Suspension suggestions

Topic: Suspension suggestions (Read 1550 times) previous topic - next topic

Suspension suggestions

May 04, 2011, 06:01:05 PM

I need to buy new struts and shocks. Just curious as to what you guys would recommend. I'd prefer increased performance but I'm not finding much. I found some KYB Part # KG5556 Gas-A-Just for the rear that look like a solid choice as far as I can tell and for the front I was looking at just some MONROE Part # 71716 {#801716} Sensa-Trac because I haven't seen performance ones for the front yet (at least not listed under my car). I want to know what's out there though. If you could post a link to a site that has them available: I don't want to go hunting oddball used parts because I likely wont find anything near me and just want to buy new parts from a store.

As for springs... likely leaving them stock since I'm sure a set is expensive. I DO have a pair rear 84' V6 cougar springs laying around but I doubt that would be of much use?

So.. yup.. need some advice. :hick: This car is much harder to pick out parts for than other vehicles I've owned and changed suspension on.

Suspension suggestions

Reply #1 – May 04, 2011, 07:44:54 PM

What motor is in the car? That will make a difference on the dampers.

Darren

Suspension suggestions

Reply #2 – May 04, 2011, 07:46:38 PM

Quote from: aerocoupe;359409

what motor is in the car? That will make a difference on the dampers.

Darren

2.3t

Suspension suggestions

Reply #3 – May 04, 2011, 07:49:46 PM

Use the search function grasshopper.

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?30984-Help-me-choose-shocks-and-struts/page2&highlight=struts

Several other threads that hash through this very topic. I am assuming the 2.3L is lighter than a 5.0L so with that you will want a less spring rate than a 5.0 car on the front. You can use Chuck W's adpaters for the rear and use Fox (same as SN95) Mustang rear shocks but you will most likley want to stick with the SN95 struts up front if you are going to stay with the stock ride height or Fox Mustang 5.0 struts if you are going to lower it. Does your car have the larger spindles up front like the 87-88 TC or 87-93 Fox Mustang 5.0 cars? This would be the spindles for the 11" brakes. You have to have these spindles to use the Fox 5.0 or SN95 Mustang struts.

Darren

Suspension suggestions

Reply #4 – May 04, 2011, 08:00:46 PM

Here are a couple more that may help you out:

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?1143-Interchangeable-struts

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?31053-do-fox-body-springs-fit-on-a-87-5.0-tbird

Chuck's rear shock adapter thread here:

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?9022-Rear-shock-adapter-brackets

Darren

Suspension suggestions

Reply #5 – May 04, 2011, 10:22:52 PM

I am using mach spring front and back I bought them used for $50 and put strange 10 way adjustable for shocks and struts. While I was at it I replaced the upper and lower control arms from maximum motorsports. It was a good thing that I used the ride height adjustable due to the drop from the mach springs I was also glad I chose the double adjustable uppers for setting the pinion angle

Suspension suggestions

Reply #6 – May 04, 2011, 10:25:07 PM

by the way this was all on my 87 tc with a swapped 5.0 if I member correctly the 5.0 isn't really much heavier than that 2.3

Suspension suggestions

Reply #7 – May 05, 2011, 08:10:43 AM

Quote from: bigbada1;359423

if I member correctly the 5.0 isn't really much heavier than that 2.3

Especially if the 5.0 is aluminum headed.