Shock/Strut Suggestions

[rdmorrow]

I have a 2006 Mustang GT with 20X8.5's all the way around, and the Eibach Pro kit springs. Which shocks/struts would be best for my lowered ride? Bilstein,Tokiko, Ford Racing...? Adjustable or non-adjustable? I am looking for a bit smoother and more compliant ride. I am a street only, daily driver. No strip trips for me. Thanks in advance for any feedback. RD in Houston

 

[Mr_Q]

Getting a smoother ride when you are already lowered and running thin rubber on those giganto wheels is going to be tough.

Normally I'd say Ford racing shocks/struts but they are fairly stiff. And an adjustable isn't going to help since at their softest setting they are stiffer than stock.

You are preloading your stock struts/shocks from the lowering springs. Your best bet is to switch out the Eibach for the Steeda Ultra-Lites. They only drop 1"-1.25" front to back *and* are very close to stock specs for loading. i.e. softer ride.

That preload with your current springs is what is making the ride crappy along with the thin rubber on your tires. It's really a balance between the two. That's why it's best to buy "systems". Springs and shocks that are designed to work together.

But any time you drop a car much more than stock specs it's very tricky to get a comfy ride for day to day pot-hole driving.

Good luck.

P.S. Or just get some coilovers and set them up with some soft srings.

 

[LV51FER]

I've got Weld Evo 20 x 9.5/10.5 wearing 275/35's. I use Tokico D-Spec adjustables and have had no issues here in the UK even on our twisting roads chasing down an Elise. I have Roush springs and stock sway bars and the shocks are set on the recommended setting of 4 where 5 is softest and 1 is hardest. I haven't really had to experiment with the settings. Initially I thought it might be too soft but I think that might be a sway bar issue. However, the Mustang has had no problem at all, in the wet, keeping up with a whole bevy of sports cars so I've left the settings as they are.

Taking a leaf from the Corvette book, it's easy to actually set up a car too hard (the Z06's went softer on the back end to aid traction out of corners). This setting gives a good ride, amazing grip, no deflection or bounce and still offers adjustability if you need it.

 

[rdmorrow]

Thanks Mr Q. I took your suggestion and swapped the Eibachs for the Steeda Ultra Lights. I matched these springs up with the FR non-adjustable shocks. WHAT A DIFFERENCE.
I also added the Steeda billet camber kit and dialed the alignment in much closer.
The Steeda springs did not lower the car as much as the Eibachs, but the car is low enough for me now.
Good advice
RD