Spring Overload

Topic: Spring Overload (Read 2817 times) previous topic - next topic

Spring Overload

Reply #15 – October 31, 2009, 02:58:27 PM

I had TC springs on my 5.0 'Bird and the one on the passenger side broke before I ever got to drive it. Just moving it around in my flat driveway, it broke under the weight of the 5.0/AOD. Now I've got SN95 Mach 1 springs in it on all for corners (had to use adjustable CHE rear control arms with the Mach 1 springs, otherwise the rear would sit on the ground), and it should be a bit lighter with the T5. I love how it sits now...

Spring Overload

Reply #16 – October 31, 2009, 05:12:54 PM

This should be a sticky.

I (stupidly, dare I say?) swapped TC springs in mine, getting readyto stick in the iron head 5.0 and T5....after seeing this, afraid it will be too low for my liking.
The again, I've taken out the ac stuff, smog, about 40-50 pounds of sound deadener from the interior, power seat tracks...that sorta stuff, otherwise, still fully loaded with all options.

I really like the stance on on Vin's car, and Carm's is good, too, but maybe just a hair too low, I live in the country, gravel roads are bad year-round here...
With that said, I think I'll be looking for SN-95 springs for mine too.
One question though, with SN-95 springs, should I use the CHE adjustable rear arms?

PS, did I mention sticky;)

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Reply #17 – October 31, 2009, 07:10:18 PM

I've got the Mach 1 springs (or Bullitt, I forget which and can't be bothered looking back through the posts to see which I bought from a board member), which are a bit lower than the GT springs when installed in a Mustang. The Mach/Bullitt rear springs I've got are WAY shorter than stock springs, by about 3", and adjustable rears are a MUST. Apparently this is not the case with GT springs, only Mach or Bullitt. I think Chuck's got SN95 springs on the rear of his car...

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Reply #18 – October 31, 2009, 07:15:34 PM

A 2.3T weighs around 380lbs... A IRON headed & intake 302 470lbs(not sure if that included exhaust manifolds)... This was for a late 60s 302, 5.0 blocks have less meat(why they'll crack at high HP) & if I remember correctly only weigh 126lbs, while the older blocks were around 145... With aluminum heads, intake and tube headers, weight will be close to one another...

BTW a set of iron heads weigh approx 55lb more per set than the aluminum heads...

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Reply #19 – October 31, 2009, 09:12:53 PM

Quote from: Thunder Chicken;297062

I had TC springs on my 5.0 'Bird and the one on the passenger side broke before I ever got to drive it. Just moving it around in my flat driveway, it broke under the weight of the 5.0/AOD. Now I've got SN95 Mach 1 springs in it on all for corners (had to use adjustable CHE rear control arms with the Mach 1 springs, otherwise the rear would sit on the ground), and it should be a bit lighter with the T5. I love how it sits now...

That's a neat look, but that would be too low for me. I'm running long tubes and think they would drag over a lot of the driveways and speed bumps around here. I have to have a higher stance than that.

Nice ride though!!

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Reply #20 – October 31, 2009, 09:14:45 PM

Wow! That's interesting information. After looking at all these options, maybe I'll just stick with stock TC springs. Tom as always made some good points about the weights of 2.3T's, compared to 5.0 engines.

Quote from: dominator;297051

My TC had an iron headed 5.0L in it at one point(now aluminum heads) and the front factory springs sit perfect.
It was actually a little high to be honest and my springs where actually broken on the lowest coil.
If i'm not mistaken,i think the factory TC springs had the highest pound per square inch rating of all 3 engines.

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Reply #21 – October 31, 2009, 09:32:15 PM

Another...........

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Reply #22 – October 31, 2009, 09:45:39 PM

Vinnie, do you have a side shot with your wheels straight, so we can see the clearances? I am sure you would hate to post a pic of your car, but consider it a favor to us. lol.

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Reply #23 – October 31, 2009, 09:52:54 PM

Here's the only side view I have.And,you are correct,I hate to post them,I only do it to help others....because I'm awesome that way.LOL. It was with the 17x9 Cobra R wheels.......

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Reply #24 – October 31, 2009, 09:57:42 PM

Thanks! This is strictly my opinion, but I think that sits pretty much perfect. I like the gaps both in the front and in the rear. That is a very nice stance.

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Reply #25 – October 31, 2009, 10:03:14 PM

I like it as well.It turned out how I hoped it would (not much else does.LOL).I wanted lower,but not LOW,and I wanted it to be very functional.As I've stated before,I don't want to have to worry every time I cross a speed bump,or train track,or whatever.It also corners very well and stays pretty flat for a big girl (well,she's not BIG,just nice and curvy....just the way I like it !!!).

I'll tell you what Vinnie

Reply #26 – October 31, 2009, 11:34:21 PM

That is one sweet ride you,ve got there!

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Reply #27 – November 01, 2009, 06:33:36 PM

Thanks.I like it.LOL.It has come a looooong way from the salvage yard days.

Update

Reply #28 – November 13, 2009, 01:24:45 AM

As most of you know by now, I swapped a 5.0 and AOD into the Blackbird a few days ago. Before I put it up on stands, I took a close look at it's stance with the weight of the engine and tranny on the front springs. The stance was perfect in my opinion. I'm gonna roll with it just the way it is.

I thought it would sit lower than it did. Tom, as always, you were spot-on with what you said about TC springs and 5.0's in our cars.