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Bilsteins for an 86 GT?

  • Thread starter Thread starter opihinalu
  • Start date Start date Apr 23, 2021
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    foxbody suspension suspension buy shocks struts

opihinalu

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#1
  • Apr 23, 2021
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I'm looking for parts to do a full suspension rebuild and I've seen a lot of posts praising Bilsteins for having very good quality, however they only advertise them for 1987-1993 mustangs. Do these not fit on an 1986? Did the suspension change from 1986 to 1987?
 

Rdub6

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues
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#2
  • Apr 23, 2021
  • #2
opihinalu said:
I'm looking for parts to do a full suspension rebuild and I've seen a lot of posts praising Bilsteins for having very good quality, however they only advertise them for 1987-1993 mustangs. Do these not fit on an 1986? Did the suspension change from 1986 to 1987?
Click to expand...
I’m pretty sure the front strut mount is of different thickness on the ‘86. Don’t remember if it’s thicker or thinner. I don’t think there is a difference in the rears.
 

Noobz347

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  • Apr 23, 2021
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It's thinner. You have to install spacers/bushings (big washers) where the bolts go through the bottom of the shocks.

Bilsteins are nice if that's the kind of response you want from the car. They are not designed to give you a comfortable ride and may cause excessive boob jiggling for significant others.
 
Reactions: 7991LXnSHO, General karthief and Rdub6

opihinalu

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#4
  • Apr 23, 2021
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Noobz347 said:
It's thinner. You have to install spacers/bushings (big washers) where the bolts go through the bottom of the shocks.

Bilsteins are nice if that's the kind of response you want from the car. They are not designed to give you a comfortable ride and may cause excessive boob jiggling for significant others.
Click to expand...
Haha. Ah okay so any recommendations for better handling and a smoother ride?
 

Noobz347

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opihinalu said:
Haha. Ah okay so any recommendations for better handling and a smoother ride?
Click to expand...
Yes sir... OEM struts and shocks. With the stock 4-link, it's about the best compromise between ride and performance you can get without spending a ton of money.

I like the Monroe replacements PN 33059 and PN 20767 for HD. If you plan to spend any track time then perhaps a set of Koni adjustable for the rear.

They give me the closest to the original ride that I'm aware of. They're not stiff like Bilsteins.
 
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Noobz347

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I think those part numbers are obsolete that I gave.

Here are the new:

Monroe | Performance Shocks & Struts

An industry leader in ride control components, Monroe shocks and struts are backed by premium materials and engineering for quality products you can count on.
www.monroe.com

Monroe | Performance Shocks & Struts

An industry leader in ride control components, Monroe shocks and struts are backed by premium materials and engineering for quality products you can count on.
www.monroe.com
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
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#7
  • Apr 24, 2021
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I think my bilstiens ride pretty good

it could be the coil-overs though
 

Noobz347

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Mustang5L5 said:
I think my bilstiens ride pretty good

it could be the coil-overs though
Click to expand...

Mixed with some progressive rate springs?


I'm sure it doesn't hurt.
 

7991LXnSHO

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#9
  • Jul 21, 2021
  • #9
Noobz347 said:
It's thinner. You have to install spacers/bushings (big washers) where the bolts go through the bottom …
Click to expand...

Noobz347 said:
They are not designed to give you a comfortable ride and may cause excessive boob jiggling for significant others.
Click to expand...
1. I remember the shims coming with some Monroes along the line for at least earlier 5.0 spindles.
2. Sooooo many CT worthy responses, most not fit for public posting.
 

OldManRiver

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#10
  • Jul 21, 2021
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The 86' spindles are THICKER at 1" compared to the later spindles at .750".
That's why you need to swap to the later spindles in order to run any type of performance dampers.
I had to make the swap in order to install some Bilstein HD's,which I have no complaints about the ride.Would I install them on a 67' Cadillac,probably not.lol
Parts store replacements come with the wider spacing and shims so your able to install them on all years.

Edit: If you think you'll ever make the move to a coilover setup then you'll need something like a Koni or Bilstein that can handle the higher spring rate,parts store replacements are not up to the task.
 
Last edited: Jul 21, 2021

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp
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#11
  • Jul 21, 2021
  • #11
OldManRiver said:
The 86' spindles are THICKER at 1" compared to the later spindles at .750".
That's why you need to swap to the later spindles in order to run any type of performance dampers.
I had to make the swap in order to install some Bilstein HD's,which I have no complaints about the ride.Would I install them on a 67' Cadillac,probably not.lol
Parts store replacements come with the wider spacing and shims so your able to install them on all years.

Edit: If you think you'll ever make the move to a coilover setup then you'll need something like a Koni or Bilstein that can handle the higher spring rate,parts store replacements are not up to the task.
Click to expand...
Thanks, my thin 5.0 spindles were earlier.
 
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