Suspension knowledge needed

[AmBo]

Hey all. I'm looking to lower my car and have a friend who is going to do it for me. But I want to make sure that I am getting everything I need and this is where you guru's come in.

I have a 00 GT vert and am going to buy Eibach pro springs and Tokico struts. The Eibach springs are $200 on ebay new and the Tokico struts are $140 for the front, $70 for the rear. This will drop the car about 1.4".

Is this all I need? Are these parts worth the money? Am I missing anything? I'm open to changes and suggestions so those of you who have already lowered your stangs, please give your input and how much the project cost you overall.

Thanks!

 

[Brisk281GT]

Check out my pictures, I also have Pro-kit springs but I also have Eibach struts and shocks. I think it ended up lowering my car more than 1.5in.

 

[AmBo]

How much did the whole project cost ya?

 

[Brisk281GT]

I also bought sway bars from a company called Progress. They are much bigger than the stock ones and help the car emmensely in turns. No more body roll. I thought that it was funny that before I had all the suspension stuff on and I tried shaking my car from the inside by moving from side to side while sitting in the drivers seat it would shake like crazy. After it barely moves at all. I think it's due to the swaybars.
I originally ordered Eibach's swaybars but after taking 5+ months to get my stuff in they ended up sending me the swaybars for an 86-93 Mustang. Then when I called Eibach they said it might be a while before they get more in the warehouse. I was so pissed that the shop that I bought it all from let me buy the Progress ones instead. I was so mad at Eibach.

 

[JOHNS01GT]

I believe anything 1.5 inches or more needs caster camber plates. Less than that I don't think you need em. I have the pro kit system and my drop was 1.25 inches. I almost wish it was more but, the handling improved a little and it doesn't look all jacked up anymore. I think every mustang should already come from the factory lowered.

 

[AmBo]

Where did you guys buy your parts from and where did you get them installed? Did you do it yourself?

 

[Brisk281GT]

How much did the whole project cost ya?

It was about $800 for everything. If you go to Eibach's website, just look for the Pro-system Plus. That is basically what I have.
I would also invest in some Caster/Camber plates too, you will probably need them to get your allignment corrected. I know my camber is off by a few degrees because the stock C/C plates didn't allow for enough adjustment. I ordered the Steeda 3-bolt C/C plates from Stangnet's Partshopper a few days ago for about $175 with shipping. If your camber is off you will wear out your tires like crazy.

 

[Brisk281GT]

Where did you guys buy your parts from and where did you get them installed? Did you do it yourself?

I bought the suspension stuff from Discount Tire, they had a decent price, plus I liked that I had someone to complain to. And believe me...I'm glad I did. Eibach makes great stuff but their customer service SUCKS. I had a friend that is a mechanic do it because I didn't have the time. Plus, most regular shops that do that kind of work charge anywhere from $379-500+ for installation. I checked a bunch shops and they all wanted a lot just to install. My friend did it for much cheaper.

 

[AmBo]

Even with a 1.25" drop I'm gunna need to get sway bars? I read different on other forums. That sway bars aren't necessary. Also, u think c/c is necessary? a 1.5"+ drop ususall requires c/c plates, no?

 

[Brisk281GT]

Even with a 1.25" drop I'm gunna need to get sway bars? I read different on other forums. That sway bars aren't necessary. Also, u think c/c is necessary? a 1.5"+ drop ususall requires c/c plates, no?

You don't need sway bars, they were just my suggestion for improved handling. I would put the suspension stuff on and get an allignment and see if you can get the camber correct first before you buy the C/C plates. If not, then I would get them. The only disadvantage here is that you have to take some stuff off again to put the plates on when you decide that you need them.
ALSO, get your allignment at SEARS if you get one before you get the plates because if you need them, they will do free allignments for 6 months (warranty) so you don't have to pay again to get another allignment once you get the plates on. Paying twice sucks.

 

[AmBo]

good call on the sears. so no matter what, after I get the suspension on, get it realigned? Hop on AIM if u get a chance (ambogt)

 

[Brisk281GT]

good call on the sears. so no matter what, after I get the suspension on, get it realigned? Hop on AIM if u get a chance (ambogt)

Yeah, you will need the allignment. Pretty much anytime you change suspension components or tires/wheels it is always a good idea to get an allignment. It will definately be off.

Sorry, no AIM, i'm at work

 

[AmBo]

okay, I'm looking at the eibach site and its authorized dealers have crazy prices. $260 for the kit and I don't even see struts. Am I missing something?

 

[Brisk281GT]

They just group shocks (in the rear) and struts (in the front) into "dampers"
This is what I have basically, but yeah it's expensive:
http://eibach.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.exe/0054.2.6545473189400008442

Here, this makes for good reading:
http://eibach.com/eibach/sitenews/images/08-01-02Mustang.pdf

This is a pricing from tirerack.com:
Pro-System Plus
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...it&group=Pro-System+Plus+Kit&partNum=3517.680

Pro-system (kit without the swaybars)
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...tem+Kit&group=Pro-System+Kit&partNum=3510.780

 

[Brisk281GT]

Actually, as I see now, Tirerack raised the price of the pro-system plus about $50 or so.

 

[AmBo]

wowza! $900 just for the kit! Holy wow. I think I'll stick with my cheap setup. Eibach pro springs off ebay $180 and tokico struts running about $240. Basic, cheap setup. Wish me luck!!!