what springs, shocks and struts

slam27

New Member
Oct 26, 2004
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I was planning on replacing my shocks , struts, and springs on my 88 lx notchback. I also figured that I would replace the ball joints because the chilton manual says if the zirk fitting is flush or recessed in the underside of the a-arm it is worn out or soon will be. Is this true? I was also told that if you were going to do ball joints it was easier just to replace lower a- arms with ball joints already installed in them. If this is true does anyone have any recomendaqtions on what brand of a-arms to use. Also wanted to know what people are running for springs, shocks , and struts. I had one shop tell me to go with motorsport springs (m-5300-c), tokico HP series rear shocks and struts. I am not racing this car at the track and was told by someone else that the motorsport springs would ride like a brick and that I should go with a progressive spring like a tokiko blue series. As you can see I'm getting a lot of info. but need some help in determining what would be a pretty good middle of the road set up. Lastly, I have pretty good mechanical skills but have not done much with this type of suspesion set up (mostly leaf sprung axles on 4x4's)......is this a difficult task or just a pain in the ass? Any advice would be appreciated.

Mark
 
I suggest the complete eibach setup. I'm running the springs and i love them. But i'm running KYB AGX adjustables instead of the eibach. I was originaly going to go with the eibach setup and the sway bars but i wanted adjustables.
 
Its a pretty straight forward job......I would sugest the springs of your choice (I like the progressive rate ones) and Bilstein stuts and shocks.

I agree. Bilstein has a good rep., and progressive springs progressively get harder as the spring compresses....soo thats a better ride over little bumps.


Personally I have FMS B springs (progressive) and KYB shocks all around. I had to get C/C plates because they lowered the front quite a bit.
It rides stiff as a board still :shrug: If I did it again I'd just keep on using the search button on here and maybe make a tally of what others say....thats all ya can do because its all about opinion.

Also the specs on springs will differ greatly based on the car theyre in....how many miles?...other new stuff?...aluminum heads maybe?...

Heck if my FMS B springs actually lowered it what was advertised then odds are I wouldnt have worn through that set of tires and then got some C/C plates.
 
I agree. Bilstein has a good rep., and progressive springs progressively get harder as the spring compresses....soo thats a better ride over little bumps.


Personally I have FMS B springs (progressive) and KYB shocks all around. I had to get C/C plates because they lowered the front quite a bit.
It rides stiff as a board still :shrug: If I did it again I'd just keep on using the search button on here and maybe make a tally of what others say....thats all ya can do because its all about opinion.

Also the specs on springs will differ greatly based on the car theyre in....how many miles?...other new stuff?...aluminum heads maybe?...

Heck if my FMS B springs actually lowered it what was advertised then odds are I wouldnt have worn through that set of tires and then got some C/C plates.


I agree, I have the BBK springs and they do ride pretty stiff but they ride alittle better than the specific rate versions. You don't feel every little crack in the road with mine. My buddy had Eibachs and you could feel everything!
 
I just re did everything having to do with suspension. I used h&r sport springs (same ride height as eibach pro-kit) and Bilstein shocks. Prior to this I had stock springs and kyb shocks and the car rode like a rock. When i was deciding on what shocks to get i wasn't sure if i wanted to spend the extra cash on the bilsteins but i am extremely happy that i did. It is a VERY smooth ride and not bouncy at all. I would persuade anyone who is thinking about shocks to shell out the extra cash!

I used ford control arms (which come w/ the upgraded ball joints) and I'm pretty sure thats the only choice you have. Unless you want to go tubular, but then you will need coil overs. I also replaced all of the bushings up front. I figured if i have everything off I might as well do everything I can. Also, depending on what springs you do you will probably want to get camber plates.

Lastly, replacing the suspension was the biggest pain in the ____ I have ever gone through. The rear was a piece of cake but the front will get you pretty frustrated at times. All i can say is that i never want to have to do the suspension on my car again. If you have any questions or just want some pointers for the instal let me know. Good luck with everything!

Here are some good suspension sites for mustangs.

http://www.stangsuspension.com/store/comersus_dynamicIndex.asp

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/
 
I just re did everything having to do with suspension. I used h&r sport springs (same ride height as eibach pro-kit) and Bilstein shocks. Prior to this I had stock springs and kyb shocks and the car road like a rock. When i was deciding on what shocks to get i wasn't sure if i wanted to spend the extra cash on the bilsteins but i am extremely happy that i did. It is a VERY smooth ride and not bouncy at all. I would persuade anyone who is thinking about shocks to shell out the extra cash!

I agree completely.
H&R with Bilsteins.:nice:
 
"H&R with Bilsteins", could not agree more! I've had my 91lx since Sept. 1994 and have gone thru "B", "C", Yamex (sp?) springs, Monroe, KYB shocks/struts with full poly bushing kit, rode like **** until last December. Swapped in the "upgraded" a-arms, H & R sports, and Bilstein's. It's a NIGHT & DAY improvement, my wife will actually ride in the car again. Learn from my mistakes and it will save you lots of money and mashed fingers!