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Topic: Mustang SN95 Tokico D-Spec Struts & Shocks (Read 4293 times) previous topic - next topic

Mustang SN95 Tokico D-Spec Struts & Shocks

I've been going back and forth on struts and shocks that will be best with my stiffer springs and that can also be loosened up a bit for drag racing. I have decided that the Tokico D-Spec struts and shocks will give me the most flexibility based on extensive research that will likley lead to me getting fired - lol :hick: I searched here and read until my head hurt trying to determine if there will be any compatibility issues if I use the '94-'04 D-Spec kit (front & rear struts/shocks.) Since I already have 11" '87 - '93 Fox Mustang spindles, the thinner strut will not be an issue. I still have a few questions though...

1) My car is lowered 1 - 1.5" in front due to using Mach1 springs (26.5" fender lip height using stock height tires). I assume that the SN95, like the Fox 'Stang has shorter struts, but that this will be fine since my car is lowered (I have a memory that the SN95 struts are longer than the Fox but still shorter than the OEM Fox Bird/Cougar?)

2) I noticed that Ifixyawater had an issue with the threads on the top of the Mustang strut being fewer. This prevented the strut nut from getting full thread engagement. I kinda approximately verified this using pictures JeremyB took of an Aero Fox strut next to a Mustang strut. I will NOT be using CC plates, but instead ordered the replacement strut mounts for an '87 Cougar from Rock Auto (Monroe). Will I have an issue getting the strut nut on far enough? If the mount can also use the Mustang bushings (thread here by vinnie in past week & as stated by Chuck), are the Mustang bushings shorter or something? I'm confused on this one.

3) The rear SN95 shocks should work fine with Chucks Mustang rear shock adapters - correct? In this case I am using Mach1 springs in the rear about 1" lower than stock as adjusted using CHE adjustable perch arms (~27" fender lip height).

If anybody knows of any other possible "gotchas" on my using these struts/shocks, please don't hesitate to add your 2 cents :D
11.96 @ 118 MPH old 306 KB; 428W coming soon.

Mustang SN95 Tokico D-Spec Struts & Shocks

Reply #1 –
Well, geez - I'm waiting before I dump $500 on these for any sort of feedback from the experts here.

I searched CoolCats and here & was left with the above questions. Chuck? Eric? JeremyB? anybody? :( :confused:
11.96 @ 118 MPH old 306 KB; 428W coming soon.

Mustang SN95 Tokico D-Spec Struts & Shocks

Reply #2 –
Where's chuck? I would like to know also about the height of stang bushings.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

Mustang SN95 Tokico D-Spec Struts & Shocks

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Cougar5.0;233600
1) My car is lowered 1 - 1.5" in front due to using Mach1 springs (26.5" fender lip height using stock height tires). I assume that the SN95, like the Fox 'Stang has shorter struts, but that this will be fine since my car is lowered (I have a memory that the SN95 struts are longer than the Fox but still shorter than the OEM Fox Bird/Cougar?)

If the OEM/Tokico struts are the same dimensions as the Monroe struts, I'd stay away from the SN95 set. The SN95 struts have about 1.5" less bump travel, but .6" more droop travel. Since you've lowered your car, bump travel is more important. Running SN95 struts could cause more time on the bumpstops.



Mustang SN95 Tokico D-Spec Struts & Shocks

Reply #4 –
Nice info!!,but was the ? answered.
My answer,shave the polly bushing till the nut fits.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

Mustang SN95 Tokico D-Spec Struts & Shocks

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Cougar5.0;233600

2) I noticed that Ifixyawater had an issue with the threads on the top of the Mustang strut being fewer. This prevented the strut nut from getting full thread engagement. I kinda approximately verified this using pictures JeremyB took of an Aero Fox strut next to a Mustang strut. I will NOT be using CC plates, but instead ordered the  replacement strut mounts for an '87 Cougar from Rock Auto (Monroe). Will I have an issue getting the strut nut on far enough? If the mount can also use the Mustang bushings (thread here by vinnie in past week & as stated by Chuck), are the Mustang bushings shorter or something? I'm confused on this one

No.  I've used those aftermarket Tbird strut mounts with Mustang struts (both Fox and SN-95) w/o issue.

The bushings used in those kits are identical to the ones used on the Mustangs from 83-04.  The only difference might be in the sleeve that runs through them.  It's been YEARS since I messed with them, but I know they bolted up just fine to my '85 30th Anny and the SN-95 struts I used....
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo

Mustang SN95 Tokico D-Spec Struts & Shocks

Reply #6 –
Thanks Jeremy!

I'm surprised to see that the Fox parts are the same compressed/extended length as the '87-'88. This is why I asked as my memory on this was blurry at best. I've read on several SN95 boards that strut vendors were saying that they should use Fox struts on a lowered car. I guess I will too :D

I've been doing more reading and I've heard of at least 2 complaints of the adjusters on the D-Spec getting turned when the strut is rotated - not good having your strut adjusting itself! I found out that the Koni Special (Red) and Tokico Illumina struts can go pretty soft for drag racing, and then be firmed up enough to handle the Mach1 springs. I'm not sure I need the very firm setting that are possible with the D-Spec as I am not into Road Racing.

Edit - wow, 2 responses while I was composing this message!

Thanks Chuck! - it sounds like it should be fine. I can shorten the sleeve if it were an issue, so mark this one as "no issue"!
11.96 @ 118 MPH old 306 KB; 428W coming soon.
 

Mustang SN95 Tokico D-Spec Struts & Shocks

Reply #7 –
This is a pretty old thread, but I'm going through the same thing. I'm not sure how much more thread you get with other brands, but the Mustang Konis from FRPP leave no threads at all with my stock strut mounts on 86. Unless the 87-88 have a different mount, the 86 does not even losely resemble the 'Stang one. Can't imagine using any bushing from one to another. And to make things more complicated, the stang stock mount and CC plates have the 3 studs more than 1/2 inch closer together than Cougar/Birds...figuring it out right now...