Does anyone know what the differences are between the 05-06-07-08-09 Mustangs? I'm talking about mechanical differences, option availability, etc. For example, I know that 07+ can get the "premier trim" option, and I've read that 08+ have an updated/improved shifter.
Actually, the updated shifter came in '07. Your best resource for those type of items is TMS Intro They have a time line section to view the different options and such. Another difference is the 05-06 models weigh a bit more than 100 lbs less than the 07+ because they had to stiffen a few things to accommodate the GT500 power plant. 2005-2006 GT Manual models came with 3.55 gears standard, autos came with 3.31. 07+ GT models come with 3.31 standard, with 3.55 being an option for manuals. Other than that, off the top of my head, there are no large differences, other than available options.
I could be wrong, but I think that at least some of the changes to the 2007 GT to accommodate the GT500 were a running change made part way through the model year.
What differences have you noticed in the strut tower? I didn't notice any differences between either of mine when I installed the line locks on both of them, but I wasn't exactly looking for anything, either.
In mid 07 they changed the upper strut mounts to be self contained. In my 08 the upper strut mounts were sealed and i got to reading they changed that.
They changed the layout of the strut towers - you can see how they moved the flanges where the wires bolt and stuff. From my Job 1 stang, it looks like they moved the stuff out of the way to fit something wide, I can only assume the 5.4L quad-cam V8. Do you have any pics of the non-sealed strut mounts versus the sealed/self-contained strut mounts?
I think the later 07's were put together in a different way. IIRC they have more welds in key points to increase structural rigidity. They also have a factory "g-trac" bar (I found out after buying mine) to fine tune the handling a bit.
I know the A-Arm brace was equipped on all GTs (regardless if it was the GT500 or convertible) starting Job 2 MY 07, as my Job 1 07 didn't have one. However, I heard that all 2007s got the extra welds/sheetmetal since the GT500 debuted early in the 07 MY. I added the OEM brace and felt some improvement in the chassis, but it was already very good to begin with.
honestly i couldnt tell that much of a difference. When me and my friend did the spring install on my GT i was careful with it like i was a brain surgeon. Got the thing out and examined it and was like "what the hell?". I kinda pulled on it and spun it and whaddya know? It wouldnt come apart like everyone was saying.
07 was also the beginning of the audio input jack in the console. The fan blade rims were different every year. could anyone tell me if they are offering a fan blade for the 09's and is it the same as 08's? tx matt
