Replacing front struts

Black GT · Dec 30, 2019

Its time to replace the front struts on my 2001 GT. The PO lowered my car I think 2 inches. It has gotten to where almost any bump in the road the top of the tire rubs on the top of the fender liner. Question, I am pretty sure just regular stock GT shocks are what I need to replace the existing shocks on the car but wanted to check before I purchased them. I do not think the special struts are used to lower the car. Any advice is welcomed. The front tire size is 245/45zr/17.

JCBeaver · Dec 30, 2019

For the best ride possible, you would want the aftermarket lowering struts, but you can get by with the stock struts. In your case, if you are going to buy new struts, I would get the purpose built struts.

Black GT · Dec 31, 2019

Thanks, I definitely want whats going to give me the best ride. Just the car being lowered makes it rough. lol

tsemmett · Dec 31, 2019

Ride quality is a function of both the springs and the struts, while ride height is solely on the springs; oftentimes lowering springs use higher spring rates than normal (meaning the spring pushes back harder when compressed), which does result in a harsher ride. You need a better strut to dampen that.

I'm lowered about an inch (Ford Racing 'B' springs) and with basic KYB struts (under $300 for a shock/strut set), it's still pretty harsh; I'd probably aim more for the mid range (Strange/Koni/Lakewood in the $400 ish range), on up to the Bilsteins (more like $700), which were apparently OE on the 03/04 Cobra.

02vertable · Dec 31, 2019

Black GT said:
Its time to replace the front struts on my 2001 GT. The PO lowered my car I think 2 inches. It has gotten to where almost any bump in the road the top of the tire rubs on the top of the fender liner. Question, I am pretty sure just regular stock GT shocks are what I need to replace the existing shocks on the car but wanted to check before I purchased them. I do not think the special struts are used to lower the car. Any advice is welcomed. The front tire size is 245/45zr/17.

I got some Tokico shocks and struts for around 150, they've lasted a long time and ride great. Good choice if you're on a budget.

JCBeaver · Jan 4, 2020

I believe I had the Koni set when I had my 88 GT. I was on a budget and I got Koni orange shocks (forgot which model) with the Eibach Sportline springs. I remember enjoying the car that way so I think you would appreciate the lowering struts better to dampen your ride some more than the stockers would.

stormsedge · Jan 4, 2020

I have the Koni orange STR.Ts on my 2K. They are meant for an OEM or lowered car. They are the budget priced Konis. I like them with my OEM springs, but "ride" is a matter of personal preference. IMO, using stock replacements will shorten their life due to the lowered ride height and you'll be back looking for struts in a short time...read the manufacturer fine print and purchase something meant for a lowered suspension. Cheers!

flstang65 · Jan 4, 2020

If you are on a budget, Fox body shocks and struts will solve your issues. The bodies are like an inch and a half or so short so, you will have more room just from that.

Northwest_stang · Jan 4, 2020

I have the koni orange as well (str.t) on both shocks and struts they work great....

DarthStang2003 · Jan 4, 2020

JCBeaver said:
I believe I had the Koni set when I had my 88 GT. I was on a budget and I got Koni orange shocks (forgot which model) with the Eibach Sportline springs. I remember enjoying the car that way so I think you would appreciate the lowering struts better to dampen your ride some more than the stockers would.

This is pretty much my set up on my 03, can’t complain unless it’s speed bump time....

Northwest_stang · Jan 4, 2020

DarthStang2003 said:
This is pretty much my set up on my 03, can’t complain unless it’s speed bump time....

Yea good point, road traction, cornering, potholes all fine but for some reason speed bumps are hell to deal with lol

Replacing front struts

Black GT

Active Member

JCBeaver

Active Member

Black GT

Active Member

tsemmett

Active Member

02vertable

Member

JCBeaver

Active Member

stormsedge

flstang65

Northwest_stang

Member

DarthStang2003

Member

Northwest_stang

Member

Similar threads

Replacing front struts

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

Member

Active Member

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency