:

Basically looking for a smoother ride from point A to point B or when we're cruising on a long drive. I know that kit would be over the top but :shrug: it is what it is.

---------- Post added 09-21-2009 at 10:51 PM ----------

An ant on a skateboard will outhandle a stock 94-04 :look:

For just street, I don't recommend coilovers unless you get the spring rate just right.

What about a Stock GT?

[Blanco32v]

Just do H&R Race springs with Bilsteins and be done. Also, the lil mods that come with it like cc plates, endlinks (cheap), and some sway bar bushings for the shit of it (cheap as shit too).

[RedRyder]

i'm running a 275 rate coilspring on the front and it's perfect.

MM tech > *

[grumps91GT]

GrumpsGt - I don't want to be sliding or hearing screech noises when I'm turning the corner on Angeles Crest if I'm cruising its not my MAIN reason, but more of a better ride and smoother. I somewhat feel almost all bumps on the road, and a pebble i dont even try to move out of the way...cuz YES i somehow feel the pebble that i just rolled over. Unless this $1600.00 Kit is for on the corner carving & GT aka Faster Cars then someone let me know :biggrin:

Basically looking for a smoother ride from point A to point B or when we're cruising on a long drive. I know that kit would be over the top but :shrug: it is what it is.


Then that $1600 kit is not for you. Honestly, I would do the H&R springs and bilstiens. Bilstiens can get pricey. I've seen them start at $550 for the HD and end up somewhere in the mid $700 when you include the quad-shocks.

Your cheapest solution is KYB shocks and struts or Tokico shocks and struts(off the Bullet/Mach).

I had KYB GR-2's on my 91 and was a slight improvement over the stock set up.

I do recommend sub-frame connectors to go along with the suspension. They tie everything up really well. Since I got them installed a few weeks ago, I've been taking turns slightly more aggressive now with minimal body roll and minimal effort than before.

[vtecftw]

get some better tires too.
my car cornered like it had a new suspension after putting on re-01ARR

[Kameleongt]

here is a pic of a coilover on a fox. I think you will be fine with H&R, bilstein, c/c plates
http://www.willychu.com/Mustang/CoilOvers/11-07-2002-11.JPG

[RedRyder]

regular HD bilsteins and H&R springs is perfect for you. toss some nitto NT-05's on all 4 corners and it'll be perfect.

[OttoCobra]

regular HD bilsteins and H&R springs is perfect for you. toss some nitto NT-05's on all 4 corners and it'll be perfect.

The simplicity of this set up should fair you well Kris.

Save the pennies, and you'll be ready for this in a lot less time.
(Thus, more time enjoying your stang.)

[vtecftw]

just stay far far away from GR-2s or blues :look:

[Frisky]

Tire set up, i have Vredestein ZR18's.

but thanks for all the input.

/hug ya'll

[RedRyder]

eeeeeew

[Blind]

coil overs will not ride as comfortably as you want.

bilstein HD's with ford racing 'B' spring package will give you the ride you want, and doesn't lower the car much.

[Kameleongt]

found this on socalstangs maybe u can use these
http://www.socalstangs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27800

[Daddy's GT500]

[QUOTE=RedRyder;33606]regular HD bilsteins and H&R springs is perfect QUOTE]

yup...:afro:

[Frisky]

Ok.

I know Shocks/struts give a nice ride to a car, but they aren't necessary since I mean, Stock suspension on a car is Springs only. Can anyone confirm this ? Thanks alot.

[Kameleongt]

^ for reals?

[Blanco32v]

what? spring only? are you implying that you think your car doesnt have struts and shocks stock?

It doesnt matter if its a lame 6er or a nice road hugger with a V8, springs ONLY and leaving the struts/shocks stock is a SHITTY ride. I only upgraded the springs on the GT and that car SUCKED. The Cobra was 'decent" since the shocks/struts were newer but once they suffered a good year of being lowered they gave out and my nice performance car rode just as shitty as my 14 year old GT. So i slapped some bilsteins all around and fell in love again.

If your on a budget, find some 03/04 Cobra struts, they are bilsteins. Could be found for about 100. The shocks are cheap as is compared to new struts.

its not about making it a performance road hugging car (thats an added bonus :D ). Its about not feeling like you drive a complete piece of junk. I dont know HOW i drove around with a smile before with the stock crap and just springs :no:

[RedRyder]

Ok.

I know Shocks/struts give a nice ride to a car, but they aren't necessary since I mean, Stock suspension on a car is Springs only. Can anyone confirm this ? Thanks alot.

:eyes: :rofl:

[BondoSHO]

Ok.

I know Shocks/struts give a nice ride to a car, but they aren't necessary since I mean, Stock suspension on a car is Springs only. Can anyone confirm this ? Thanks alot.

They are seperate. You'll see springs, and then a seperate shock/strut.

[Blanco32v]

They are seperate. You'll see springs, and then a seperate shock/strut.

no sean, he literally meant if cars come with them. period, lol.

[BISKIT]

Kris, let me make this easy(ier) for you. Without going into too much technical mumbo jumbo that will require pages to explain.

Springs:
The whole idea behind doing lowering springs is twofold.
1, They create a more aesthetically pleasing sight as the wheels/tires now more fully fill the wheel wells and you can't slide a volkswagen under your car.
2, They lower the overall center of gravity of the car so that aids in better handling in the turns.

BUT

On a car like yours that has seen a couple of miles you would be doing a greater disservice by just doing springs than nothing at all as many of the components on your car are tired and old.

Shocks and struts.
Springs define the ride height (and a slight bit of ride quality) and shocks and struts define the ride characteristics (ie: harshness, smoothness, tightness, crispness).
You DEFINATELY want to replace them with something that compliments the springs you are looking to purchase for two reasons:
1, Your current shocks and struts are already showing signs of outgassing which means they have already failed.
2, Shocks/Struts have a certain amount of travel (imagine a piston) and when you lower a car but retain the stock pieces then you are already pre-compressing the shock/strut and as such not allowing it the proper travel and this will lead to a harsher ride and also premature failure of the part.

Choose a shock/strut combo that is designed to work with a more aggressive suspension (springs) and not for stock replacement.


OTHER PARTS.

Things that you REALLY need to consider even before or with your shocks and struts.

SUBFRAME CONNECTORS
http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/images/chass_stiff/MMFL-1B.jpg

Without going into too much, these should be the FIRST modification you do before ANYTHING else.
They are a no brainer for the cost/benefit portion and everyone here that has a pre-05 can tell you it made the biggest difference of most all of their mods (suspension).

BUSHINGS.
Having worn out and vulcanized rubber bushings is one of the greatest sources of noise and uncomfortable ride characteristics. Even just replacing things like control arm bushings can make a pretty big difference if your bushings are that far gone and it won't break your wallet. Ideally, you would replace the arms with something a bit better but if this is what makes or breaks it, a set of good polyurethane bushings is just what the doctor ordered.

CASTER CAMBER PLATES.
Show me any properly modified Mustang suspension and I will pop their hood and show you the Caster Camber plates sitting on top of the Strut-towers. The ONLY way to properly align a Mustang with a decent drop is with these plates, otherwise you are looking at irregular tire wear and premature tire failure. When these plates are less than 1 good quality performance tire the decission is pretty much made for you.

STEERING RACK BUSHINGS.
Not necessarily a suspension item but I almost always do a set when we lower a car as it is dirt cheap, quick to do and improves steering quite dramatically.
What I am talking about are center drilled aluminum rack bushings and if you can turn your steering wheel without the car actually turning (play in wheel) you know exactly what I am talking about.

There are a couple of other things that are worth mentioning but in this brief (hold the laughs) list, you will find some mods that are more than worth while on your car without breaking the bank.

[BondoSHO]

no sean, he literally meant if cars come with them. period, lol.

Oh shit, :rofl:



:look:

[RedRyder]

yup! aluminum rack bushings and urethane endlinks are cheap and tighten up your steering bigtime. An MM steering shaft would also complement it nicely, but is a bit more pricey.

[BISKIT]

yup! aluminum rack bushings and urethane endlinks are cheap and tighten up your steering bigtime. An MM steering shaft would also complement it nicely, but is a bit more pricey.

Hey we are still on 101. Shaft's don't come into play until 104.

One class at a time. Kris needs to cover some GE's before we head into the big stuff. :angel:

[1EVLPNY]

Ok.

I know Shocks/struts give a nice ride to a car, but they aren't necessary since I mean, Stock suspension on a car is Springs only. Can anyone confirm this ? Thanks alot.

:ugh: Your stock suspension consists of Motorcraft springs and struts/shocks. If you want to do a basic upgrade, Bilsteins with H&R springs is the way to go. Your car will be lowered, and the ride quality will be a little stiffer than stock but you'll get used to it and the handling will be improved significantly; the car won't be swaying and rolling when turning. Coilovers are for racing and the track, it's not worth spending money on coilovers for a street car that won't be at the track regularly.

+1 on Mark's post, all the info on suspension is in there.

[Albepilot]

[QUOTE=BISKIT;38116]

Things that you REALLY need to consider even before or with your shocks and struts.

SUBFRAME CONNECTORS
http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/images/chass_stiff/MMFL-1B.jpg

Without going into too much, these should be the FIRST modification you do before ANYTHING else.
They are a no brainer for the cost/benefit portion and everyone here that has a pre-05 can tell you it made the biggest difference of most all of their mods (suspension).

Definively agree, I had Mark install them and the car changed night and day.
Absolutely the first step.....

[Blanco32v]

i still wouldnt know what subframes feel like :look: *looks at them in my garage*

[SLOWNED]

Hows the ride quality with the bilsteins/H&R?

[Blanco32v]

Hows the ride quality with the bilsteins/H&R?

just fine. love it. Im not looking to make this into a rough riding POS that handles good. Good ride IMO :cheers:

[SLOWNED]

just fine. love it. Im not looking to make this into a rough riding POS that handles good. Good ride IMO :cheers:

You got an IRS though right? How would the ride be on an SRA? My car rattles the fillings outa my teeth :aaron:

[1EVLPNY]

Hows the ride quality with the bilsteins/H&R?

I have Bilsteins and H&R Super Sport springs on my GT and the ride is a bit stiff but it's still comfortable enough for daily drive. I had the race springs on my cobra and shit was stiff, perfect for the track but not for DD. The setup I have on the GT is good, not too stiff or soft.

[Blanco32v]

You got an IRS though right? How would the ride be on an SRA? My car rattles the fillings outa my teeth :aaron:

Its still a good ride. Nick (mach 1 nick) use to run the same setup before he went ape shit with the MM catalog. The IRS is great and comfy (you have to own both, not just ride in one) but its not a BMW so dont expect one car to be super duper extra perfectly comfortable than the other cause of the IRS.

dew it. Anything is better than the floaty ride you must have (i dont know ur setup, but if your inquiring you must be somewhat stock in that department)

[RedRyder]

FYI, coilovers are not just for race cars.

[Blanco32v]

FYI, coilovers are not just for race cars.

x2. Donny has them up front on his daily driver and its even more comfy than my setup. MM 275lbs spring rate wrapped around bilsteins. Dan has 300's. RedNick has them all around (i think 350's) and his car is VERY comfy. They are not just for race cars. They just cost a tad more.

[RedRyder]

Don't forget setting your ride height EXACTLY where you want it. That's a huge plus in my book. My ride is smoooooth.

[5litrarag]

Hows the ride quality with the bilsteins/H&R?

Smooth as freshly shaved.... well you get it.



Seriously though, its perfect.

Coilovers are great, but kinda a waste on a 100% street car.

[JustinTime]

H&R sports and Bilsteins is what I have on my 96. I like the setup...rides & handles good.