2.3 VS 5.0 suspension

driftguy2008 · Nov 15, 2012

Hey guys I'm looking for another foxbody but every one in my area believes there worth their weight it gold of its a 5.0 but 4 bangers are going for $1500 or less in okay condition minimal flaws. My question is what's the difference in there suspension except for springs? I have eibach lowering springs and control arms on my shelf and would the foxbody be just like a 5.0 suspension with the eibach suspension kit?

chgovfk · Nov 16, 2012

I was in the same boat and bought a 4 cyl - the suspension is basically the same - I'm re-using my 4 cyl springs up front - they will lower the car - but I hear that's ok - you'll be missing the tabs in the back for the quad shocks - the front sway bar is smaller - but ok for the street - drag racers like them or take them off completely - I bought a 5.0 rear end complete and plan on swap n it in - updating the control arms and putting in lowering rear springs - you can use the 4 cyl spindles for the street - they are barely ok - but upgarde them to the 5.0 to get the bigger brakes -

91TwighlightGT · Nov 16, 2012

I believe this is correct...
http://www.moddedmustangs.com/forums/2-3-mustangs/155123-springs-struts.html

Here is a short list of common Mustang spring rates:

-------------------front-----rear
'89 Mustang 2.3L ----365 ---160
88 Mustang 5.0LX ----430 ---200
'93 Mustang Cobra ---530 ---180
'93 Mustang Cobra R --750 ---260
----------------------------------------

Main differences in 2.3L to 5.0L suspension...
K-member is narrower (equal to 79-86 width)
http://forums.corral.net/forums/general-mustang-tech/992560-four-cylinder-kmember-wheel-track.html

Steering rack is 20:1 (3 turns lock to lock) as opposed to 15:1 (2.5 turns lock to lock) and it is noticeable while driving.

Front spindles and brakes are equal to 79-86 models. Front spindles are not compatible with shock/strut packages for 87-93 5.0L cars. Aftermarket control arms may or may not work as intended, so I would be careful here.

Front sway bar is smaller diameter.
There is no rear sway bar.
There is no provision for quad shocks on the 7.5 inch axle.

Now, depending on what the planned future is for the car, a lot of this can be overcome. Many people swap to 5-lug, so the spindle difference doesn't matter so much. Aftermarket springs should be paired with aftermarket shocks/struts, so that is a good time to do the 5-lug upgrade.

The wheel track can be corrected by using SN-95 Spindles and control arms. The rack can be swapped to a 15:1 sport rack with no changes. Upgrading to SN95 is recommended but more costly.

Mustang5L5 · Nov 16, 2012

Was gonna post, but the above post really sums it up.

You can easily make a 2.3L car into a 5.0. There really isn;t much that is "permanently" different between the two cars if you know what I'm getting at

2.3 VS 5.0 suspension

driftguy2008

Member

chgovfk

91TwighlightGT

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

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2.3 VS 5.0 suspension

driftguy2008

Member

chgovfk

91TwighlightGT

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

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