Improve handling without lowering?

ssbauer said:

I would like to improve the handling on my near stock 02 GT (added a catted X). Without getting into a big discussion on the why or the 4x4 look, I do not want to replace the stock springs at this point. I have some good reasons.

I just want some general handling improments for daily driving. I don't go to the track, but I have done a little (very little) autocross. Plus, I would like to reduce the rear end hop.

Doing some searches on this forum, I have narrowed initial modifications down to three possibilities.

- Subframe Connectors, stiffening the chassis. Less twist around corners and when accelerating and maybe reduce wear and tear on the car. Standard or Full length?

- Replace shocks/struts. I assume Ford didn't initally put good ones on. A quality set should improve handling and ride. Bilsteins?

- Panhard bar. Fix that rear end hop?

The question is what should come first, which combo should come first, or I am way off base to begin with? I am leaning toward starting with subframe connectors. Opinions and suggestions are welcome...

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BLUE03GT said:

what spring/shock n strut package would make for the smoothest ride?...

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tomustang said:

1. Full lenght subs - for less twisting and better chassis structure, you can't go wrong. It is one of the more common 'first mods'

2. Upgrading for better springs always leans tward a drop in height, you can find Mach 1/Bullitt springs which are stiffer than stock but only drop as low as .75 to 1 inch. Doubt you will find something stiffer and retain the factory height. Even though I would like to hear the reason why you like the 4X4 look.

3. Bilsteins are a much harsher ride but it will handle better, if you can deal with a harder ride, go for them.

4. Panhard bar... is a great choice but you should upgrade other rear componets first like a Solid replacment Rear Sway Bar (OEM Cobra, Steeda etc.) and look into at set of Lower Control Arms like Maximum Motorsports or Pro3i's LCA's. That'll help with the hopping and give a better feel in the turns.

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dromeda said:

On the other hand my cobra has a complete Griggs Racing GR40 Autocross setup, and well it handles nicely.

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BlueRuckus said:

Some other options:

Strut Tower Brace
G-Trac bar
Front and rear anti-sway bars.
Better Bushings all around.
Full length sub frame connectors for sure.

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tomustang said:

Did you choose the PHB or the watts?

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tomustang said:

1. Full lenght subs - for less twisting and better chassis structure, you can't go wrong. It is one of the more common 'first mods'



3. Bilsteins are a much harsher ride but it will handle better, if you can deal with a harder ride, go for them.

I don't agree with the bilstein thing, when they are matched it's a caddilac smooth ride and a definate corner hugger, with my front coilover kit with 300# springs and HD bilsteins, my car rides smoother and more comfortably over bumps and when you launch into a corner it stay's flat, bilsteins adjust themselves to road conditions and will give you a pleasent ride over uneven pavment with the cornering you are looking for, there is a reason for them beign expensive, if you have stiff springs and adjustable shocks and set them to soft, your just going to end up with a bouncier uncontrolled ride because the car will be over sprung, trust me i chucked my tokico illuminas in the garbage after 5k and the bilsteins where the best investment i ever made, do yourself a favor and call the Maximum motorsports tech line and they will explain everything to you.

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