just because a suspension design is old, doesnt mean it is not as good as something more modern. granted something newer might ride better, and be easier to tune(why take 5 sets of leaf springs to the track when you can 3 sets of adjustable coil overs that take up less room and are easier to install quickly). with the right geometry the stock early mustang suspension does an excellent job under many different situations. the downside is that it is a lesson in compromise compared to modern designs. opentracker and historic both can point you in the right direction regarding parts selection, and tuning, as can a few of us others. my recommendations for the street are;
opentracker modified upper control arms
opentracker lower control arms with the reenforcement and roller bearing.
opentracker roller spring perches
adjustable strut rods
540lb rate springs for the street(actually a pretty good all around spring) 620lb springs if you are going racing.
1" or 1 1/8" front sway bar
kyb gas shocks, koni's are better if you can afford them
set the suspension as follows;
caster +3 degrees
camber -0.5 to +0.5 degrees
toe in 1/8" total.
for the rear suspension;
a 4 1/2 or 5 leaf spring, preferably with a military eye on the front, but not required, with a rate of 200in/lbs
3/4" rear bar
again kyb or koni shocks
for steering, the best overall set up is probably going to be flaming river's 16:1 replacement steering box imo. rack and pinion is good, but for the expense not worth the effort right now. that goes out the window though if your swmbo is going to drive the car, or you dont have the arm strength to deal with manual steering(i personally dont like the stock ford power assist steering).
although you didnt ask, my recommendation for braks, tires and wheels;
the cobra 4 wheel disc kit from mustang steve. since this gives you 13" rotors in front, you will need 17" wheels, and the stock cobra wheels or the bullet wheels, both in 17x8" with a 245/45-17 tire.
this will make for a very well rounded package that when you add subframe connectors, and perhaps a center cage like total control designed, that handles and brakes like a modern car, and still has a decent ride on the street.
the above mods can be done in stages as needed, and for the not much more than the cost of a rack and pinion kit, and coil over shocks(not the complete suspension system though).
