to Steeda asking them if the camber plates are necessary if I used their springs and their answer simply was "yes, in order for proper alignment you need to install camber plates".

Steeda sells parts. You are a consumer. Consumer + Parts = Money

I have spoken to at least two Steeda employees that have personally told me the springs alone will give me the performance without having to change camber plates, control arms, etc. He said they are not necessary, but can't hurt.

I have personally installed the Steeda springs (alone) and have no regrets. I can take a corner like a Porche on rails.

Just remember, RETAIL, RETAIL, RETAIL.... these people have to put food on their tables too. They will sell you beach front property in Oklahoma if you bite.

 

This is a tough one to judge.

To camber or not to camber, tires and time will tell.

NIck

 

I talked to a Ford mechanic today who specializes in suspensions and has won several awards for his job performance and let's say that I am now relieved.

 

What does that mean Rich ? .... camber or not camber ?

 

Ya Rich, kinda left us in the dark. Anyway, the FORD tech that told me I needed camber plates is the guy that deals with all of the mustangs in this area that have been lowered. He even showed me the factory specs and the closest he can come to without camber plates. It is off by .7 degrees and the camber plates will allow of +/- .75 degrees so I definately need them. On some of the previous mustangs Ford built them with enough adjustment that you would not need camber plates, but on the new stang there is no camber adjustment unless you notch the bottom hole on the strut and install camber plates.

 

OOOOO my I'am realy up in arms on what to do. .. I'am getting the convertible and would like it to handle better, realy would like to drop it with the Eibach pro set ( not avalible till june or july :scratch: ).......... SOOOO :bang: :bang: :bang: what parts do we need and what don't we need???? . I'am not to consernd about what company to buy from...

 

One more thing will doing all this void the whole worrany or just parts of it :scratch: :scratch:

 

Well let me clarify. The mechanic said that I should go ahead and install the kit and see where it aligns. If it makes the alignment then well and good and if it doesn't, then get the Ford plates. He said he saw no reason for a panhard rod. He also said that he has the Steeda plates on his 04 Mustang convertible and that they were very noisey and I probably wouldn't be happy with them.

I asked if he could install the springs and the dealer was standing there when I asked and they saw no issue with the warranty. Other than waiting for a while for the car this dealership has been great!

 

Just so you know, some dealers wont care but when it comes right down to it, replacing the springs with aftermarket voids the warranty on the suspension components.

 

GOOD thread......I just finished putting the pro-kit on. When I tightened up the strut bolts I held the strut against the outside of the bolt holes and that left the negative camber at an "Acceptable" to me 1-1/2 degree. I do have the steeda plates for future use. My rear is not off by any appreciable amount so at this point no adjustable bar there.

 

My camber plates are being installed as we speak. Finally, the alignment will be done today so I don't have to worry about my tires wearing unevenly, well, my cornering isn't going to help but at least that is my fault

 

it would look great with the drop, but stiffer springs or shocks are more likely to generate rattles/squeaks in a convertible.

 

Here's a couple pics of the Eiebach Pro-kit installed. Negative camber is not bad.

 

That looks good!

 

How about Pro3's "2005 Mustang Billet Alum Adj Panhard Rod" at PartShopper??

 

Got my car back last night. Even after having the camber plates installed the passenger side tire is out slightly, but not enough to cause tire wear. I would definately have had problems with uneven tire wear if the plates were not installed. Also, I know some of you are saying you don't need camber plates, but, looks like you are also still using stock tires and rims. When you go to wider tires like I did it is very obvious that the tires are far from being properly aligned.

car handles a lot better now as well

 

I have a really great Ford Dealer out here. I personally know the service manager and his suspension guy ( who has over 15 years of suspension experience and has lowered many fords ). He installed my Eibach Pro Kit and put the front end back to exact factory specs for $150 bucks.

Slotting the strut at the lower mounting plate and installing cam bolts was his method of approach. He said that the camber adjustment plates where expensive and a pain to install and adjust. I live in the DFW Texas area so if any of you are interested in having him install your springs and align your front end then send me a PM.

 

The suspension guy slotted mine as well which only give you up to -.75 camber. Mine were out -1.2 so slotting them was not enough.

Edit: Guess I should also mention that my neighbour is the service manager at the dealership and I am friends with the suspension guy who has close to 20 years experience and has lowered hundreds of mustangs. So not only do I trust them but it was extremely obvious the toe was out.

 

tag for future refrence

 

This month's mustang monthly has an article on lowering (for an older model) but pretty much says the same thing. Need the camber plates when lowering + alignment. It didn't mention anything else needed for stability so maybe the panhard bar isn't necessary for just lowering. If you get a chance, check it out.