• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

TRACTION PROBLEMS... Rant

  • Thread starter Thread starter Piston
  • Start date Start date Jul 7, 2004

Piston

Founding Member
Aug 1, 2001
215
0
0
Chicago Suburbs
Jul 7, 2004
#1
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #1
I'm regretting a lot of past decisions that I made to my car now!

Alright, back when my car was lightly modified I bought some suspension mods. I bought FMC B springs which lowered and stiffened up my ride. I bought Hotchkiss control arms and had the pinion angle done. I bought Koni Yellow adjustable shocks and struts. They are set to the softest ride possible. Now with my old 302 (324.5 RWHP) car I have had some serious traction problems that got even worse with the new 331. The only difference was I went from 18inch wheels to 17inch 2003 cobra's with a 315 drag radial tire that basically went bald after 200 miles. I torched those tires. The tires don't really bite as good as I need them to since with my 3.73 gears I have no first and second gear I have to ease the throttle for traction.

Alright so the real question is: Seeing these suspension mods does anyone have any idea's on what I should buy or do to get some more of my traction back? I would at first like to avoid replacing parts I have already put on. I do realize I may have to but I'm trying to avoid it since I rebuilt everything in the engine bay once before.

MONEY PIT :damnit:

Just getting started modding your car? Heed these words:

"DO not under estimate your desire for HP! It's addictive "
 

TT91

Active Member
May 23, 2003
1,536
0
36
Paramus, NJ
Jul 7, 2004
#2
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #2
WELL..if your looking for weight transfer to the rear wheels for traction, your not going to be able to do it with the FMS B springs. I know alot of guys run the eibach drag launch kit and still have the lowered look that im sure you want to keep.Removing the sway bar(front) is always an option, but not a very safe one. You should be alright with the Koni yellows since they adjustable, unless you looking for serious tracking, a set a lkewood 50/50 and 90/10s could be in order. Hope i helped, good luck...im in the same boat u are.
 

Piston

Founding Member
Aug 1, 2001
215
0
0
Chicago Suburbs
Jul 7, 2004
#3
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #3
What about a pan hard bar? Not sure if that's what it's called? I agree with the drag springs and the lakewood shocks/struts but is there anything else?
I have considered removing my sway bar.
 

TT91

Active Member
May 23, 2003
1,536
0
36
Paramus, NJ
Jul 7, 2004
#4
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #4
yea a panhard bar and torque link would probably be a really nice setup with your current mods.
 

Pod

Member
Aug 17, 2003
71
0
6
Cambridge, UK
Jul 7, 2004
#5
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #5
If you decide to replace the 'B' springs, let me know - I'm after some of them.
 

Piston

Founding Member
Aug 1, 2001
215
0
0
Chicago Suburbs
Jul 7, 2004
#6
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #6
sirsureshot39 said:
yea a panhard bar and torque link would probably be a really nice setup with your current mods.
Click to expand...


What brands? Any recommendations?
 

Piston

Founding Member
Aug 1, 2001
215
0
0
Chicago Suburbs
Jul 7, 2004
#7
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #7
Pod said:
If you decide to replace the 'B' springs, let me know - I'm after some of them.
Click to expand...

Alright I will I will know a bit more in 2 weeks what I'm going to do.

If you got AIM add my TR1FORC1AN. I actually think I might want to sell them contrary to what I just wrote up there.
 

TT91

Active Member
May 23, 2003
1,536
0
36
Paramus, NJ
Jul 7, 2004
#8
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #8
theres only two companies to really choose from, Maximum Motorsports and Griggs, both awesome setups.
 

rd

Founding Member
Jan 12, 2000
3,316
63
109
Ocean Springs MS
Jul 7, 2004
#9
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #9
With that size DR's, and a decent burnout, you should be able to hook. I would try removing the front swaybar, (track only), trying different tire pressures, etc. The only part change that I see needed might be to install some lift bars, like Megabites or Southsides and maybe and airbag.

Mine hooks nicely with all stock stuff in the rear, 1982 rubber bushings, boxed stock lca's, old Lakewood traction bars, unknown shocks, etc. Adding the rear swaybar back helped. 275-50-15 DRs stick like glue, after proper warmup.
 

DJTR

Member
Mar 19, 2004
228
0
16
OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada
Jul 7, 2004
#10
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #10
Hey now don't forget Kenny Brown!!!!!
 

Piston

Founding Member
Aug 1, 2001
215
0
0
Chicago Suburbs
Jul 7, 2004
#11
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #11
rd said:
With that size DR's, and a decent burnout, you should be able to hook. I would try removing the front swaybar, (track only), trying different tire pressures, etc. The only part change that I see needed might be to install some lift bars, like Megabites or Southsides and maybe and airbag.

Mine hooks nicely with all stock stuff in the rear, 1982 rubber bushings, boxed stock lca's, old Lakewood traction bars, unknown shocks, etc. Adding the rear swaybar back helped. 275-50-15 DRs stick like glue, after proper warmup.
Click to expand...

Well I did notice that running 25lbs of pressure and a burn out I got traction but I had to take it easy out of the hole and I couldn't completely floor it. So I know there is hope for these tires but suspension is my next agenda because I want to come outta the whole at 5k. After I do beef up my rear end. What's the lowest recommended tire pressure on those drag radials?
 

TIMMY2734

Founding Member
May 17, 2002
1,330
1
36
Queens, NY
Jul 7, 2004
#12
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #12
First thing id do is ditch the shocks and struts and go with something more drag oriented. Something liek the lakewoods or Strang adjustables fair very well. Do yourself a favor and get some real tires. Put a set of et streets or drags on a 15inch rim or even your stockers.
 

Legendary

Founding Member
Oct 10, 2002
1,925
0
0
City of Angels
Jul 7, 2004
#13
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #13
MM has my vote. But my car is more setup for autocross.

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/582401/4
 
R

rks'92/5.0

New Member
Feb 26, 2004
6
0
0
Jul 7, 2004
#14
  • Jul 7, 2004
  • #14
adj. rear sway bar:http://www.maximummotorsports.com/rsb.asp or better yet just call maximum motorsports. 805-544-8748
 

Piston

Founding Member
Aug 1, 2001
215
0
0
Chicago Suburbs
Jul 8, 2004
#15
  • Jul 8, 2004
  • #15
Thanks guys... I will be buying some stuff from MM. I'm going to inquire about a group discount if anyone is interested let me know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

1
Electrical Headlight harness trouble
  • 1985fox
  • Apr 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
178
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 17, 2026
AeroCoupe
H
Forced Induction On3 Turbo Kit- Parts list NEEDED - 302 Stock Motor
  • Hirothecool1
  • Feb 27, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
21
Views
830
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Mar 7, 2026
slow84lx
S
Opinions on a possible project car w/ pics
  • Teen'93stang5.0
  • Mar 29, 2026
  • 2.3L (N/A & Turbo) Tech
Replies
10
Views
190
2.3L (N/A & Turbo) Tech Mar 30, 2026
Teen'93stang5.0
D
96 get convertible-sell or part out?
  • DTCstang
  • May 17, 2026
  • What is it Worth?!?!?
Replies
5
Views
65
What is it Worth?!?!? May 18, 2026
nickyb
O
Good all around perfornace-ish tires?
  • optionizerSS
  • Jan 25, 2026
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
5
Views
247
2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk- Mar 8, 2026
optionizerSS
O
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?