Tired Front Suspension?????

[87 T-top GT]

Not sure how to title my question so here goes, My 87 GT just doesn't drive and handle like it should. When driving at road speed I have some vibration, the car seems to want to wander slightly. I have also heard a popping noise
when turning sharply such as parking. The car does have sub-frame connectors and the tires are almost new B F Goodrich T/A radials. This is a very high mileage car but not an abused car. I have seen suggestions for related topics ranging from tie rod ends to brake rotors to even wheel bearings. I bought this car used but owned a 87 brand new so I know it should drive better than it does. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.

 

[bill302]

when i have problems with my front end i make a appointment with my local front end shop and he will check front end for free and tell me the problems, out of line, whats bad ect...and give me an estimate then i usually replace part and return for a $35 alignment. but by reading your thread its probably time for some front end replacements especially if front end is still factory installed parts. popping could means balljoints,wheel bearings or tie rod ends. you can also jack wheel up and check bearing play by pushing and pulling top bottom & side to side on tire and turn wheel to feel bearing spin but you need to know what to feel for. when you carry it to the front end shop watch how they check for play and ask questions you will learn alot. also we have a cheap, family owned, dependable front end shop in town. ask around about shops in your area and find a good dependable shop. just a little of my experience and opinion hope it helps. oh ya front end parts are easy to replace in most situations especially if you own a repair manual and alot of manuals will tell you how to troubleshoot problems.

 

[bill302]

Not sure how to title my question so here goes, My 87 GT just doesn't drive and handle like it should. When driving at road speed I have some vibration, the car seems to want to wander slightly. I have also heard a popping noise
when turning sharply such as parking. The car does have sub-frame connectors and the tires are almost new B F Goodrich T/A radials. This is a very high mileage car but not an abused car. I have seen suggestions for related topics ranging from tie rod ends to brake rotors to even wheel bearings. I bought this car used but owned a 87 brand new so I know it should drive better than it does. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.

almost missed it, i see its your first post, welcome to the site :SNSign: and good luck

 

[srothfuss]

What happens when you step on the brakes? Does it pull one way or the other?

Things that wear out:

Tie rod ends
Ball Joints
LCA bushings
Wheel bearings
Strut bushings

I like the idea of taking it to a shop for an estimate of what needs to be corrected. It's definently not safe to be driving around with a messed up front end. BTW: my dad has a '87 T-top and it drives so good!

Unoffically welcome to :SNSign:

 

[onefstsnake]

Take it to a performance shop, preferably a mustang shop.

I took my stang to a Tire/Brake shop and they quoted me $1200 to replace the shocks and springs with cheap replacement parts.

I then took it to a Mustang only shop and they installed Steeda springs and Tokico shocks for $840 that included parts and labor.

 

[old_blue]

Take it to a performance shop, preferably a mustang shop.

I took my stang to a Tire/Brake shop and they quoted me $1200 to replace the shocks and springs with cheap replacement parts.

I then took it to a Mustang only shop and they installed Steeda springs and Tokico shocks for $840 that included parts and labor.

Sounds like you got ripped off J/K I paid 200 for my eibach springs and then another $150 from summit for my shocks and struts and installed it all myself. Drives like a new car compared to when I first got it. Of course I didn't have it all at the same time so each part by itself helped a little. But the whole package (struts, shocks, springs, subframes) make the car handle sooo much better. I am shooting for some rear upper and lower control arms after I finish my 5 lug conversion.

 

[old_blue]

also, when I had a popping noise it turned out that my rack and tie rod ends were done for. replaced those too. The only thing I didn't do myself was the alignment, which I am working on getting one of those machines LOL!

 

[onefstsnake]

Steeda Springs are $300, $212 for the front shocks, and $100 for the rears + alignment = $642 with tax.

I went with Tokico shocks.

 

[87 T-top GT]

Thanks everyone for your replys, that gives me some areas to check and work on. I will post back later to say what I found.

 

[87TTopGT]

Hey, another T-brother- welcome to Stangnet!

 

[Kerpal]

did you ever find what the problem was?

my car does all of the things you are describing.
i think i am just going to replace everything in the front end...