• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-

Shocks and Struts

  • Thread starter Thread starter Grand Poobah
  • Start date Start date Apr 16, 2010
G

Grand Poobah

New Member
Dec 27, 2009
18
0
0
Apr 16, 2010
#1
  • Apr 16, 2010
  • #1
Hey guys, so I got new Steeda control arms installed along with an entirely new differential package in the rear. The car feels much better although I suspect in this particular instance it has more to do with the new tires (Yokohamas) than the control arms. I would like to be proven wrong, but that is just my gut feeling so far.

I was planning on putting in new front and rear shocks which I was going to buy off the Steeda site, but I have run into several issues.

Issue list:

1) My suspension has been lowered by about an inch by a previous owner (he's the guy who went nuts with the Steeda mods...not complaining, but he did )

2) If I don't get adjustable shocks, will this be an issue. As far as I know, all the shocks were and have been stock, this guy didn't touch those.

3) I was planning on getting Koni shocks for the front and Tokicos for the rear, simply because I heard Koni is superior and that the front shocks are more critical than Tokico shocks, but Tokicos are cheaper, and I'd like to put in new rear shocks as well.

4) On Steeda's website, Koni does not offer front shocks, just front struts. Tokico on Steeda's website does offer front shocks and front struts.

Which one should I invest in (assuming money is an issue) : Struts or Shocks for the front?

Koni Stuff on Steeda.com:
Koni Adjustable Shocks - '87-'04 Mustang
Tokico stuff on Steeda.com:
Tokico High Performance Struts & Shocks - '87-'04 Ford Mustang

OR should I go for the Illumina Tokico stuff?
Tokico Illumina 5-Way Adjustable Struts - '87-'04 Ford Mustang

I'd appreciate any and all advice, thanks guys, cheers!
-GB
 

MustangLX-5.0

Founding Member
Dec 2, 2000
856
7
38
Lehigh Acres Fla.
Apr 29, 2010
#2
  • Apr 29, 2010
  • #2
I have no experience with any of those brands as far as struts and shocks go. However, their listing for a "Front shock" is a typo. 578-TOHB3140 is actually a front strut for a 94-04. There is no such thing as a front shock on a Mustang. The strut is actually a shock but it is called a strut because it support some of the vehicle load and alters the steering/handling response. Big difference from a shock. Shocks also only have a single bolt on the bottom which allows it to pivot and be mounted at different angles. Struts have 2 bolts and does not allow movement on the bottom side. Instead the spindles do the moving.
 
G

Grand Poobah

New Member
Dec 27, 2009
18
0
0
Apr 29, 2010
#3
  • Apr 29, 2010
  • #3
MustangLX-5.0 said:
I have no experience with any of those brands as far as struts and shocks go. However, their listing for a "Front shock" is a typo. 578-TOHB3140 is actually a front strut for a 94-04. There is no such thing as a front shock on a Mustang. The strut is actually a shock but it is called a strut because it support some of the vehicle load and alters the steering/handling response. Big difference from a shock. Shocks also only have a single bolt on the bottom which allows it to pivot and be mounted at different angles. Struts have 2 bolts and does not allow movement on the bottom side. Instead the spindles do the moving.
Click to expand...

Great, thanks for the headsup and the response MustangLX
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Suspension Harsh Ride
  • PonyGTrider
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3 4
Replies
62
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 11, 2026
Noobz347
MRT hood struts shocks need replacement - where to get?
  • TTSaleen
  • Feb 8, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
186
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 10, 2026
Mustang5L5
New to me 98 Cobra
  • bird_dog0347
  • Feb 25, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
26
Views
1K
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Mar 24, 2026
FastDriver
N
Fox Street Suspension Build Advice
  • NYFox
  • Jan 25, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
289
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 28, 2026
Noobz347
Which Lakewood Front Struts Would Work the Best?
  • 93gtmustang
  • Nov 7, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
126
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Nov 7, 2025
Ethereal_Zer0
E
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
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?