Struts and shocks, input please,,,

[white07gt-cs]

I really respect the opinions posted on this forum and they've been real helpful so far so I'll ask for your input again.

I have a 07 GT and I'm planning on lowering it. While I'm doing the dreaded front springs I was thinking that it would be the ideal time to change the struts and shocks at that time to avoid having to deal with the springs again.

I am not unhappy with the overall road manners of my car. The ride is controlled enough for average road duty. Yes I know it wouldn't cut it on the track (yes I've spent time there, so I know the difference) but up to about 8/10ths, it seems fine to me. This is a DD and it's not unusual for me to drive down Highway 1 on the coast where secure handling is really important then return on I-5 which is long and straight and most of the time bumpy, where a smooth ride is really appreciated.

My first choice is the Tokico D-Spec's however they are really pricey when compared with the HP's. The ability to adjust the settings is cool and it's a great feature to tune your ride exactly as you like. Changing the settings all the time is not something I would expect to do, being it is kind of a pain in the butt even with the remote adjusters. If adjustments could be made while inside the car on the roll, I could see the adjustability feature being a great asset. Hell, my 1987 T-bird turbo coupe had that feature and it worked great.

So my questions are;
Should I just stick with the stockers for my type of driving?
Would the HP's work significantly better than stock without ruining the ride quality on a long trip?
Or, should I bite the bullet and work out a compromise with the D-Spec's?

Thanks for your help,
Rick

 

[LV51FER]

I have the D-Specs over Roush springs and get a good quality ride. I elected to stick with the stock sway bars and found that on the mid-setting, the car was fine but maybe a little soft for fast roadwork so I turned the D-Specs to one turn off hardest all round and have never revisited them since fitting them in 2005.

Many would argue that destroys the point of adjustable dampers but the fact is that if the HPs were the equivalent of the mid-setting, I wouldn't have been happy with it so having the ability to tune the car to my liking was important. However, I don't know what the HPs are like so can't say, it's just nice to have the choice.

I can't really agree that the stock suspension is anything but lazy and sloppy and allows the car to rock like a seesaw but maybe UK roads are a bit more demanding.

Incidentally, I chose the Roush springs as they are progressive and don't seem to be anything like as harsh as the FRPP and Eibachs and don't lower the car so much as to cause problems with clearance. and the ride is fine even on 20's. I also re-used the strut tops without any problem.

 

[DarkFireGT]

The HP's are going to be better than stock, but for a couple hundred extra, you'll be able to tune to exactly the ride that you want. Tuning them is not a pain, it's very simple, actually. (Also, installed the fronts is very simple, as well.) I look at it this way. You can try to save a couple of hundred and get the HP's, but there's a good chance you'll wish you got the D-Specs. Or, you can get the D-Specs, and know you'll be happy. Might as well do it right the first time.

 

[white07gt-cs]

I knew I'd get great feedback here. This is just the kind of info I was looking for. No "cheerleading" just straight, concise information. Thanks, you've helped a bunch!

 

[menace07]

+1 If you're going to change the springs, might as well change the dampers...if you're going to change the dampers, might as well pay a little more to get the ones that allow you to tune the suspension to meet your demands. I was skeptical at first, especially since i thought it would be a pain to adjust them correctly. I'm glad i got the dspecs, though, and its very easy to find recommendations for a good starting point on the adjustments.

 

[PDXStangDude]

I put H&R racing springs and D-specs on about 3 weeks ago (first time ever doing this type of project). It is pretty easy and I went back and forth on getting the HP's vs. the D-spec. I'm glad I went with the D-specs, the tuning of the shock/strut is easy and you can retune all sides within 5 minutes no problem (pop the hood, pop the trunk, make adjustments, test'er out!).

The only screw up I made was not putting the stock boot over one of the front strut rods so I had to re-do that side again But the third time only took me like 30 minutes or so.

 

[DarkFireGT]

I put H&R racing springs and D-specs on about 3 weeks ago (first time ever doing this type of project). It is pretty easy and I went back and forth on getting the HP's vs. the D-spec. I'm glad I went with the D-specs, the tuning of the shock/strut is easy and you can retune all sides within 5 minutes no problem (pop the hood, pop the trunk, make adjustments, test'er out!).

The only screw up I made was not putting the stock boot over one of the front strut rods so I had to re-do that side again But the third time only took me like 30 minutes or so.

I did the same thing. I just left it lol. I'll probably fix it one of these days. Maybe. They fit so loosely, I don't think they do much of anything anyways.

 

[NastyStang113]

Don't stick with stocks if you like the stock ride. Trust me. My girlfriend has stock struts/shocks, with Steed Ultalites and it's not a good ride. Steeda Ultralites are also supposed to be one of the best riding springs only second to Roush springs. I was in the same boat as you. I couldn't decide between the HP and D-Specs. I figured I'd only adjust them once etc. Finally I manned up and bought the D-Specs. I don't regret my purchase at all. They ride AMAZING !! I'd recommend them to anyone. I'm running Steeda Sport Springs, which are a little firmer than a lot of springs, and I'm running 5 turns from full hard in the rear and 4 turns from full hard in the front. It rides awesome !! I also installed the BMR Adj. Panhard Bar (Poly) and their Brace at the same time. I'd recommend doing it while you've got the car in the air and everything apart.