Struts and springs question

bhuff30 · May 24, 2006

I have a set of adjustable Tokico Illuminas on the 88 (fairly new too). I was thinking seriously about putting them on the 97'. They should bolt up fine, and yes, they would have 1" less extension and 1" more compression. The ride height is stock. Anyone have a good reason I shouldn't do this? I would like to get something softer for drag racing on the 88, and these tokicos could really brighten the 97 I think.

Next question, is there is a big difference in springs between the 96-98 and the 99+s? My family owns several 99+s and they all feel like they're sprung slightly stiffer, espeically in the front. If I can bolt up some 99+ springs, and aleiviate the nose dive and poor handling of the soft 97 front end, I would be pretty happy. Is that a worth while swap?

02FastblackGT · May 24, 2006

I'm not sure if the shocks are interchangable for the 88's to the 97's. If they are, then I would deffinately say go for it because new shocks will always help a stang. Not sure which shocks you would want to go with for the 88 though. I wouldn't imagine shocks would make too much of a difference for drag racing, especially since you already have decent aftermarket ones. As far as the springs go, I believe all years of mustangs share the same spring design (please correct me if I am wrong). I see a lot of manufacturers stating mustang springs 79-04...but they could be wrong.. Anyways, I wouldn't reccomend swapping a stock spring for another stock spring for any year mustang. The stock springs I had on my 2002 GT were very soft, and produced a lot of nose dive under braking also. If you are going to go through all of the trouble of changing out the springs, at least give your stang some good quality ones!! Plus, you'll like the results more!!

bhuff30 · May 24, 2006

I know what you're saying about swapping stock for stock, but I can get the 99+ take offs for dirt cheap, which is 2-300$ more than aftermarket springs. Sounds to me like the spring rates are about the same though, so it wouldn't be worth it.

Thanks for the input. I'm just starting the shopping for new struts on the 88, but I'm pretty sure I'll put the illuminas on the 97.

02FastblackGT said:
I'm not sure if the shocks are interchangable for the 88's to the 97's. If they are, then I would deffinately say go for it because new shocks will always help a stang. Not sure which shocks you would want to go with for the 88 though. I wouldn't imagine shocks would make too much of a difference for drag racing, especially since you already have decent aftermarket ones. As far as the springs go, I believe all years of mustangs share the same spring design (please correct me if I am wrong). I see a lot of manufacturers stating mustang springs 79-04...but they could be wrong.. Anyways, I wouldn't reccomend swapping a stock spring for another stock spring for any year mustang. The stock springs I had on my 2002 GT were very soft, and produced a lot of nose dive under braking also. If you are going to go through all of the trouble of changing out the springs, at least give your stang some good quality ones!! Plus, you'll like the results more!!

Struts and springs question

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