Springs for V8

Topic: Springs for V8 (Read 4810 times) previous topic - next topic

Springs for V8

September 07, 2020, 05:13:09 PM

Hi All,

I recently swapped from 3.8/Auto to 5.0/Manual & did the LSC brakes/GT spindles up front. I also swapped to Turbo Coupe springs on all four corners. The back of the car appears to be sitting slightly lower than before, but the front of the car is actually higher than before at approx. 3.5" between the top of the tire and the wheel arch. I've heard that springs need time to settle in, and I wouldn't say I've driven the car an enormous amount since doing the swap but have put some miles on it and expected to see some different already. Is is possible I have the wrong springs? If so, what do you guys recommend as far as front spring/strut selection?

Thanks,

Dan

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #1 – September 07, 2020, 07:13:34 PM

Its a bit tricky to see with the spindle and strut in the way...but recheck to make sure you got the end of the spring's coil correctly seated into the lower A-arm pocket, usually between the two small drain holes in the pocket. It can sometimes shift a bit while reassembling.

Also if you had the A-arms attaching bolts loosened at the K-member, to prevent them binding, keep in mind they need to be fully tightened only once the weight of the vehicle is back on them, either a drive-on lift or some good quality ramps. Get your torque wrench out, I think the spec is 175 ft/lbs for the A-arm pivot bolts, but verify that fitst for your own applivation.

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #2 – September 08, 2020, 09:23:57 AM

X2 on not fully tightening the FCA bolts until the car is loaded on the front. Preferably something level..

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #3 – September 08, 2020, 08:13:50 PM

Would this apply if I've never had those bolts loosened?

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #4 – September 08, 2020, 09:44:07 PM

No, if you'ver never unbolted the 4 bolts that hold both control arms to the k member, that torquing while the front is loaded isn't valid.

What struts did you put on?

TC front springs with a V8 will drop the height just a bit. Do you have the V8? Just trying to cross a coupla things off the list..

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #5 – September 10, 2020, 08:40:08 AM

I currently have a 5.0 V8 in it, with GT40P heads and explorer top end. I reused the original V6 struts that were on the car, as they were still in great shape.

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #6 – September 10, 2020, 09:39:06 AM

The TC springs may be higher spring rate and load than the V6 stuff that you had. Throw the V6 springs back in front. That will drop you some. You should be able to reuse the struts without issue.

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #7 – September 10, 2020, 04:37:10 PM

Unfortunately I threw out my V6 springs because one was cracked. I'm looking at these:

https://www.americanmuscle.com/sr-springs-7904v8.html?utm_content=Handling%20-%20Springs%7CSR%20Performance&T5_Var4=53150&utm_source=google-pla&utm_medium=shopping&T5_Var2=shopping&utm_campaign=AMM+Mustang+Vehicle+Medium&T5_Var3=blue&intl=0&dialogtech=ppc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgaz76bTf6wIVSJyzCh0sxgahEAQYASABEgIhG_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Any thoughts?

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #8 – September 10, 2020, 11:03:32 PM

I had that exact same set in my '87 coupe...still sat too high. I got them, plust a shag-ton of other parts as a package deal from a friend. Not sure if they're for a Fox stang or an SN95...but the other day I clipped a coil n' a half off of the rears and got mine to sit as I wanted it (in the rear).. "Mine" is an '87 LX Stang...I wouldn't run Fox springs in an Aerobird. I'd go with SN95. FWIW, I had a set of '97 GT springs in my Tbird Sport. It was an inch or so lower than the stock ride height, roughly. I still have 'em.....

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #9 – September 11, 2020, 09:30:48 AM

Quote from: TheCowboyKiller – on September 10, 2020, 04:37:10 PM

Unfortunately I threw out my V6 springs because one was cracked. I'm looking at these:

https://www.americanmuscle.com/sr-springs-7904v8.html?utm_content=Handling%20-%20Springs%7CSR%20Performance&T5_Var4=53150&utm_source=google-pla&utm_medium=shopping&T5_Var2=shopping&utm_campaign=AMM+Mustang+Vehicle+Medium&T5_Var3=blue&intl=0&dialogtech=ppc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgaz76bTf6wIVSJyzCh0sxgahEAQYASABEgIhG_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Any thoughts?

I think any lowering spring for a mustang will have your car way too low.

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #10 – September 11, 2020, 10:22:04 AM

FWIW, I tried 1987-88 Turbo Coupe springs in a V8 car and the front dropped about 2". It was way too low and the tire rubbed the fender lip and liner like, everywhere (looked awesome though LOL). Any stock Fox Mustang spring is going to drop a V8 car just like that. Like Beau said, the stock V8 SN95 springs seem to be the way to go. That will probably drop our cars 1/2"-1". Not a huge drop but better. And although I'm not a fan of this, taking out half a coil at a time can quickly get a desired ride height too.

Really wish SN95 springs were plentiful back when I was building the convertible's suspension. At the time they were still relatively new and not really in the boneyards yet. I always had a suspicion that they'd work in our cars but couldn't prove the theory myself. That car is heavy (3800lbs. or so) and a real test of good, solid components. All these years later...and I'm still running the stock Cougar V8 front springs. They just worked the best. Drop is about 3/4"-1" due to the car's weight. Moog cargo coils out back because she gots all kinds of junk in that trunk. Ride height and quality is perfectly acceptable for what it is. But I'd still love to try SN95 or even Terminator springs just to see what they'd do.

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #11 – September 11, 2020, 12:35:17 PM

I've also heard of using the Mach 1 springs with decent results. Honestly, I'd expect them to be similar to the Cobra springs in terms of loaded ride height..

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #12 – September 11, 2020, 05:13:35 PM

I used springs from a 98 V8 GT all around on my car. With aluminum heads the front dropped a little over an inch. The rear dropped waaaay down. I had to crank the adjusters on the Maximum Motorsports rear control arms about half way up to level the car out.

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #13 – September 15, 2020, 09:24:09 AM

I ended up ordering a front pair of stock SN95 GT springs. I'll report back after I install them.

Re: Springs for V8

Reply #14 – September 25, 2020, 07:15:31 PM

Reporting back. The SN95 springs worked out great. They look almost identical but drop the car to a nice front stance. Glad I don't have to do that job again anytime soon!