*Update* Please read...Time for struts...a few questions....

Topic: *Update* Please read...Time for struts...a few questions.... (Read 3842 times) previous topic - next topic

Update Please read...Time for struts...a few questions....

September 11, 2005, 04:19:18 PM

Since my car is lowered about 2" can I possibly be bottoming out the t-bird struts, or does anyone know if the t-bird struts can handle the lowered suspension movement? Other wise, would it be a wise decision to go with a mustang strut? If so, what do I go with, fox body or sn95 specific struts? Thanks guys.

Old post:

I'm in the market for some new front struts and I was looking for some advice.
I have an '88 sport V8 with Suspension Techniques springs.

1.Do I need to know the spring rate of the springs to choose a corresponding strut?

2.Between KYB, Monroe, and Gabriel, who is the best for a lowered/stiffer spring setup? There's usually a stock and high performance grade of struts from each of those companes. Who do you guys like in a lowered setup?

3.Since the car is about 1.5" lower from stock, do I need to go with a shorter strut or just stiffer?

Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

Bryan

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #1 – September 12, 2005, 12:21:39 AM

a set of mustang struts will probly be perfect for your lowered car

just remember to get the hardware kits and the 4 cyl struts (mustang)

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #2 – September 12, 2005, 02:53:29 AM

Why the 4 cylinder struts and what are the hardware kits? I'm in the dark here.

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #3 – September 12, 2005, 07:50:31 AM

Quote from: bduly

Why the 4 cylinder struts and what are the hardware kits? I'm in the dark here.

Because you have 10 inch front brakes (I assume). Which are the same as 4-cylinder Mustang brakes. IMO i would just get a set of KYB's for a TBird and call it done. When you change over to Mustang struts there's always the possiblity that you will need to install C/C plates as well. I had to because my strut tower mount wouldn't allow enough threads to pass thru on strut shaft to thread the nut on. But you have lowered your car already so C/C might do you some good. :)

If you decide to upgrade to 11 inch brake I would recommend a set of take off Tokico's from a Bullitt/Mach 1 Stang.

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #4 – September 12, 2005, 12:03:17 PM

I have TC 11" brakes with C/C plates already. Does that open it up to using either thunderbird or mustang struts?

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #5 – September 12, 2005, 02:04:56 PM

Yes it does. :)

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #6 – September 12, 2005, 09:29:54 PM

Will KYB GR2 front struts for '80-'86 tbird/cougar work on an '88?

Is any one positive that Bullitt/Mach 1 struts will work on an '88? Does anyone have them on their bird/cougar?

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #7 – September 13, 2005, 07:45:54 AM

Quote from: bduly

Will KYB GR2 front struts for '80-'86 tbird/cougar work on an '88?

Is any one positive that Bullitt/Mach 1 struts will work on an '88? Does anyone have them on their bird/cougar?

I have Bullitt Struts on my Bird. They work great. The thing about 10 inch spindles (all 83-88 excluding 87-88 TC) is that they are wider where the strut mounts to them therefore you will need a spacer to make up the difference. No biggie IMO.

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #8 – September 13, 2005, 11:42:18 AM

not to hijack, but is the 87-88 tc spindles the same as the 11" mustang ones? If that is true I would like to know. Found a yard in my area with some turbo coupes and xr7's.(I found TWO 87-88 tc turbos). Soon as I find one before the mustang guys get to it,... I am gonna do the rear brake conversion and possibly the fronts.

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #9 – September 13, 2005, 11:51:15 AM

Quote from: Haystack

not to hijack, but is the 87-88 tc spindles the same as the 11" mustang ones? If that is true I would like to know. Found a yard in my area with some turbo coupes and xr7's.(I found TWO 87-88 tc turbos). Soon as I find one before the mustang guys get to it,... I am gonna do the rear brake conversion and possibly the fronts.

They are. :)

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #10 – September 25, 2005, 07:00:07 PM

Please read new question in my first post of this thread...

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #11 – September 29, 2005, 07:13:24 PM

I used SN95 struts at stock ride height, but with that much lowering you would probably be better off with a fox mustang strut which is shorter. To my knowledge the T-bird spindles have the narrow strut mounting point, so if you use the mustang fox struts you will need spacers on the strut lower mounts to take up the thickness. You should be able to get the spacers anywhere, at least at a shop. You can also get SN95 struts for lowered cars (they say for 1" but its better than stock). I'm using standard SN95 style struts, they are Tokico Blues and they are great, they are stiff but just right for comfort, they are not jarring at all on most bumps and just glide over the highway. Handling is great though, quick response like a mustang.

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #12 – September 29, 2005, 08:50:07 PM

Quote

To my knowledge the T-bird spindles have the narrow strut mounting point, so if you use the mustang fox struts you will need spacers on the strut lower mounts to take up the thickness.

Thats the difference between the 10" brakes, and 11" brakes

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #13 – September 29, 2005, 08:53:11 PM

Yep, and I have upgraded to the 11" and I have the spacers.

Re: Time for struts...a few questions....

Reply #14 – September 30, 2005, 09:01:16 AM

So did we answer your questions?