struts/shocks for an 1984 GT

[VinceD76]

I'm having a little problem deciding on a set of struts/shocks for my 1984 GT. Its a plain GT hatchback no trx package. It has the quad shocks which I plan on eliminating for now because I'm going to get some rear control arms and some drag radials. I've done some research on the net and I have a few books (Mustang Performance Handbook 1 & 2). My car is not driven daily. I'm looking for a good street/strip setup. I guess adjustables are ideal but it seems like the brands KYB AGX and Tokico only offer shocks for 1987-1993. I know the shocks/struts are one of the most important parts of the whole system. I was wondering on which way to go. I was thinking maybe just the KYB gas-a-just or Lakewood possibly. I saw Comp Engineering offer adjustable rears in the Summit Catalog but I'm not really familiar with them. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am kind of limited with the choices for my application.

 

[TC93]

I just went through this,, I ened up getting the Tokico Drags struts. I looked at the KYB adjustables, & the Strange 10 way's. The KYB's are more geared for handling( 1 is like stock and 2,3,4 and firmer) and not drag according to their tech that I e-mailed. I like the Strange for the price, but didn't like where the adjustment knob was.(lower part of strut) The Tokico's are pricey but they are nice, I just got them today. Check out jdmwerks13 on E-bay. He had the best price I could find ont he Tokico 5 way drags.( $290 shipped,) Or you can get the regualr 5 way Tokico's(BB-3026) for the same price, but these are are like the KYB's, geared toward handling.(firmer than stock) I got the Tokico drags(part # RB-3026) since in the firm setting they are like stock struts and can be loosened up for the track.

 

[VinceD76]

Thanks for the input. I didn't think Tokico made a strut or shock that fit an 1984 GT. I'll look into the two model #'s you gave me. I've been lucky with Ebay. I've picked up a lot of nice stuff. Does anybody have any input on the Lakewood drag struts and shocks?

 

[82boy]

here is the problem. in 87 they changed the spindles on the v8 cars and gave them a biger 11 brake. the reason the struts will not work is beacause the spindles on pre 87 cars and non v8 cars hase a 1 inch wide mounting tab that the struts bolt to. on the other spindles its a 3/4 inch mounting tab.

now some companys like lakewood and comp enger. make thier struts to the 10 inch brake spindles like you have. and on the 11 inch brake spindles they give you spacers to fit them.

thier is a quick fix get a set of spindles off of a 87-93 v8 mustang or a t bird turbo cupe. they will mount to your ball joints.and them you can run the other struts. also you gain better brakes. i guess ontop of that if you change the calipers from another car i belive its a crown vic you gain more for they have bigger pistons.

anyhow i have used comp enger. shocks and struts for a few years. the shocks are ok and are adjustable. i would not recamend the struts. this caused me some problems with my 60 foot times on my race car and belive it or not you can buy the strange 10 way adjustable struts from the factory
for 9 dollars a piece cheaper that the comp 90/10s and they are a much much better strut. strange tech told me that the strut is valved so it can be adjusted to be used for anything you can through at it.

anyhow my recamendation is to change the spindles and buy a adjustable strut. i would not mess with lakewood or comp engineering struts. this is my opion. on the rear the comp enger are fine. also depending on what you plan on doing with the car will also effect the choice of shocks. but you will find a good pair of adjustable struts will be the key no matter what you do with the car.

 

[VinceD76]

Thanks I appreciate the input. Eventually I was planning on upgrading to the 8.8 rear so i guess I could change out the spindles then so I can use the better shocks. Its just that my shocks and struts are pretty much done and it gets real annoying banging all over the place.