Suspension

[Wolvrin704]

I think that I've decided to go suspension route next after finishing up a couple of things (yes my car is one of those long decade long projects).

Anyways, what I'll be looking for is a suspension that will deliver better cornering, a better stance and better ride quality for the street. I'm not really interested in setting it up for the track but would rather improve ride quality while also making it better handling if possible. So to reiterate, I'm looking to make a nice handling street cruiser.

What I want to do now is plan it out. Any suggestions on what components I should replace and what brands? I'm not very knowledgable about suspensions like I am with other parts of the car.

Once I get the suspension done I'll go back to increasing power. But that could be a long ways down the road at this point.

 

[95.0Stang]

I like what I have so far, Eibach Lowering Springs, Maximum Motorsports full length subframe connectors. I will say that shocks and struts are on my short list of things to do next. but I loved the subframes, they make the suspension do the work of absorbing more of the shock instead of sending rattles up and down my spine.

 

[Satin Silver GT]

I put the Bullitt suspension on my GT and it made a big difference. Came with shocks, struts, springs, front & rear sway bars. Think I paid $399 from Gene Evens Ford in 2003. They used to advertise a lot in MMFF magazine but have not seen an ad recently.

 

[95.0Stang]

Think I paid $399 from Gene Evens Ford in 2003. They used to advertise a lot in MMFF magazine but have not seen an ad recently.

They seem to have good products, and good customer service. I just took a look at their site and their selection has really dwindled.

 

[jomull55]

I'm going to be swapping my eibach sportline springs out here soon for better weight transfer at the track. but if handling is what your after i can take corners very well right now with the sportlines. they do sacrifice a bit of ride quality though. (get ahold of me on here or buckeyestangs if your interested in the sportlines)

I went with edelbrock shocks and I like them a lot, really seemed to tighten up the rear. and kyb gr-2 struts in the front and i dont like them.

good luck

 

[V_Eight]

IRS swap and a Maximum Motorsports max grip package thing. Expensive but you'll never piece it together for less with the same quality stuff. Might as well save up and do it properly once.

 

[Wolvrin704]

Not sure if I forgot or not but don't wanna break the bank on this build either. The Bullitt sounds interesting, did the ride quality suffer? I'm seriously going to look into this option.

Thanks for the offer Joe but as you say and I've heard the sportslines cause ride quality to suffer and I really don't want to decrease that much if any.

V, the IRS would be awesome but I'm not spending an arm and a leg. Just wanting to make a nice handling and riding street cruiser so no need to put that much money in it, unless I wanna start start doing some corner carving. If I were to come across a good deal that might be another story though. Money is really tight so at this point I'm just wanting to research and decide on the build while I start saving money for it.

 

[95.0Stang]

Money is really tight so at this point I'm just wanting to research and decide on the build while I start saving money for it.

The BEST way to do it, no point in spending money on a "recommended" setup only to find it isn't all you thought it might be, and then wanting to change it. RESEARCH, and then be satisfied!

Jared

 

[Wolvrin704]

The BEST way to do it, no point in spending money on a "recommended" setup only to find it isn't all you thought it might be, and then wanting to change it. RESEARCH, and then be satisfied!

Jared

Thats why I'm starting with asking. Subframe connectors are a no brainer though and will probably be the first suspension mod, maybe next year.

 

[san~man]

What's your budget. That info always helps.

 

[Wolvrin704]

What's your budget. That info always helps.

Good question. As this will be done over time and as funds become available its hard to say but I'll estimate that I'll be able to spend 1200-1500 total.

 

[[Twitch]]

Not sure if I forgot or not but don't wanna break the bank on this build either. The Bullitt sounds interesting, did the ride quality suffer? I'm seriously going to look into this option.

Thanks for the offer Joe but as you say and I've heard the sportslines cause ride quality to suffer and I really don't want to decrease that much if any.

V, the IRS would be awesome but I'm not spending an arm and a leg. Just wanting to make a nice handling and riding street cruiser so no need to put that much money in it, unless I wanna start start doing some corner carving. If I were to come across a good deal that might be another story though. Money is really tight so at this point I'm just wanting to research and decide on the build while I start saving money for it.

This is what I did for my car.

Stock > Bullitt Kit > Bullitt Kit + Rear lower control arms + Full length subframe connectors > Bullitt Kit + Rear lower control arms + Full length subframe connectors + H&R Super Sport Springs

If you are on a budget, you can't beat the Bullitt suspension kit. Not only does it offer a slight drop with the new springs, you also get new shocks and struts that are revalve for the new suspension and upgraded swaybars.

Ride will be stiffer than stock but without any major annoyance. You'll be going from stock 450/Front 210/Rear to 600/Front 250/Rear. In other words, this Bullitt suspension should have been the Stock GT suspension.

As others have mention, it's pretty cheap to get this kit.

With the Bullitt kit, you can later on upgrade the springs to a much stiffer setting if you want better handling or when you have the appropriate funds.

Also, full length subframe connector are a plus! Once installed, you can lift 2 wheels off the ground at one corner jacking point, this demonstrates how much stiffer chassis is. Although, many of todays cars(those who don't have a chassis from 1979) can do this without mods(simple cars like Accord)