Suspension Issue?

[Kensgt]

Ok, I have a 87 Gt with new shocks, however not so sure about the springs . When I drive down the road the car seems to bounce, not in a bad shock way but just does not feel like there is much give in the suspension. The shocks are just Monroe Sensa Tracs, nothing special.Can worn springs cause this? I expect a firm ride but not a bouncy one.

Thanks!

 

[JKidd]

Typically, springs don't "wear". They may crack or break, but they don't get "worn out".

Were the springs removed when the new shocks went in? If so, were they put back correctly (ie. pigtail facing the same way)?

If so, you might just be experiencing some softer shocks.

 

[stang&2Birds]

As said, springs do NOT "get worn". They break, crack, rust away, but a 30 year-old car spring is as good a a new car spring. Again, assuming that it's not broken, rusted, or modified (heated/cut/etc).

How new are the shocks?

Get a tape measure. and
o) Make sure your tires are at the correct pressure
o) Measure every corner from the ground to the fender.
o) List your rim, and tire size, tire MAKE, and tire MODEL.

You may have firmer, or aftermarket springs in your car.

With the correct tires, tire pressure, and rims, your car should sit ~27" +/- ~1/3" at each fender. Every fender height will be different.

If you have firmer springs in your car, the Monroes are too soft.

 

[Kensgt]

Hey thanks I will try that. The springs are not cracked, they look like they are in decent shape and the shocks are new. I had a 89 5.0 before and I do not remember it riding quite this harsh. But the prior owner could have slaped some bad springs in though, I didn't ask when I bought it. Back springs may need replacing as the back does sag a good 1/2 to 1 inch lower than the front.

 

[ID89GT]

Springs can sag over time causing ride height to change, but thats about it.

 

[stang&2Birds]

Springs can sag over time causing ride height to change, but thats about it.

No they can not!
OEM Automotive springs DO NOT SAG - Period!
(Note: Of course, duh, the above does *not* include springs that have been heated, cut, or otherwise f****ed with!)


Read much?

As said, springs do NOT "get worn". They break, crack, rust away, but a 30 year-old car spring is as good a a new car spring. Again, assuming that it's not broken, rusted, or modified (heated/cut/etc).

Unless you, or your source of MIS-information also has a MS in Engineering and over a dozen years working with high reliability stuff with custom springs, I fully stand by MY statement and the statement of Eibach, and every spring manufacture!

As I've said a ZILLION times the isolators compress in designs like the Stangs!

As I've also said a ZILLION times, I dare you to find one Principal level Mech Eng that has 10+ years of design experience with springs similar to automotive springs to say that automotive springs (since the 70's) "sag".

Also, anyone that's an ME student can go to a junk yard, get old and new springs, and test them with the tools that any decent University has to prove or disprove what I, and the companies have said. There is no secret! Just MIS-information by people that don't have an engineering degree, or don't know about about real-life automotive springs and real-life suspensions. Often, they are the same people that tell you to cut 1+ coils off the spring and drop the car 1.5"+ for better handling.

 

[stang&2Birds]

Hey thanks I will try that. The springs are not cracked, they look like they are in decent shape and the shocks are new. I had a 89 5.0 before and I do not remember it riding quite this harsh. But the prior owner could have slaped some bad springs in though, I didn't ask when I bought it. Back springs may need replacing as the back does sag a good 1/2 to 1 inch lower than the front.

For the back, measure/check the wheel to outside body panel difference. The rear-end may be shifted. That would cause a drop. So, if one tire in inwards 1", and the other is outwards 1/2", then the rear-end has shifted. That's also common in older foxes. That shift makes the distance from the top of the rear spring perch to the bottom longer. That's causes a drop in the rear.

Also, they might have put in other springs or even cut the old springs,

Also, I doubt that there are any bottom isolators left under the rear springs. Those seem to wear faster. Also, check the torque boxes. On an older car like a Fox, a few burn-outs can twist or crack them.

Yup, plenty of possibilities.