Suspension questions

[Guamie]

Anybody got some info on 2005 mustang suspensions? I'm interested in lowering my 05 GT, but I know it may adversely change certain things with the geometry. I'd like to know what I can keep as stock under there and what I should get with my lowering springs in order to safely lower my car and not adversely affect my ride (i.e. Steeda relocation kit or H&R bolt-on "camber thing"?). I'm interested in either Steeda or H&R Springs if anybody knows which is better, safer and better value. Thanks so much!

 

[1995cobraR]

not much help here, but...

They had alot of stuff at SEMA. Lowering will effect the camber, but they have camber adjusters already. They resemble the old 60's way of camber adjustment; you bolt spacer-like pieces to the coilovers.

I'm sorry but don't remember the maker(s) of the springs. I think they were a complete package (coilover spring and shock/strut package, read $$). I also don't remember the spring load rating (if you want to keep the stock ride).

It will also effect the toe. I assume toe will be adjusted as in the SN95 (but I haven't studied this).

Another thing I've thought of. The wheel/fender clearence is much closer than the SN95. I wonder if you may find rub problems when lowering and adding a wider tire (the tire is what I am adding first).

 

[Guamie]

Thank you so much. I was wondering if there was more to it than the camber. I really appreciate your help. I'll start with wheels first as well. Thanks!

 

[MrMorden]

Thank you so much. I was wondering if there was more to it than the camber. I really appreciate your help. I'll start with wheels first as well. Thanks!

Yes, there's more to it. You can affect the pinion angle in the rear, stearing rack geometry, and other aspects of the suspension. I suspect you you keep the drop to an inch or so you will not have any serious issues...anything over 1.5" and you will probably have to change around a lot of small parts to keep your geometry good.

 

[1995cobraR]

You can affect the pinion angle in the rear, stearing rack geometry, and other aspects of the suspension. I suspect you you keep the drop to an inch or so you will not have any serious issues...anything over 1.5" and you will probably have to change around a lot of small parts to keep your geometry good.

Agreed. Rear: I wonder how the new 2 piece driveshaft is going to work with lowering? Is the panhard bar adjustable? (it will need adjustment if it is lowered. I guess you'll also need adjustable links for the rear? Good point; if you get the pinion angle wrong it will take out the diff (you'll have to take it off before going to the dealer for warranty).

Front: Are the coilovers adjustable? If not, you'll need new ones so the spring/shock-strut will continue to perform well.

I'll have mine on jack stands as soon as it arrives. I'll write up a report.

 

[Darkhorse845]

Welcome to the boards!

 

[Mr Black]

With the front suspension, because it's a McPherson strut, when you lower the ride height you are lowering not just the centre of gravity but also the roll centre (the theoretical point about which the car rotates). The difference between roll centre and c of g, not the height of c of g itself, is what causes body roll.

This is why Steeda developed X2 balljoints to use on lowered Fox cars and why they now have them for the 05. They correct the angle of the Lower Control Arm, which is what dictates the location of roll centre.

If you want more details including free-body diagrams etc I can dig the links up.