Lowering Car

[65tang]

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]

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+2GT]

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.

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

Arning/Shelby Suspension Drop

 

[Pony66]

The Shelby 1" drop is the best $0.00 i have ever spent on my Mustang.
It handles remarkably better, looks good too.

 

[2+2GT]

I suppose we should ask how high it is now. If I lowered mine 1 1/2", it would be too low. Photo?

 

[65tang]

thank you

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

 

[JonK]

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]

Nice 65. I agree it would look better with the front brought down a little.

 

[2+2GT]

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: