Suspension on High Mileage Daily Driver

[bchilt]

Hey Gang,

Here's the deal! I have a completely stock 94 GT with 115K miles. This is a daily driver and it's time to put some money into it (El mustango ).

I am never going to take this car to the drag strip, nor do I plan on breaking world records in the slalom. Picture cruising around Mt. Hood with the top back at 85 mph and then driving in stop n go traffic the next day. Think corner-carver wannabe.

So, there are plenty of packages out there (Max MotorSport Sport Box, Eibach Plus, etc) but I want to make sure that I'm also addressing those little pieces that are not included in suspension packages.

I don't need coil overs, don't need a tubular K-member but I want more than just Springs, Struts and Shocks.

In summary, replacing stock suspension but with no intentions of taking out Corvettes or 1/4 mile fire (I mean, nitrous)-breathing dragons. I'll leave that to you guys and my next purchase (03-04 Terminator ).

Thanks, guys!

 

[go-stang5.0]

I would say get a mild set of sport/lowering springs, some tokico hp or bilstein shocks and struts, and some high quality full length subframe connectors. Oh and some quality lower control arms. You should be happy with those results. Just make sure the lcas have spherical 3-pc bushings and or spherical bearing. Dont get any with a 1pc poly bushing.

 

[bchilt]

WOW! That was fast. Thanks for the advice. When I first started to do this, I was looking at Griggs GR40 stuff. HOLY CRAP, they have some great stuff but man, is it expensive. Thanks again,

B

 

[blksn955.o]

I would go with a bullitt/mach1 susp. setup.

a) matched springs and shocks/struts
b) fairly cheap
c) fairly cheap to replace when the parts that do ware out need replacing.
d) stock replacement as far as how it bolts up/fits
e) lowers the car a tad
f) the best factory handling in the 79-04 class of cars.

 

[go-stang5.0]

Yea the griggs and full MM kits are really expensive, but for the stuff you noted their full kits arent nescessary. All thats more for like an American Iron Race Car. Hell, I open track my car and I have over $2000 in the suspension and I can still think of another $2000 to spend on it. But for you start with those things and you will probably be like WOW. Then if you still want more...you can go from there. Oh, and welcome to stangnet... :SNSign:

 

[Al J]

Most of the aftermarket suspension kits have metal-on-metal surfaces, which give superior handling, but transmit noise--not what I wanted for a daily driver.
I installed Eibach progressive lowering springs, Tokiko Iiumina 5-way shocks---smooth as silk set on 2 for daily driving, Steeda caster/camber plates, Steeda upper & lower control arms, late model Cobra front a-frames w/new ball joints.
The result is a great riding daily driver, smooth yet sure footed--with no suspension noise.
BTW--An aluminum driveshaft adds to the smoothness.

 

[ProKiller]

you go with whatever company your comfortable with but as far as parts to get i would get springs, shocks, struts, caster/camber plates, full length subframe connectors, lower control arms, upper control arms, and a steering shaft. that righ there will be a huge difference over stock.

 

[Rootus]

In your shoes I would do this...

1. MM Road & Track Box

... and since you have a lot of miles ...

2. Ford HD upper control arms
3. Ford 03/04 Cobra front control arms

If it were my car, I'd get coilovers, and instead of the HD uppers, I would get a torque arm . But I open track my cars...

 

[fiveoho]

when my car hit about 105k i installed the following:

upr steel "shark" 3 bolt c/c plates
eibach sportline springs
energy suspension isolators
take-off low mileage 04 GT shocks/struts
17x9's with 255/45's & 275/40's
subframes ( previously installed )


other than the wheels/tires, all this was pretty inexpensive. definetly not a a corner carver but a improvement over what i had. i would suggest going with a better c/c plate than what i did. the upr's are noisy. the springs are good, slight slight sag on one side, common eibach thing i hear. energy suspension sucks IMO. busted isolators after very few miles. take-off shocks/struts were in FAR better shape than my 105k ones were . i picked those up on ebay for like $75 shipped. subframes not only stiffen things a bit but help tie the car together for safety.


cheap, decent upgrades