Suspension kit installation complete (pretty long).

67topless · Apr 30, 2006

Over the last four weeks or so, I have been installing the Street Performance Kit from Mustang Depot:

http://mustangdepot.com/OnLineCatalog/Suspension/susp-kit.htm

First of all, I have to say I am very happy with the handling of the car after all is said and done and even more so I am glad I choose this kit. Another thing, I am glad I took my time over the period of four weekends to do things a little bit at a time as I got to see how each install made a factor into the handling of my car. This is how things went:

First I installed the Maier racing 160 low leaf springs with the poly racing shackles. These are 4 1/2 leaf springs that are supposed to lower the vehicle about 1 1/4 inches from stock.

http://mustangdepot.com/OnLineCatalog/Suspension/mr-leafs1.htm

With that said, the rear sits lower than the stock springs did with 39 years of sagging in them. At the center of the fender @ it's highest point, it is 24 1/2 inches (pretty low). In combination with the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks, this is a pretty stiff ride. However, I am very happy with the way it handles!

The following weekend, I installed a 3/4 inch rear sway bar with poly end links. This is probably the one upgrade that I am not sure gave me any benefit. Currently this car does not see any track time other than hard street driving. Add that to the fact I am not an experienced race car driver, I don't know whether this is a good deal or not. At least I am honest...

Last weekend I installed a 1 inch front sway bar with poly end links. Wow... it is amazing what a difference this made. Can't say enough about how much better the car drove with this upgrade. There have been a couple of recent posts on this, and I whole heartedly agree that it is a nice enhancement.

This weekend I installed 600# front springs (1 inch lowering) with the KYB shocks up front. In addition, I installed the OpenTracker Roller Spring Perches.

http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/perch.html
http://mustangdepot.com/OnLineCatalog/Suspension/spring-perches.htm

Haven't gotten a chance to do more than 15 miles or so with these additions, but I am very very very very pleased with the handling so far. Unfortunately, the stance of my car has not changed at all. As I mentioned above, my rear center fender is 24 1/2 inches from the ground where as my front is a full 2 inches higher at 26 1/2 inches... exactly where it started. So given the new coil springs where a 1 inch drop from factory, I guess I had 1 inch worth of sagging from the stock coil springs. What to do next... cut coils or the Shelby drop? Hmmmm... something to ponder for a few days.

So, all in all, I am very happy with the products I got from Mustang Depot and my ass is worn out from changing those damn coil springs... what a PITA. But now it is done!

Scott

bnickel · May 1, 2006

Unfortunately, the stance of my car has not changed at all. As I mentioned above, my rear center fender is 24 1/2 inches from the ground where as my front is a full 2 inches higher at 26 1/2 inches... exactly where it started. So given the new coil springs where a 1 inch drop from factory, I guess I had 1 inch worth of sagging from the stock coil springs. What to do next... cut coils or the Shelby drop? Hmmmm... something to ponder for a few days.

i'd be willing to bet you'll need to do both. the shelby drop will not get you a full inch lower, generally only about 1/2"-3/4". the rest you'll need to make up by cutting the springs. the springs may settle a bit over a few weeks time as well. start with the shelby drop and a 1/4 coil and drive it for a couple weeks to let it settle and see where that gets you. if you need to go lower after that do a 1/4 coil at a time or less to get it dialed it in just right.

DarkoStoj · May 1, 2006

cutting coils is also going to increase your spring rate

1320stang · May 1, 2006

I'd give the front time to settle first, then look into the Shelby drop.

Swede958 · May 1, 2006

Agreed, the coils will take take time to settle into their nominal ride height. I'm suprised the rear dropped so much, what sort of eye config do they have (standard, mid, reverse)... I got 4.5 leafs on mine with mid eyes and it dropped it only about .5" to 1".

67topless · May 1, 2006

Swede958 said:
Agreed, the coils will take take time to settle into their nominal ride height. I'm suprised the rear dropped so much, what sort of eye config do they have (standard, mid, reverse)... I got 4.5 leafs on mine with mid eyes and it dropped it only about .5" to 1".

The Maier's racing leaf springs don't use the description of mid or reverse. They state high or low... which the low is supposed to drop the rear about 1 1/4 inches.

I've thought a couple of times as to whether I've installed them correctly... initially I had the rear raised on jack stands when I installed the leaf springs and torqued all the hardware down. Then when the rear was not level (drivers side rear was lower than the passenger side rear), I did some posts and it was recommended that I loosen everything up and take it for a spin around the block and then torque it all down again with the tires on the ground supporting the suspension. I did this except I did not loosen the front eye bolts. The rear is plumb now; just still sits pretty low. I actually like the look of the low rear (if the front matched), just want to make sure it is installed correctly as well.

Martyred · Jul 10, 2006

hey Scott,

I'm looking into upgrading my stock suspension system on my 1966 sprint 200 as a first step in upgrading my project car. Wanted to say that i found your post very helpful and informative. Thanks!

stangkid88 · Jul 11, 2006

good post, since I've been looking into complete suspension kits like that myself. give it some times for the springs to settle, and if you want to go lower I would do the Shelby drop. my car has the shelby drop thanks to the PO and it sits pretty low, not sure about any specs on my springs. pics??

rlong66 · Oct 12, 2007

Did you install the 1" poly spring insulators?

Jimmys66 · Oct 13, 2007

I have the same rear springs and I agree, it sure seemed more than a 1.25" drop.

It was to low for me so I made a longer set of shackels to raise the car where I wanted it. I have the progressive coils in the front with a 1.75" shelby drop. The coils had 1/3 of a coil cut off and now I'm happy with the stance.

Suspension kit installation complete (pretty long).

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