65 Rear Suspension Questions

sinisterstang65 · May 1, 2010

I currently have the original 3 leaf springs on, rear sway bar, and urithane bushings. We also have a pair of old gas shocks on, that we installed by a friend that he had laying around. The car has a 351W, and 3.55 Rear end wit FMX tranny, and its a daily driven car. We want to upgrade the rear end, and seeing if anyone had any input or experience with a 4 or 4 1/4 leaf springs and a shackle kit. And if QA1 gas shocks or Koni shocks would be bettter? Let me no if you have any other good options.

2+2GT · May 1, 2010

Wanna bet? All 64-73 Mustangs had four-leaf springs, from the lowliest six cylinder to the mighty BOSS 429.

If you are missing a leaf, a nice set of GT 4-leaf springs with all the attaching hardware will cure your problem for under $200.

I had Konis, but when I moved here the roads were too darn rough, so I switched to KYB Gas-A-Just. Some even find them too stiff, and use the KYB GR2.

sinisterstang65 · May 2, 2010

Ya sorry bout that, it was supposed to be a 4 not a three. So do you think that putting shackles on it would make a difference at all? And planning on going with 235/60/15 rear tires, but if i go with that option, should i go to longer rear shackles to have a better clearance?

2+2GT · May 2, 2010

sinisterstang65 said:
Ya sorry bout that, it was supposed to be a 4 not a three. So do you think that putting shackles on it would make a difference at all? And planning on going with 235/60/15 rear tires, but if i go with that option, should i go to longer rear shackles to have a better clearance?

Extended shackles will lift the rear slightly, screw up the pinion angle risking U-joint or differential damage, and cause the back end of the car wiggle in a suggestive and performance killing manner.

The tires you suggest are about one size too big for a 65-66:

Mustang Wheel and Tyre Chart

sinisterstang65 · May 2, 2010

So do you think just going to 225/60/15 is the best thing to do?

S-Car-Go · May 2, 2010

The stock shackles are the weakest part of the rear suspension. Making them longer and weaker isn't a good idea. When it shimmies you will get tire rub.. Use smaller tires and the proper leaf springs.

2+2GT · May 2, 2010

sinisterstang65 said:
So do you think just going to 225/60/15 is the best thing to do?

Yeah, then you won't have to worry about shredding your tires or sheetmetal.

65coupe408w · May 5, 2010

I am running 5 1/2 leaf standard eye rear springs with the prothane shackles, shelby style traction bars and 50/50 lakewood shocks. Also I am running 245/45/17 rear tires and they fit under the stock body work. Car is a little firm in the rear but, made a huge change from my worn out stock leafs.

5280/4 · May 5, 2010

My k-model 65 mustang has a 10" wide hoosier drag slick and it fits under the stock sheet metal with no rubbing issues. The k-model springs are 1" lower than a GT. The street tires are 245/60/14, yes 14" magnesium wheels, and they fit just fine.

tx65coupe · May 6, 2010

I have never heard that the K code is lowered 1 inch. Also, I don't see how those Hoosiers fit in the rear unless it is tubbed.

5280/4 · May 6, 2010

yep, k-model is one inch lower. And the car is not mini tubbed and the tires dont hang out.

sinisterstang65 · May 6, 2010

Really? Can you post some pictures so i can see it? What kind of rear suspension do you have, or is it just lowered 1"???

5280/4 · May 6, 2010

sinisterstang65 said:
Really? Can you post some pictures so i can see it? What kind of rear suspension do you have, or is it just lowered 1"???

http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/803440-another-coilover-bryce.html

This should answer most questions.

sinisterstang65 · May 6, 2010

65coupe408w said:
I am running 5 1/2 leaf standard eye rear springs with the prothane shackles, shelby style traction bars and 50/50 lakewood shocks. Also I am running 245/45/17 rear tires and they fit under the stock body work. Car is a little firm in the rear but, made a huge change from my worn out stock leafs.

Really, are the shackles regular and not the extended ones. And are the lake wood shocks adjustable? Also is your setup for daily driving, and is it so firm that its uncomfortable, bc i also dont want it how it is now, really bouncy and annoying to sit in the backseat

calpolymustang · May 7, 2010

If you want good, economical, adjustable shocks then check out CALVERTs Rancho shocks

4FUNFORDS · May 7, 2010

The Rancho part # is RS9204 if you go that way. I have them on my '66. Don't know if they'd do any good without the Calvert split monoleaf springs and the Caltrac traction bars though.

65coupe408w · May 10, 2010

sinisterstang65 said:
Really, are the shackles regular and not the extended ones. And are the lake wood shocks adjustable? Also is your setup for daily driving, and is it so firm that its uncomfortable, bc i also dont want it how it is now, really bouncy and annoying to sit in the backseat

The shackles are regular...just alot more material on them (very strong) and they have Urethane bushings. The lakewoods are 50/50 non adjustable. I wouldnt say the ride is by any means uncomfortable. and thats with 17x8 wheels with 245/45/17 tires. If you are not looking for ultimate performance I would probably go with 4 1/2 or 5 leafs... I thought I had a picture, but this gives a slight idea. I will take some better pictures tonight

View attachment 219862

65coupe408w · May 11, 2010

The above picture was with the 8inch in it. These one bellow are with the 9inch, the new 9inch has 3 inch axle tubes so it lowered the car a little about an inch, still rides great and doesnt scrub at all.

View attachment 219657

View attachment 219658

View attachment 219659

dodgestang · May 11, 2010

Just a data point note....going from a 2.5 inch tapered tube housing to a 3 inch tube housing will lower the car .25 inch if all else stays the say. If you change springs, spring rates, shocks, etc...well then it can be tough to track.

65coupe408w · May 12, 2010

the spring perches on my 8inc were totally flattened and rolled half around the housing becuase someone...(ME) put a 408ci in the front. So with all the new stuff it sits pretty nice...you can see the ride height pretty well in some of the pictures.

65 Rear Suspension Questions

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