anyone running H&R SS springs without caster/camber plates?

[paradigm]

I recently finished installing the front H&R SS springs with both the top and bottom isolators on the front of my 2000 GT with Strange Engineering struts (I still have to swap my rear eibachs out for the H&R SS springs).

I did not install my Steeda 3 bolt caster/camber plates, because I was a little confused with the install of them, and also it required me cutting rivits from the factory plates.

That said, has anyone here successfully aligned their car on H&R SS springs with top/bottom iso's, and no CC plate?

 

[Deleted member 38176]

I had the SS springs without CC plates for a long time, NOBODY would even attempt to align them, even Pep Boys. If you want an alignment, CC plates are required.

 

[GDawg]

Don't fear drilling the rivets out. With or without CC plates you are going to be very low. I have Maximum Motorsport CC plates and even with them I couldn't get a good alignment with my H&R SS. I switched to Eibach Pros recently. Put the plates in. You need to extend the strut into the engine bay as much as possible without making contact with the hood.

 

[paradigm]

I had the SS springs without CC plates for a long time, NOBODY would even attempt to align them, even Pep Boys. If you want an alignment, CC plates are required.

How are your tires holding up without the alignment?

 

[1low03gt]

Don't fear drilling the rivets out. With or without CC plates you are going to be very low. I have Maximum Motorsport CC plates and even with them I couldn't get a good alignment with my H&R SS. I switched to Eibach Pros recently. Put the plates in. You need to extend the strut into the engine bay as much as possible without making contact with the hood.

I agree with the above quote. You will need them to get a proper alignment, or close to proper alignment, or you will be going threw tires, which isn't cheap these days.
As for the struts, they will need to be extended into the engine bay to allow rebound within the strut, or the strut shaft will constantly bottom out in the housing, and kill off your struts, or simple go with foxbody struts.

 

[paradigm]

I agree with the above quote. You will need them to get a proper alignment, or close to proper alignment, or you will be going threw tires, which isn't cheap these days.
As for the struts, they will need to be extended into the engine bay to allow rebound within the strut, or the strut shaft will constantly bottom out in the housing, and kill off your struts, or simple go with foxbody struts.

How do you extend the struts into the engine bay?

 

[GDawg]

How do you extend the struts into the engine bay?

You can purchase spacers. I think mine came with my CC plates but can't remember. I had lost one so I ordered more from Maximum Motorsports. They help bring the strut further into the engine bay for more normal strut travel.

 

[trombonedemon]

O.p., you don't think you need a bumpsteer kit?

 

[paradigm]

You can purchase spacers. I think mine came with my CC plates but can't remember. I had lost one so I ordered more from Maximum Motorsports. They help bring the strut further into the engine bay for more normal strut travel.

Do you know where to place these spacers? Is it below the stut tower, somewhere along the cylinder? Sorry I am a noob when it comes to this stuff.

 

[paradigm]

O.p., you don't think you need a bumpsteer kit?

I didn't think so? I researched a bunch of H&R SS threads prior to installation, and there wasn't much mention of a bumpsteer kit? What will this kit help me do? I know my geometry is obviously off from factory, but it doesnt "seem" to have affect my handling negatively.

 

[trombonedemon]

Late Model Mustang Suspension Basics
That website explains the mustang suspension basics very well.

 

[wheelyman19]

Thanks for he link I also never understood anything suspension wise!

 

[GDawg]

Do you know where to place these spacers? Is it below the stut tower, somewhere along the cylinder? Sorry I am a noob when it comes to this stuff.

You use them both above and below the strut tower. The lower ones go between the strut and the underside of the strut tower. This determines how far the strut shaft will extend into the engine bay.

The upper ones are to make up for the lengthy shaft between the top of the strut tower and the strut mounting nut.

What ever combination of spacers you use, they have to be identical on both sides of the car.

See the spacer below the nut?

Strut Shaft Spacer Kit, Caster Camber Plates [MMCCSpacer] : Maximum Motorsports, the Latemodel Mustang Performance Suspension Leader!

 

[paradigm]

Thanks for the visuals.