GT Suspension upgrade

PistonBroke

New Member
Apr 1, 2005
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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
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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!).
 
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
 
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.

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.
 
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.