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Suspension Upgrades

  • Thread starter Thread starter Benz510
  • Start date Start date Feb 19, 2016
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    suspension struts shocks bushings
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Benz510

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Feb 19, 2016
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Feb 19, 2016
#1
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #1
How's it going all. Just bought an 89 Mustang GT. Does anyone have any suggestions on what i can do to the suspension to make it ride as comfortable as the car should. I know there's some wear and tear on the suspension but i would just like to know everyone's opinions on what should be done first. Struts/shocks.. etc?

Thanks
 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard
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Feb 19, 2016
#2
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #2
shocks are likey shot, springs probably worn out, a arm bushings dry rotted, sway bar bushings cracked, end links missing bushings, control arms bent, and then theres probably twisted torque boxes.

Gotta love a Mustang
 
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stykthyn

I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.
15 Year Member
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#3
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #3
I would focus on everything said above. New sway bar end links, ball joints, shocks, control arm bushings front/rear, and at minimum front springs.
 
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A5literMan

At least it is lumpy...
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#4
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #4
And if replacing rear controll arm bushings I'd just buy some controll arms anyway. What type of driving do you plan on with car? Daily/nice day driver? Street/strip? Give us some info and we can recommend parts etc.
 
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Benz510

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#5
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #5
A5literMan said:
And if replacing rear controll arm bushings I'd just buy some controll arms anyway. What type of driving do you plan on with car? Daily/nice day driver? Street/strip? Give us some info and we can recommend parts etc.
Click to expand...
I would do daily driven but would like to "get on it" here and there. Definitely not going to baby it. Not muchnof A track guy but i do play around.
 

stykthyn

I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.
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#6
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #6
Benz510 said:
I would do daily driven but would like to "get on it" here and there. Definitely not going to baby it. Not muchnof A track guy but i do play around.
Click to expand...
Stock arms with poly bushings would probably be fine for you.
 
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Benz510

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#7
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #7
stykthyn said:
Stock arms with poly bushings would probably be fine for you.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the replies everyone . Have any of you heard or experienced using the energy suspension kits on the fox bodys?
 

stykthyn

I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.
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#8
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #8
Yup. Super tight and responsive. There is a good bit of NHV over stock rubber, but the car will feel and perform exactly as you would expect it to.
 
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Benz510

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#9
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #9
stykthyn said:
Yup. Super tight and responsive. There is a good bit of NHV over stock rubber, but the car will feel and perform exactly as you would expect it to.
Click to expand...
I have only driven the car a few times as I'm letting it sit for a little so i can work on it. I notice when i punch the gas the car tends to vibrate. My thoughts were that the original suspension especially the bushings on everything are worn. Also thinking of replacing the motor mounts for the hell of it. Would you guys think this would make a huge difference to solve the problem?
 

stykthyn

I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.
15 Year Member
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#10
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #10
Definitely replace the motor mounts. The stock ones will have surely deteriorated by now. The engine will have all kinds of extra movement especially under throttle.
 

Benz510

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Feb 19, 2016
#11
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #11
stykthyn said:
Definitely replace the motor mounts. The stock ones will have surely deteriorated by now. The engine will have all kinds of extra movement especially under throttle.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Any other suggestions besides the energy suspension kit and motor mounts?
 

stykthyn

I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.
15 Year Member
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#12
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #12
Subframe connectors and a k member brace.
 

Benz510

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Feb 19, 2016
#13
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #13
stykthyn said:
Subframe connectors and a k member brace.
Click to expand...
I was thinking about that also. How about the Tranny mounts? That should help with some vibration yeah?
 

A5literMan

At least it is lumpy...
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#14
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #14
I'd do both trans and motor mounts. Frame connectors make a big difference. I personally have never ran a k member brace. I think I still have some new stock replacement controll arms in the garage. if you're interested.
 

Benz510

Active Member
Feb 19, 2016
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Oakland California
Feb 19, 2016
#15
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #15
A5literMan said:
I'd do both trans and motor mounts. Frame connectors make a big difference. I personally have never ran a k member brace. I think I still have some new stock replacement controll arms in the garage. if you're interested.
Click to expand...
I'm leaning towards getting the energy suspension kit so i think i'll just go with what i have on the car already. I appreciate it.
 
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Benz510

Active Member
Feb 19, 2016
171
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Oakland California
Feb 19, 2016
#16
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #16
I know this other question i have is off subject regarding clutch cables. Should i just make a new thread? I'm new to this forum.
 

Benz510

Active Member
Feb 19, 2016
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Oakland California
Feb 19, 2016
#17
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #17
Benz510 said:
I know this other question i have is off subject regarding clutch cables. Should i just make a new thread? I'm new to this forum.
Click to expand...
Ah. It was a dumb question. I'll start a new.
 

smokin joe

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Feb 19, 2016
#18
  • Feb 19, 2016
  • #18
My car is just a street car and I went with the following parts

Moog ball joints
Prothane front control arm bushings
Prothane poly isos
Prothane sway bar bushings and endlinks
2001 Bullitt springs
Tokico blue shocks and struts
MM cc plates

I haven't upgraded the rear control arms yet but am leaving towards J&M uppers and MM lowers.

If I would change one it would be the springs.
In hindsight I would probably go with Steeda sport springs or Eibach pro kit.
 

Davedacarpainter

Chicks can make things hard if they’re inspired...
SN Certified Technician
Nov 28, 2015
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Feb 20, 2016
#19
  • Feb 20, 2016
  • #19
Replace the rear spring isolators while you are at it, Prothane makes them as well. Your old ones probably looked like the ones I had.
 

89oem

Mustang Master
Dec 18, 2013
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Feb 20, 2016
#20
  • Feb 20, 2016
  • #20
rebush your stock upper control arms and get MM lca, great combo and MM recommended
 
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