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  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

IRS vs. Solid Axle

  • Thread starter Thread starter 5literstang
  • Start date Start date Oct 8, 2004
5

5literstang

New Member
Apr 15, 2003
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Clark, NJ
Oct 8, 2004
#1
  • Oct 8, 2004
  • #1
if alot of people are swapping there IRS out of there cobra for a solid axle then why did ford put them on the cobras in the first place? whats the significance of it? what are some pro's and cons of the both? thanks -Jeff
 

Cobra Jay

Member
Apr 7, 2004
889
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16
Motor City
Oct 8, 2004
#2
  • Oct 8, 2004
  • #2
I think a solid axle should have come standard and an IRS should have been an OPTION on all Mustangs.

Solid axles are a lot stronge than an IRS for us guys who like to hit the drag strip.

But you get a better ride Quality and handling out of an IRS.

I'm glad to see that Ford didn't go with an IRS in the 05 Mustangs. I hope that if the do decided to put them in the v-6's ang GT's in the future they will still make a solid axle available to the guys who like to drag race.
 

neoclasiccl

Founding Member
Jun 1, 2002
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57
Help I can't see !!!!!!
Oct 8, 2004
#3
  • Oct 8, 2004
  • #3
They do provide a much nicer ride I will admit. But I plan on ditching mine soon since these are not made to take the 600 rwhp I have with the setup.
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
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Oct 8, 2004
#4
  • Oct 8, 2004
  • #4
(Pulls up to starting line).......Vroom......Vrooooom......(dumps clutch)....hop, hop, hop....BANG!!! "Damnit, call a tow truck!"

How's that for a pretty picture?
 

mity2

I like Pro3 and all I got was this crappy CT.
Jul 24, 2003
2,872
3
48
StateCollege PA
Oct 8, 2004
#5
  • Oct 8, 2004
  • #5
GT JAY said:
I think a solid axle should have come standard and an IRS should have been an OPTION on all Mustangs.
Click to expand...

yes, yes, yes!!! thats how it should have been!!!

I don't drag race. I'd much rather have IRS, and be able to eat little rice rocket on the corner then just straight race..


but thats just me
 
5

5literstang

New Member
Apr 15, 2003
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Oct 9, 2004
#6
  • Oct 9, 2004
  • #6
so i guess the cobra's dont like when the clutch is dumped?
 
T

tarch

My 8V > 4V > 2V
Founding Member
Aug 20, 2002
3,073
1
56
Redmond, WA
Oct 9, 2004
#7
  • Oct 9, 2004
  • #7
5literstang said:
so i guess the cobra's dont like when the clutch is dumped?
Click to expand...
the 03's don't

my GT with the IRS likes it very much
 
A

alfman9

New Member
Apr 9, 2004
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Florida
Oct 9, 2004
#8
  • Oct 9, 2004
  • #8
yea these cars are a biotch to get a feel for. but once youve got the feel, she squats and goes like nobodys business
 
5

5literstang

New Member
Apr 15, 2003
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Oct 9, 2004
#9
  • Oct 9, 2004
  • #9
will a 99 cobra like when the clutch is dumped?? lol
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
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234
Ontario, Canada
Oct 9, 2004
#10
  • Oct 9, 2004
  • #10
5literstang said:
will a 99 cobra like when the clutch is dumped?? lol
Click to expand...
They're all fine until you add some traction. You probably wont' break a halfshaft with the '99's or GT's power output, but it'll still wheel hop the odd time...even on radials.
 
5

5literstang

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#11
  • Oct 9, 2004
  • #11
how much would it be to swap out a IRS for a solid axle? is it really worth it?
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
Oct 10, 2004
#12
  • Oct 10, 2004
  • #12
5literstang said:
how much would it be to swap out a IRS for a solid axle? is it really worth it?
Click to expand...
All depends on your point of view. If you planned on a lot of drag racing, or making some serious power with your car, then it might be a good idea. But then again you wouldn’t perform as well on a road course and would loose a very slight bit of ride quality with the solid axle. If you could find a donor SN-95 to swap rear ends with, then it’s basically just take parts from one and install them into the other.
 

maddogg545

Founding Member
Oct 13, 2001
91
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NJ
Oct 10, 2004
#13
  • Oct 10, 2004
  • #13
why did ford put them on the cobras in the first place?
Click to expand...
SVT wanted to close the gap between the cobra and the vette. The platform that the 03 cobras were built on was not made for IRS. SVT just stuck it in there and did a real good job of making it work. However the next cobra platform to debut will be made to complement the IRS, so hopefully we will see a fast improvment.

1320 and red lights = solid rear

Autocross = IRS
 
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