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Topic: Shocks/struts (Read 11843 times) previous topic - next topic

Shocks/struts

87 TBIRD TC. I'm looking at replacing the shocks and struts on it, they're all very very worn. Couple questions. 1: is it worth keeping the ride adjustment? If it is, what's a good specific shock? If not, what's a good shock in general to have on this car? Same goes for struts.

PS: I don't know jack about suspension. My friend does tons of suspension work and has done it on all sorts of cars and of different ages. I need some general advice here!
1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe ~ STOCK

Shocks/struts

Reply #1 –
Just get some kyb's and call it a day


But Ike sure other people have different info to share


Also is the car lowerd ?

Shocks/struts

Reply #2 –
If its stock height just go to your local parts store and see what name brands they have.  I used Monroe Sensatrac with my stock springs and was happy with them.

If you are lowered I'd look at KYB or Koni.  My car is lowered a tad (Steeda front springs, cut TC springs in rear) and I am using Koni "blues".  So far they are working great!
'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

Shocks/struts

Reply #3 –
My car is currently stock height. I'll check out the parts shop. I'm assuming it really doesn't matter to get the adjustable ride shocks?
1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe ~ STOCK

Shocks/struts

Reply #4 –
Monroe Sensatracs here with a 1" lowered ride height.....handles great and still a good ride.
84 COUGAR/90 HO, 1.7RRs, performer RPM,700DP, equal length shorties, stainless EXH ,T-5,Hurst pro-billet, KC clutch, 8.8/ 4.10s, line-lok, bla ,bla, bla.
71 COMET/289,351w heads, 12.5 TRWs, 750DP, Liberty TL, 9"/6.00s, 11.9x @112 , bla,bla,bla.

Never shoot your mouth off, unless your brain is loaded! ....I may get older, but I'll never grow up!....If you're not laughing, you're not living!  :laughing:

Shocks/struts

Reply #5 –
The PRC shocks and struts are no longer available. You won't find an electronic adjustable shock to fit your car.
You have really no choice but to go with a "standard" shock/strut.
All of the combos mentioned here will work well for you.

Shocks/struts

Reply #6 –
Make sure to get the shims.They make up the difference to fit the spindles. Someone put struts on mine and did not use shims.A gap of .127" makes for a fun ride.

Shocks/struts

Reply #7 –
I had the KYB's on my 83 for years and they were really good.  I sold them to one of the guys here and I believe they are on his car and doing great.  With regards to the shims, this is necessary when installing the struts from a Fox car with the 10" front brakes onto a Fox car with 11" brakes.  The spindle (what you are mounting the strut to and the wheel is attached to) is narrower on the 11" brake cars versus the 10" brake cars.  From Maximum Motorsports site:

[COLOR="blue"]"Struts intended for the 1979-86 Mustang can be fitted to the 1987-93 V8 spindle with the addition of two fabricated spacer plates (0.115" thick each) to fill the gap between the spindle ear and the strut's mounting tabs. Depending upon the particular strut, the mounting holes may need to be slotted vertically to match the later spindle's greater hole spacing."[/COLOR]

Also from MM with regards to the 11" brake spindles:

[COLOR="blue"]- Mounting ear for the strut is 0.230" (5.9mm) thinner than the first generation spindle.
- Boltholes for the strut mounting are 0.130" (3.3mm) further apart than the first generation spindle.[/COLOR]

The first generation spindles are the ones for the smaller 10" brakes.

Just an FYI the 87-88 TC's have the same front spindles as the Fox 5.0 Mustangs.  You can use the SN95 (read 94-98 Mustang) front struts on your car with no issues.  This opens up the door to a lot more selection if you ever decide to put a good suspension under the car.  You can use the Fox or SN95 Mustang rear shocks (they are the same) if you get a set of Chuck W's (look up "Chuck W" here and you will find him) adapters.

Darren

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


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Shocks/struts

Reply #8 –
Quote
You can use the Fox or SN95 Mustang rear shocks (they are the same) if you get a set of Chuck W's (look up "Chuck W" here and you will find him) adapters.

Darren


Oops, I forgot to mention that I am running Koni shocks/struts for a Fox Mustang with Chuck W's adapters on the rear.
'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

Shocks/struts

Reply #9 –
Fox mustang and SN mustang rear shocks are different lengths

Shocks/struts

Reply #10 –
Quote
Fox mustang and SN mustang rear shocks are different lengths


If you are directing this at me, I was trying to clarify/making the point that I had to use Chuck W rear shock adapters in order to use Fox Mustang shocks.
'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

Shocks/struts

Reply #11 –
Was not toward anyone just pointing out that they are different lengths


What dose that adapter do ?

Shocks/struts

Reply #12 –
Quote from: 50tbrd88;407365
If its stock height just go to your local parts store and see what name brands they have.  I used Monroe Sensatrac with my stock springs and was happy with them.

If you are lowered I'd look at KYB or Koni.  My car is lowered a tad (Steeda front springs, cut TC springs in rear) and I am using Koni "blues".  So far they are working great!

Quote from: QUICKSHIFT;407385
Monroe Sensatracs here with a 1" lowered ride height.....handles great and still a good ride.

Yep running Monroe Sensatracs on my Thunderbird as well. Rides great. A little firmer than stock but very smooth.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Shocks/struts

Reply #13 –
Quote from: STANG8U;407643
Was not toward anyone just pointing out that they are different lengths


What dose that adapter do ?

 
Allow the use of fox mustang shocks.
'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

Shocks/struts

Reply #14 –
Would it be better to have a firmer ride?
1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe ~ STOCK