What suspension for a stock '85 Stang GT

[luckyae]

Ok, I know that this question has been asked in general several times, but usually the information I read about is not applicable to my '85 GT. In fact most parts for mainstream upgrades start with either '86 or '87. So my question to people who really know what they are talking about (not someone who will just type in, "use x brand" because they heard their friends brother knew a guy who bought it for his firebird). I have money in hand and truly want to make an educated purchase, so with a totally stock '85 what is the best way to upgrade my suspension without spending more than say $300-$500 bucks? Thanks a bunch in advance

 

[icarus]

The problem with the 85 is the front spindle and the rear 7.5 axle. Replace the rear end with a t-coupe 8.8. T-coupe rear is a great package, a strong 8.8" rear end, disc brakes, and either 3.55 or 3.73's. You can mantain stock axle width by using the North Race car brackets for the calipers and reuse the 85 axles. Replace the front spindles with 89-93 spindles, then you can put 73mm brakes on with 11" rotors. These were my first upgrades, now everything is like my 89. Unfortunately the t-coupe rears are a little tough to find.

Subframe connectors are always a good buy, if you can't find one, it's fairly easy to fab one-$100. Strut tower brace -$150, K-member brace-$80, lowering springs -$200 and replace those rubber bushings.
You can always weld support plates to stock rear control arms (upper/lower) to reduce twisting, if you can't replace the rear end and can't find control arms.

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/
http://secure.50resto.com
http://www.northcobras.com/catalog/brakes/brakes.htm
http://www.discbrakesrus.com/make/ford/mustang19871993.htm
http://mjbobbitt.home.comcast.net/

Hope that's a little help.

 

[luckyae]

Yeah thats a great base to start with, thanks a great deal.

 

[maverick0716]

The stuff I've done to mine are Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs, Kenny Brown subframe connectors, and Proform (BBK clone) rear upper/lower control arms....oh yeah, and polyurethane sway bar bushings, lol.

 

[joelliott]

I have a an 85gt also. I got a set of subframes off ebay for $75. Welded them in and felt a difference immediately. I also bought some used Ford C springs off ebay and they added alot to my handling. Im looking for a set of used LCAs to get in the rear.

However probably the most helping was a set of new tires wheels. I went with 17x8F and 17x9R cobra Rs with 255-40 rubber. Just the difference in sidewall height added alot to my handling. And the wider tire adds to my traction and also looks mean.

Good Luck with your decision. And nice car!
Joe E.

 

[v8only]

once you've upgraded those front spindles and rear as mentioned, you can do any mods to the suspension that the 87-93 cars get. for the fronts, any spindle assembly from 87-93 v8 stangs will work

 

[NosPony]

once u get the upgraded stuff look at umi performance for suspension stuff they are great.

 

[Hugger1974]

once u get the upgraded stuff look at umi performance for suspension stuff they are great.

Yep, you can't go wrong there. See sig

 

[PURESTREET5006]

Just get yourself a 8.8 rearend from 87-93 mustang and if you wann up grade your brakes get some from a 87-93 V8 foxbody.