• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Lowering Car

  • Thread starter Thread starter 65tang
  • Start date Start date Mar 26, 2011
6

65tang

New Member
Feb 2, 2010
6
0
2
Mar 26, 2011
#1
  • Mar 26, 2011
  • #1
Can someone tell me the most inexpensive way to lower the front end on a 65 Mustang? I would like to drop it about 1 1/2".
Thanks for any help.
 

JonK

Member
Jun 6, 2007
276
0
16
Nashville (Smyrna), TN
Mar 26, 2011
#2
  • Mar 26, 2011
  • #2
Have you done the Shelby/Arning drop?
DazeCars, Shelby Drop, Klaus Arning drop, upper control arm drop, Falcon, Mustang, Cougar 60-70

It will bring your front down 3/8"~1/2" but the drop is not the reason to do it, it improves alignment, steering, handling and tire grip. The drop is just a byproduct. I suggest it first so that if you do the other thing I suggest you won't be too low if you do the drop last, that's why I'd do it first.

Next easiest/cheap is to cut the coil springs. Cut 1/2 a coil at a time, cut both sides, install and check ride height after driving a few weeks (settling). If it's not low enough cut another half coil and check again. The only issue is that this will also increase your spring rate with each cut so the ride may get a little stiffer progressively. Or just spend the $60-$75 and get some 1" drop springs, they will drop the car more than 1" probably though, mine did.
You can rent an internal spring compressor at most any parts store for free, leave a deposit, get a full refund on return.

Here's a good front end article from the same site:
DazeCars, Suspension 101
Jon
Jon
 
2

2+2GT

10 Year Member
Apr 25, 2009
3,333
10
79
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Mar 26, 2011
#3
  • Mar 26, 2011
  • #3
JonK said:
It will bring your front down 3/8"~1/2" but the drop is not the reason to do it, it improves alignment, steering, handling and tire grip. The drop is just a byproduct. I suggest it first so that if you do the other thing I suggest you won't be too low if you do the drop last, that's why I'd do it first.
Click to expand...

I agree. Here's another write up, with template and wheel alignment specifications:

Arning/Shelby Suspension Drop
 
P

Pony66

New Member
Jul 23, 2010
124
0
0
Mar 27, 2011
#4
  • Mar 27, 2011
  • #4
The Shelby 1" drop is the best $0.00 i have ever spent on my Mustang.
It handles remarkably better, looks good too.
 
2

2+2GT

10 Year Member
Apr 25, 2009
3,333
10
79
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Mar 27, 2011
#5
  • Mar 27, 2011
  • #5
I suppose we should ask how high it is now. If I lowered mine 1 1/2", it would be too low. Photo?
 
6

65tang

New Member
Feb 2, 2010
6
0
2
Mar 29, 2011
#6
  • Mar 29, 2011
  • #6
thank you

Thanks everyone for your feedback and information. here is a picture of my mustang.
 

Attachments

  • Picture 733.webp
    43.5 KB · Views: 187

JonK

Member
Jun 6, 2007
276
0
16
Nashville (Smyrna), TN
Mar 29, 2011
#7
  • Mar 29, 2011
  • #7
That's pretty high, looks like it may have stock standard leafs in the rear and stock springs in the front. Same suggestions as earlier for the front, cut the springs or swap to 1" drop after doing the 1" shelby drop. For the rear you can try adding 1" lowering blocks between the leafs and the axle. I wouldn't go any thicker than 1" spacers, next step would be to get mideye springs to replace the standard eye. Can't see the rear shackles, if there are lifting shackles on it remove them and replace with the shorter stock ones.
Jon
 

tx65coupe

Active Member
Nov 29, 1999
1,551
1
37
Mar 30, 2011
#8
  • Mar 30, 2011
  • #8
Nice 65. I agree it would look better with the front brought down a little.
 
2

2+2GT

10 Year Member
Apr 25, 2009
3,333
10
79
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Mar 30, 2011
#9
  • Mar 30, 2011
  • #9
I would do the "drop" first, and then adjust by taking 1/4 coil out of the spring if it's still too high. You should be seeing something like this:

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Suspension End link replacement size
  • Teen'93stang5.0
  • May 12, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
6
Views
103
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 20, 2026
Teen'93stang5.0
L
2000 Mustang PATS - Broken Key and Wire - HELP!
  • Laree Taylor
  • May 7, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
10
Views
113
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- May 12, 2026
manicmechanic007
Resolved 83 frame rail damage?
  • x_man586
  • May 13, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
6
Views
119
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 14, 2026
General karthief
6
Vib
  • 65er
  • Mar 3, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
129
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Mar 14, 2026
65er
6
S
Oil cooler delete 4v 4.6 1999 cobra mustang
  • sami12
  • Feb 24, 2026
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
5
Views
269
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Feb 25, 2026
GOvert
G
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?