Skip to main content
Topic: Best choice for Shocks/Struts (Read 2243 times) previous topic - next topic

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Just browsing on Summit for new shocks and struts for the time I install my Caster/Camber Plates. Their options are KYB and Monroe that I would go with. What are everyones opinions and experiences?
"Real cars dont power the front wheels, they lift them"
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1984 Mercury Cougar GS 5.0:cougarsmily: BBK Equal Length Shorties, BBK O/R X-Pipe, Magnaflow Magnapacks, Mustang GT Stainless Tailpipes, 18" Magnaflow Rolled Edge Tips. Turbo Coupe Hood, Mach 1 Chin Spoiler. 17"x9" Cobra R's, Falken Ziex 255/50s, and 245/45s.
1984 Ford Thunderbird 3.8L "Drag Queen"
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Lone Star Edition 5.7L Hemi 400hp, lex DOD14M Magnaflow retro-fit ler kit

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #1
Yours is a loaded question.  Are you wanting performance or replacement and does price offend you?

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #2
I'm of the thought that for the most part, unless racing, a new strut/shock is a new strut/shock. They will all work much better than an old tired one.

I went with SN95 Bilsteins years back when I was on a performance run of parts, for a street car. It seemed to be recommended for great control, while offering better street manners than the Koni yellows, but a bit more control over the reds. It seemed a bit harsh for my liking forever, until I picked up my new daily driver which is even more harsh, from the factory.

A lot of the performance of the dampeners will also depend on other mods to the vehicle. Harsh parts won't feel so bad on old rubber bushings and flexing stamped control arms. For something with subframe connectors, tubular control arms, urethane bushings, etc, you may want something a bit more stock-like in performance in order to get a smoother ride.

I do love how well the fox chassis can do after some strengthening and stiffening up though. It puts my 1800lb daily driver to shame in body roll. I really want to drive a stock vehicle again just so I can get a good idea of the difference.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #3
I'm going to do subframes, lower control arms, torque boxes on my 86 351 turbo swap.
I dont want a punishing ride...good info

Travis

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #4
I've got Monroe Sensa-Tracs on my Thunderbird with subframes, MM strut tower bar, and 03-04 Cobra front control arm bushings. The ride is firm but not harsh.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #5
Quote from: Seek;414877
I really want to drive a stock vehicle again just so I can get a good idea of the difference.


There is a difference. My Mark VII fells like a drunk sailor/fat lady around corners compared to the Thunderbird.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #6
Quote from: thunderjet302;414919
I've got Monroe Sensa-Tracs on my Thunderbird with subframes, MM strut tower bar, and 03-04 Cobra front control arm bushings. The ride is firm but not harsh.

Ok, I'm looking for stock replacements for a stock setup on stock 87 and 88 V8 cars.  Three are XR-7s and one is an LS.  I thought sensa tracs were the modern option but your post gives insight to the contrary.

Does anyone have any input for OEM replacements for OEM setup and performance?

I used the search feature (which is how I found this thread) but it seems all the posts are asking for performance-oriented upgrades.
"lol.. because not too many people care for that style of car"
[size=-2]Click on paw print \/[/size]


Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #7
Quote from: Cougars 2 go;419771
Ok, I'm looking for stock replacements for a stock setup on stock 87 and 88 V8 cars.  Three are XR-7s and one is an LS.  I thought sensa tracs were the modern option but your post gives insight to the contrary.

Does anyone have any input for OEM replacements for OEM setup and performance?

I used the search feature (which is how I found this thread) but it seems all the posts are asking for performance-oriented upgrades.


I think with the stock bushings the Sensa-Tracs will give you a stock ride. I had them on before I added the Cobra control arms and the ride was near stock feeling. The bushings in the Cobra arms are really what made the ride stiffer.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #8
I had Monroe sensatrac's when stock and was plenty happy with them.  I think they are as close to stock ride as you'll get.  After I lowered the car, it put the Monroe's out of their "comfort zone" and it rode pretty bad.

A couple years ago I did fox Mustang Koni Blue shocks/struts w/Chuck W shock adapters in the rear.  This worked well to compliment my lowered stance and am very happy with the ride and handling.  My car is lowered on Steeda springs up front and cut down TC springs in the rear.  I also have subframe connectors. 

When I removed the Monroe's, one of the rear ones was bent and would not cycle fully.  I can only attribute this to the car being so low.
'88 'bird, 10.9:1 306 w/TFS top end, forged rods/pistons, T-5 swap & bunch of other stuff, 1-family owned, had it since ‘98, 5.0tbrd88 on Instagram and YouTube

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #9
Hey 50, I am thinking of trying cut TC springs as well.  How many coils did you cut ?  I read somewhere the TC springs are progressive rate? Is that correct?
87 Tbird LX w/Factory floor shifter:D   3G upgrade. Tinted Windows...85 Mustang GT steering wheel(non-cruise) 17'' Saleen SC style wheels,Front/Rear TC sway bars/poly bushings & Mustang GT steering rack...'05 Mustang V6 springs...93 Cobra MC & booster, MM adjustable C/C plates,  Work  In  Progress.......  ( On The Shelf---HO computer, 19lb injectors, HO cam, BBK headers, Explorer Intake, Cold Air Intake ,Phantom Gauges, Stinger stainless exhaust pipes )
 S O L D

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #10
ISTLCRUZ,

Another option is to use the SN95 Mustang springs to lower your car. Do a search here and it will come up. You can find stock sets on EBay all the time for cheap.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #11
Another option is to use SN95 Mustang front and rear springs with Chuck's rear adapters. You can find the springs on EBay all the time for cheap. Do a search on here and you will find a couple of threads covering the spring install and within those threads look for Chuck W, he is the guy with the adapters and they are priced right too.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

 

Best choice for Shocks/Struts

Reply #12
Quote from: ISTLCRUZ;419798
Hey 50, I am thinking of trying cut TC springs as well.  How many coils did you cut ?  I read somewhere the TC springs are progressive rate? Is that correct?


I really don't remember!  It's sort of trial and error to be honest.  I actually went thru two sets.  I hacked a tad too much out the 1st time and had to get another set of new TC spec springs from Moog.
'88 'bird, 10.9:1 306 w/TFS top end, forged rods/pistons, T-5 swap & bunch of other stuff, 1-family owned, had it since ‘98, 5.0tbrd88 on Instagram and YouTube