GT Suspension upgrade

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PistonBroke

New Member

Apr 1, 2005

2

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0

Apr 1, 2005

#1

• Apr 1, 2005

• #1

Hey all. 1st timer
So I have a v6 2004 shadow grey. No mods other than I have the 17" GT wheels. I want some improvement on handling and stance so I think I have narrowed it down to two options.
1. Upgrade to the GT suspension which I have a line on and I see a set for sale here as well. This inludes shock/struts/springs and bars. I asusme the GT suspension is stiffer but is it lower? I would like to lose (or at least reduce) the 4x4 look.
2. Ford racing B-spec (middle of the road 1" drop) springs. Any thoughts on which of these is the better option. This is my daily driver although I do take it out to the track day 2x a year (Atlantic motorsport park, in Nova Scotia, Canada). I think a 1.5"- 2" drop is more than I want, can I do 1" drop without camber issues?

Peace
D

 

'03 6-Speed

New Member

May 23, 2003

216

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Panhandle O' Texas

Apr 1, 2005

#2

• Apr 1, 2005

• #2

the GT suspension should be identical to yours, other than the rear sway bar I'm pretty sure, but I would probably go for ford C springs instead of the B springs, just my opinion, they're a little lower.

 

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OxMox

turkeysammichesonhisface

Mar 31, 2005

0

0

0

Palm Harbor, FL

Apr 1, 2005

#3

• Apr 1, 2005

• #3

I don't know about the GT suspension. I think that it's the same suspension that the V6s' have...? The FRPP C class spring, steeda sport springs and Eibach springs are good, all of them are between .75" - 1.50" lowering. I think that you can lower 1" - 1.50" with out needing any caster/camber plates, but I wouldn't go over 1.50" if you are going to use it for a daily driver and or your looking to spend a little more money for shocks, struts, C/C plates, end links, off-set rack bushings, bump steer kits...etc. etc. Here are a few web-sites for some parts.

www.gefracing.com
www.v6mustangstuff.com
www.steeda.com

 

Skymarshal

Member

Nov 5, 2004

572

0

16

Dallas

Apr 1, 2005

#4

• Apr 1, 2005

• #4

I think the GT shocks and struts are the same as the V6- the struts might be a little stiffer to compensate for the heavier engine. Same for the springs. The only stock springs I know are lower than the V6 springs are the ones on the Bullitt.

I'd recommend getting a rear sway bar first. The V6 came without one, and no matter if you get a GT, Bullitt, or aftermarket bar, it will really tame the "loose" rear-end of the V6.

Putting 1-1.5" drop springs in will help you lose the 4x4 look without requiring any additional steering or suspension parts. The brand of spring is up to you- check the other threads on the topic. I'd recommend progressive springs for a street-driven car. They're a little more expensive, but you'll get a much better ride.

 

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PistonBroke

New Member

Apr 1, 2005

2

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0

Apr 1, 2005

#5

• Apr 1, 2005

• #5

Thanks, I guess springs it is. I thought about adustable shocks as well but I think that will have to wait for a birthday present or something

Peace
D

 

Rol224

New Member

Apr 25, 2004

48

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Pittsburgh

Apr 1, 2005

#6

• Apr 1, 2005

• #6

http://www.gefracing.com/Merchant2/...e=G&Product_Code=MACHSUSP&Category_Code=MACH1


$350 for mach 1 shocks struts and springs. 1/2 inch drop.....might want more but I think that package looks great.

 

Lsredy2kstang

Look, I'm special, dammit

Nov 29, 1999

2,543

5

0

Woodstcock, Georgia

Apr 2, 2005

#7

• Apr 2, 2005

• #7

Well, if you think you want more then don't get them now. I know seveal people that have changed the springs numerous times costing some cash because they did not get what they wanted the first time.

Second, you should change the struts at teh same time and don't forget you may (possibly) need caster camber plates if you drop it. Not always but possible.

 

mustang50v8

Member

Feb 4, 2003

548

3

18

847 Chicago Burbs

Apr 3, 2005

#8

• Apr 3, 2005

• #8

i know that the website posted above for with the mach 1 suspension also sells the bullit suspension which i believe gives a 1" drop but i am not exactly sure...check it out.

edit: here is the link http://www.gefracing.com/Merchant2/...e=G&Product_Code=M5400A&Category_Code=BULLITT

 

marvinmycat

Founding Member

Feb 13, 2002

1,179

0

0

Buffalo, NY

Apr 4, 2005

#9

• Apr 4, 2005

• #9

When I dropped my car 1.3" (Steeda sports and Tokico's), my rear end was a little low (convertible), so I ended up upgrading the upper/lower rear control arms to weight jacking ones. There are also spring seat lifters availalble for the rear as well if cost is a factor.

Other than that, get a rear sway bar - mines on the way (finally!).

 

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PhantomGT

Founding Member

May 4, 2002

469

0

0

Austin Texas!

Apr 4, 2005

#10

• Apr 4, 2005

• #10

As stated above the GT suspension is junk, you already have it on your car, the GT gets a dinky sway bar in the rear and that’s just about it. If you can, get your hands on a 96-98 Cobra rear sway bar, that will give you the best bang for the buck in the back. As stated above too $350 for the Mach 1 / Bullitt suspension is not really worth it, I would go for some lowering springs and some shocks and struts that will handle and perform when you need it. Bilstein is what I run and they come with a Million Mile Warranty and they are very affordable.
Here’s a photo of the suspension mods I have, subframes, 98 cobra rear sway bar, 93 cobra R sway bar, Bilstein shocks and struts and some Roush Racing Springs
http://www.mustangmods.com/data/2939/subframes5.jpg

 

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slo00stang

New Member

Mar 10, 2004

27

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0

Apr 10, 2005

#11

• Apr 10, 2005

• #11

If the suspensions are the same, then why do I see some of the springs and stuff advertised as for the GT only?

 

marvinmycat

Founding Member

Feb 13, 2002

1,179

0

0

Buffalo, NY

Apr 10, 2005

#12

• Apr 10, 2005

• #12

They aren't the same. GT spring sets have higher rates for the front than V6 sets to allow for a heavier engine.

 

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Tru_Blue_104

New Member

Nov 13, 2003

218

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MN

Apr 11, 2005

#13

• Apr 11, 2005

• #13

I just installed the Mach 1 Shocks/Struts combo (no springs). They are awsome! I cant beleive the handeling you get from these. Highly Recomend them.

 

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007

Founding Member

Jan 29, 2002

3,287

24

69

Broke

Apr 11, 2005

#14

• Apr 11, 2005

• #14

LsRedy2Kstang said:

Well, if you think you want more then don't get them now. I know seveal people that have changed the springs numerous times costing some cash because they did not get what they wanted the first time.

Second, you should change the struts at teh same time and don't forget you may (possibly) need caster camber plates if you drop it. Not always but possible.

Click to expand...

I'll second that. My H&Rs dropped the rear about 2" and the front is slammed. Its completely impractical and I scrape the hell out of the K member. I just ordered Roush springs for the front. I'd recommend Roush or Steeda springs all round, and the KYB adjustable shocks/struts (I paid 350 for the set). If you want lower go for the Eiback Pro-kit or the H&Rs. Its the verts that drop a ridiculous amount with the H&Rs.

 

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kstang69

New Member

Aug 14, 2003

153

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0

atlanta, georgia

Apr 13, 2005

#15

• Apr 13, 2005

• #15

before my gt i had a 2000 v6 and i put on the eibach pro-kit. i thought it looked great, handled great, didnt scrape execpt on really big speed bumps(just learned to go a diff way or sideways), and i didnt install anything cept the springs. yep, no cc plates, shocks, etc. dont go with gt springs, they are the same.