Lowering without the rough ride?(searched)

[GREYFOX4INCH]

I have some uknown type of lowering springs (1-1/2" drop) and the ride is terrible. I think they are BBK or MAC. I bet the car would ride smoother if I just took off my tires and just drove on the rims thats how bad it is.
where I live they just patch all the POT HOLES!! and never fix the roads.
(if you live in the north you know what what POT HOLES are.)
I also have a 1997 countour and it just kinda glides over the imperfections, but in the stang it feels like I am gonna break a shock or pop my tire.

would (cut) stock springs be more "bouncy" then what i have now, or would cutting them end up make them just as stiff ?
I would not mind going anouther 1/2" lower to make it an even 2 inches either, but lowering springs are so stiff.

while searching, i read that inducing heat to a spring makes it more bouncy. could i do this to achieve the ride i want? I am also under the impression that cutting a spring makes it stiffer regaurdless of the spring type,(makes sense to me) what about lincoln springs??????
-thanks

 

[Skoobie]

What kind of condition are your isolators in? What kind do you have? I used polyurithane with my Eibach Sportlines and its not very choppy at all. Not the smoothest ride but very tollerable.

 

[GaryB]

T have a 93 coupe with BBK progressive rate springs that a gray in color and have a reasonable ride. They also have small BBK logo's painted on them if that might help you determine if yours are the same or not. 1 1/2 in. is supposed to be the max amount to lower a Mustang and still get the suspension to work right. If you go to too low a profile tire it could have the same effect with a harsh ride. I am using KYB gas shocks becouse they are a good shock for a reasonable price, many other good shocks avaliable but usually for more money. As for cutting stock springs I have done that too on other type of cars and they do get a lot stiffer and it is very hard to cut the right amount off. You cut off one coil and expect a small drop and get a lot more than you expect so you would need to make smaller cuts and then install to check them. This is a lot of work just to check them and then remove to cut a little more. I think most of the Lincolns have air bag suppension systems that are expensive and may or may not be able to be adapted. Competer controled pumps and all that stuf. I'd try calling a spring manufacturing company and discuss your needs with them. You will need to furnish them wheel and tire sizes you are running. Good luck! Your lowered Mustang will never ride like a non lowered car.

 

[onefstsnake]

I went with Steeda Sport springs.

Pretty conservative drop, but looks nice. Ride is great! doesnt get that lowered car "hop". Its a firm ride but it doesnt shake you to death.

 

[tddpop]

Even a completely stock fox mustang is not the best riding car, and your Contour would ride better than a stock fox mustang.

Cutting stock springs is a bad idea. The ride would probably be worse than it is now.

Like skoobie said check you're spring isolators. What kind of shocks do you have? How old are they and what kind of condition are they in?

If you want the best riding comfort from your lowered mustang go with progressive rate springs, like Eibach progressive rate springs, decent shocks like the high end KYB's or Tockico's (maybe even adjustable ones), and replace your spring isolators with new factory rubber ones.

I have Tockico specific rate springs and Tockico HP shocks/struts with polyurethane spring isolators. The ride is not choppy, and is very tolerable. It is firmer than stock, but it is supposed to be. If you lower your mustang, no matter what brand spring/shock combo it is going to be firmer than stock.

Just remember that you get what you pay for. Don't go for the cheapest spring/shock combo or you will probably be in the same position you are now.

 

[gruvee87vertgt]

i have eibach progressive springs with kyb shocks and new isolters...its rides worse then stock,but it handles well.

for a smooth ride. install stocks springs, get blistein shocks, new isolters, new ball joints...might as weel upgrade to ford racing a arms.

 

[86bluecobra]

i went with the ford racing progressive springs. lowered the car and i think it is a nice ride. however maybe when i'm forty i will wonder why i liked it when i was in my 20's.

 

[Mark89coupe]

I have tokico struts with Eibach springs. Ride is good. I did notice a difference last week when I put 245/50's on the front. I guess the more tire helps absorb some of the road? Do you have a low profile tire?

 

[GREYFOX4INCH]

yeh I will have to go look and post back on the tire size. other than that I think everything is stock besides the springs. I looked through the folder a reciepts that came with the car, and found nothing for the springs. maybe replacing the factory struts will make it better.
i am almost 100% sure the roughness is in the front end and not the rear. would bad struts cause a rough ride, or does it have to be the springs causing it?

edit:maybe they are cheap e-bay springs and thats why he did not include the reciept. its raining and is going to continue for the next 10 days
so im gonna wait to crawl under and look at the springs.

 

[eighty8]

I have heard the the FMS "C" springs are a good option if you are looking for a smooth ride from your car. I have heard ride quality is better than stock.

 

[MrKwik]

I have tried about every lowering spring out there and the Eibach pro-kit springs are hands down the best riding spring I have ever used. They are worth the money if your are concerned about ride quality and not just stance. And replacing those front struts has always made a 100% improvement for me, but most Mustangs I have owned probably still had the factory struts on them to begin with.

 

[GREYFOX4INCH]

fornt tire size is: 255/40wr-17 kumho ecsta supra 712.
mrkwik, how much are those Eibach pro-kit springs?
yeh i think i need to upgrade the stock struts as well
i have kyb adjustable ones on my notch but they seem kinda cheapy to me, i dunno.

 

[302RollinHard]

I am riding Eibach pro-kit springs ($180 shipped on eBay) MOnroe sensa-trac shocks and struts ($180-parts store) and energy suspension isolators ($50 for all-parts store)
Ride is better than stock (not by a whole lot though) and handling is greatly improved.
Stance is great with this set up.

 

[Shakerhood]

I used the Bullitt set up on my car, it rides better than it did stock!