Suspension Help

[Cdubu52]

I need Help. I have finally gotten around to really working on the suspension of my 66. Got some problems though. It appears that I will have to replace the front end components. My problem is that I dont need an elaborate set up, just for cruising. Also, if Im doing the front, I thought I ought to do the rear as well. Ive been looking at some suspension kits, like a Mustang Plus Kit as well as one on Ebay from Laurel Mountain. Are these kits any good? Are they worth just shy of $1 Grand? Any suggestions or happy or unhappy customers. Any and all suggestions are welcome. I tried to search the site, but most posts were too specific and not this broad.

Thanks

 

[Jester67]

IMHO you could build a better stock setup piecing the parts together yourself using parts from MOOG and other USA suppliers, this approach will cost a little more but you will get a much better setup. Having said that the kits are not that bad if you are willing to live with the fact that you do not know who made the parts and what country they came from. If you are cruising only that should be fine but I would not go this route for any kind of spirited driving. Again this is just my .02 cents and YMMV.

 

[Cdubu52]

Thanks Jester,

I will look into putting something together. Do you know of anyone running on one of these kits. I would like to get some feedback from someone who has this type of kit or has had problems with these kits.

Thanks again
Cdub

 

[1966conv]

Why do you think you need a complete suspension, give a few details.

Jester's correct, you can get most of the components from an O'Reillys and probably other parts places. I just got a set of Lower control arms by Moog from them recently. I know the have the inner & outer tie rods. You could even source the parts from a couple mustang vendors cheaper than the prices you listed.

 

[Cdubu52]

66Conv

The Front end is a must. All of my components are original. Springs are sagging, all bushings and ball joints need to be replaced. We started a disc brake swap and realized that we had other worries to address. The upper control arms look OK but the bushings and Ball joint needs replacing. Lowers need to also be replaced. Part of the problem is 40 year old parts and the car has been sitting still for 3+ years. Also the Leafs are shot. They sag enough that the left side is actually lower than the right. My thought is, if I have to replace all of these parts, why not buy a kit that has everything in it and do it right the first time.

 

[2bav8]

I'd contact John at Opentracker (http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/)
He can build you a good street cruiser suspension that will drive far superior to the original suspension without spending tons of money and you'll know you're getting quality parts.

 

[GNGREN]

I recently bought a front and rear kit from Laurel Mountain. They don't list it in there e-bay store anylonger. It was like this but with 1" lowering springs, and a 1"swaybar. This is a similar kit. The one I got was their performance kit. It included all the stuff listed plus the 1" sway bar, and 1" springs. I also ordered a 5 leaf mid-eye spring kit. I got it all plus a heater plenum shipped to my door for $803.00. They were by far cheaper on shipping than anybody eles I have dealt with. Although I am in the same state as them so it doesn't go all that far away (3-5 hours). I haven't installed it yet but everything looks decent. And the price wasn't too high for it all in my opinion.

 

[rbohm]

i agree with 2bav8, contact opentracker racing products and have them set you up with a complete kit.

 

[Cdubu52]

2b,

Thanks for the info, I have an email in with Open Tracker. Hopefully I will get a response soon and can get some info. I will make sure that I update this post with what I find out.

 

[CarFreakGT]

I'd contact John at Opentracker (http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/)
He can build you a good street cruiser suspension that will drive far superior to the original suspension without spending tons of money and you'll know you're getting quality parts.

I couldn't agree more. He knows his stuff, and you couldn't find a nicer guy to help you out. John also will not try to sell you something that you don't need.

 

[valley82]

I second...or third...or fourth (what ever number we're on) the Opentracker Option, He set me up with a complete front to rear suspension and did not try to sell me on all the spendy racing parts. He asked a few questions and set me up with a nice street setup.

 

[Cdubu52]

Thanks for your help.

How does the new suspension feel? Im excited about the upgrade, just not excited about the cost.

About how much does an open tracker set up cost? Ballpark?