I have been looking into suspension for my 1968 coupe. THere is everything out there from near stock replacements to 4 link rears with everything you can think of. I plan on running a 427 (351 stroker) and going for a near stock look, my question is if I upgrade the leaf springs, add new shocks traction bars etc with a positraction rear end and nice mode tires will this be enough to get my power to the ground? or is the 4 link rear end worth the $$$?
does good traction = $$$$?
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Mustang Parts from Mustangs Plus :: --Kits-- :: Suspension Kits :: Street Heat Suspension Kits :: 1967-70 Street Heat Suspension Kit
I like this kit, along with some traction bars. I have a friend that bought a 4 link for a street rod he was building (totally different car though, 36 Ford I think) and ended up not using it. He didnt like it al all. I dont want to spend $3,000 on a 4 link and not like it. Im going with a 9in rear with 3.70 gears and a positrack diff.
I like this kit, along with some traction bars. I have a friend that bought a 4 link for a street rod he was building (totally different car though, 36 Ford I think) and ended up not using it. He didnt like it al all. I dont want to spend $3,000 on a 4 link and not like it. Im going with a 9in rear with 3.70 gears and a positrack diff.
I have a 408w making some pretty decent power. I am running 5 1/2 leafs out back with a 9inch (3.70 and a detroit locker 35 spline axles) and traction master traction bars. All in all it hooks up pretty well. If you really get on it, it does just smoke the drag radials but I am very pleased with it all in all.
Truer words were never spoken!
Wheelspin has saved many an axle. I'm told dealers were encouraged to sell big-block Mustangs with open differentials to cut down on warranty claims.
S-Car-Go
Member
I had the under rider bars and didn't like them in the corners. They did hook well though. Albeit my car doesn't go to the track. I pulled them off and went back to using Maier Racing leafs. I've used them on other cars and tried to cheap out this time with the traction masters. The Maier leafs are biased to the front, so the front half works like a control arm and the back half works like a spring. They are pricey for a leaf spring, but I like them much, much better than cheap leafs + under riders.
Maier Racing Enterprises - Suspension Fiberglass - Hayward, CA 94541
Maier Racing Enterprises - Suspension Fiberglass - Hayward, CA 94541
Hack
15 Year Member
Stay away from Trac-Loc if you're making over 300 HP or are ever going to run slicks. Upgrade to Detroit Locker or true track.
I've heard good things about Cal tracs but I've never used them. I don't make enough power for wheel hop.
I've heard good things about Cal tracs but I've never used them. I don't make enough power for wheel hop.
iskwezm
10 Year Member
My buddy has a 347 and 5 leaf mid eyes,KYB's and Shelby under riders and on a 255/50/16 drag radial can cut a 1.6 60 ft.
I agree about the comment about lockers. I would never have one in a street car. I think they are good for off road rigs and the drag strip. If your going to drive it around town or to cruise night etc, you probably won't like the locker. I prefer traction lock differentials.
The upgraded GT springs work nicely. I have them on my car and really like them. You can also go with the stiffer 4.5 leaf etc. I have Lakewood traction bars and they work pretty well, but I don't run slicks. The traction master bars are a great way to go. There is also a good one called Cal Trac I think, that is similar to them.
The upgraded GT springs work nicely. I have them on my car and really like them. You can also go with the stiffer 4.5 leaf etc. I have Lakewood traction bars and they work pretty well, but I don't run slicks. The traction master bars are a great way to go. There is also a good one called Cal Trac I think, that is similar to them.
blown65
Founding Member
Caltracs work great but I have no idea how they work on a road course setting. Even on the street I have tons of traction.
Never minded my Locker on the street. Hell, my car has a spool now, doesn't really bother me that much either. Car is too loud to hear it dragging the inside tire. LOL
Never minded my Locker on the street. Hell, my car has a spool now, doesn't really bother me that much either. Car is too loud to hear it dragging the inside tire. LOL
iskwezm
10 Year Member
my buddy also has a detroit locker, cant even tell its in there.I was expecting to be noisy, but its not.
Hack
15 Year Member
Some people say that, and that's why I mentioned true trac. However, I've heard that modern lockers are better than they used to be.
Where can you get a trac-loc that can handle slicks? I would think that if you had that strong of a trac-loc, it would behave like a locker or worse any way. I've heard from people that put stronger springs in their trac-loc and changed the arrangement of steels and frictions that they drag inner wheels in parking lots just like the guys with spools.
+1
I have no issues with my locker, every now and then you can feel it locking/unlocking but other than that I am really happy.
I have heard that if you are making decent power you can chew up a trutrac over time...
blown65
Founding Member
I forgot our 67 Shelby has a detroit locker in it also. Never notice anything from it.
