Suspension Upgrade Suggestions

[5.0 Nostalgia]

I am looking to upgrade the stock suspension in my car over the next month so I can get it ready for spring. The car is basically a street car that may see an occasional trip to the track so I am looking for the best all around performance in terms of handling and hook up. My engine is a N/A 331. I don't have plans on doing a power adder. The suspension is currently all of the original components (car has 102k on it). So far I purchased a set of Koni yellow shocks, struts, and quad shocks for the upgrade. I am looking to do springs, rear control arms/bushings, and front bushings. I am undecided on coil over or stock set up for springs, but realize I probably don't need to go that far. My original thought was UPR upper and lower control arms.

Anybody have suggestions based on the info I have given?

 

[mikestang63]

First thing to do is add MM full length subframe connectors. Then I would do the following

Springs- H&R or Steeda Sport Springs, and poly isolators
Front- new poly sway bar, end link bushings and new poly A arm bushings
Rear- MM rear lower control arms and new stock upper rear control arms, new control arm bolts, new sway bar bushings,

 

[A5literMan]

TeamZ rear control arms. If you haven't already done it make sure to check the torque boxes(get them reinforced)and add subframe connectors. Keep the rear springs with a coil cut are the best/cheapest option. If you do decide to go coilovers get the maximum motorsports kit. It's the best one(imo).

 

[5.0 Nostalgia]

I forgot to mention that I already have Global West full length subframe connectors and upper and lower torque box plates.

 

[Sharad]

I am looking to upgrade the stock suspension in my car over the next month so I can get it ready for spring. The car is basically a street car that may see an occasional trip to the track so I am looking for the best all around performance in terms of handling and hook up. My engine is a N/A 331. I don't have plans on doing a power adder. The suspension is currently all of the original components (car has 102k on it). So far I purchased a set of Koni yellow shocks, struts, and quad shocks for the upgrade. I am looking to do springs, rear control arms/bushings, and front bushings. I am undecided on coil over or stock set up for springs, but realize I probably don't need to go that far. My original thought was UPR upper and lower control arms.

Anybody have suggestions based on the info I have given?

I would recommend UPR Pro Street upper & lower control arms for your setup. They have polyurethane bushings on one side and solid bushings on the other end, so you get the power handling ability & free articulation (no bind) of a spherical bearing with the quieter operation of a polyurethane bushing. It's a best of both worlds scenario. I would remove the quad shocks, as they won't be needed with the UPR control arms.

I'm not a fan of stock location rear coilovers on a fox body because they sacrifice some tire clearance. We have a very popular adjustable rear spring kit which mounts in the stock location, so you maintain full tire clearance.

UPR Products are Made in American, and they carry a Lifetime Guarantee. Also, we offer Stangnet members a 10% discount using code forum15. If you call us at 561.588.6630 we'd be happy to discuss these options in more detail.

Thank you for considering UPR Products!

 

[90lxwhite]

I would recommend UPR Pro Street upper & lower control arms for your setup. They have polyurethane bushings on one side and solid bushings on the other end, so you get the power handling ability & free articulation (no bind) of a spherical bearing with the quieter operation of a polyurethane bushing. It's a best of both worlds scenario. I would remove the quad shocks, as they won't be needed with the UPR control arms.

I'm not a fan of stock location rear coilovers on a fox body because they sacrifice some tire clearance. We have a very popular adjustable rear spring kit which mounts in the stock location, so you maintain full tire clearance.

UPR Products are Made in American, and they carry a Lifetime Guarantee. Also, we offer Stangnet members a 10% discount using code forum15. If you call us at 561.588.6630 we'd be happy to discuss these options in more detail.

Thank you for considering UPR Products!

Quick thread-jack. Why does everyone want to remove quad shocks after upgrading rear control arms? Saving 4lbs? I understand doing away w the quads to make room for wider tires but what negeative affect is there w running quad shocks w aftermarket control arms?

 

[aar0s]

What mikestang said.

 

[90lxwhite]

First thing to do is add MM full length subframe connectors. Then I would do the following

Springs- H&R or Steeda Sport Springs, and poly isolators
Front- new poly sway bar, end link bushings and new poly A arm bushings
Rear- MM rear lower control arms and new stock upper rear control arms, new control arm bolts, new sway bar bushings,

Yo mike, do the poly bushings in the frontend help a great deal? Are there any negative trade off's using urethane vs rubber like there are in some cases w the rear suspension?

 

[rbohm]

my advice;

springs-go for a slightly stiffer overall spring, but get a progressive rate spring. that way you maintain a good ride while improving handling.

sway bars-use the stock bars, just upgrade the bushings and end links to poly items. i recommend energy suspension greaseable units.

control arms- lower rear i recommend these;

http://www.hotpart.com/1979-1998-1999-2004-mustang-rear-lower-control-arms-for-street-race/

for the upper arms go with stock units.

for the front arms, again stock replacement units preferably with poly bushings, again greaseable ones are best.

 

[89oem]

^^^ They look and read very similar to the MM rear lca I just had installed....

 

[Sharad]

Quick thread-jack. Why does everyone want to remove quad shocks after upgrading rear control arms? Saving 4lbs? I understand doing away w the quads to make room for wider tires but what negeative affect is there w running quad shocks w aftermarket control arms?

Because the quad shocks were just a bandaid for the sloppy bushings Ford used in the factory control arms. Upgrade the control arms, bandaid no longer needed.

 

[90lxwhite]

Because the quad shocks were just a bandaid for the sloppy bushings Ford used in the factory control arms. Upgrade the control arms, bandaid no longer needed.

I get the bandaid part but wouldn't it have even less wheel hop when using both?

 

[A5literMan]

I get the bandaid part but wouldn't it have even less wheel hop when using both?

Short answer is no. By a quality control arm and bushings and there is no need for the quads. I've never experienced wheel hop with a good setup.

 

[Sharad]

^^what he said

 

[90lxwhite]

^^what he said

they'll have no affect negative or positive with a good control arm setup so the advantage in removing them is a reduction in 4 lbs.

 

[A5literMan]

they'll have no affect negative or positive with a good control arm setup so the advantage in removing them is a reduction in 4 lbs.

Removing them reduces weight and increases wheel/tire clearance without effecting suspension performance.

 

[90lxwhite]

Removing them reduces weight and increases wheel/tire clearance without effecting suspension performance.

Thanks got ya.

 

[2000xp8]

IMO, as someone that has had a boat load of suspension parts, just browse the maximum motorsports catalog and build it from there. The koni's are a good start. Coil overs in the front will be good, rear's i'd stick with regular springs.

Not a fan of cutting springs, I've done it more times than I can remember and have never been happy with it. It's a crapshoot on how the car will sit and ride. Get the weight jacker MM rear controls to help control the height of whatever springs you get.

As for the wheel hop, I feel like that's an individual car thing, I've had wheel hop and not had it with just a change of tires, so....
If you don't need the clearance, imo, leave them. If you do, well then they are going.

Suspension is the place to stick with higher end parts, in the long run it will save you money.