Suspension questions

[Kappa2006]

Hey guys. I have a 96 gt convertible and it rides like crap. I know its a sports car and is supposed to have a stiff suspension, but its a little ridiculous. I can feel every little imperfection in the road, and when i go over the big bumps, it feels like the car is going to fall apart. Also, when I'm accelerating and I go over bumps, the rearend jumps and the tires loose traction. I found a set of kyb G2 struts and shocks on ebay for 200 bucks. I have a feeling the stock stuts in there are bad, so instead of replacing with oem ones, I figured upgrade. Should these help make the ride a little better? I think the springs are ok? I've looked at them before, and they look like they're all in pretty decent condition so I'm going to keep them unless I'm advised to do differently. Also, the car has just reached 100k and I'm pretty sure all of the suspension parts are original. Are they're any bushings I should replace while I'm in there?

Another thing, I read that subframe connectors are a must on convertibles. Should these increase the ride quality? I found a set on ebay for about 40 bucks that I was going to weld in. Would they be ok, or should I go with name brand connectors and spend over 100 for em?

Thanks for all of the help guys.

Kapp

 

[hognutz]

I would do springs and shock and struts. as to what flavor that is up to you. if you want ride quality Iwould do moderate drop and decent shock and strut.

I think subfra

 

[Kilgore Trout]

In my opinion the stock shocks and struts are garbage. You should change that stuff out, do it yourself

There are a lot of options, shop around at Maximum Motorsports and Pro3i and see what your budget allows. You can also learn a lot just by shopping those sites. Also, check out the Bullitt Archive for tips on doing the change.

www.partshopper.com
www.maximummotorsports.com
www.bullittarchive.com

 

[trailblazr81]

After springs and shocks/struts look into rear lower control arms. Aftermarket ones are boxed with poly bushings and will help. As for subframes you really want some full length ones. Look for ones with cross braces and torque box plates. Springs, shocks/struts, lower control arms, and subframes will completely change how your car handles on the road. And with springs stay conservative on the drop, more than an inch and you'll need adjustable caster/camber plates to keep front end in spec. Mach 1 springs and shocks/struts are a popular upgrade.

Oh yeah... If you havent been reading much here stay away from Eibach Sportlines cuz the rears can sag.

 

[Kappa2006]

has anyone ever used kyb shocks and struts before, or at least heard of someone that has? I'm looking for ride quality and cheap cheap cheap. I wanted to avoid changing springs because the car seems low enough for me right now. Plus with the roads here in RI, I think i'm better off at the stock height.

 

[2002GreyGT]

The best kit I have found for the money is the Billitt suspension kit. Its nothing to special, not race quality. But people say its a better ride over OEM.

Shocks, springs and upgraded sway bars for $385 is the cheapest I found it.
http://www.wakeperformance.com/product_info.php?products_id=449
Stangsuspension.com has it for like $450.

I have never used wake performance, its just the cheapest place I have found it.

I am planning on using that kit when I get my tax refund. Probably some C/C plates as my front end has been repaired from an accident and I could use the extra adjustment range to help keep her in line.

~K