05-09 Exterior Modifications Making Your '05 Stand Out from the Crowd

Newby Questions on Lowering

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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 08:54 AM
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BamaGT's Avatar
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Newby Questions on Lowering

A few new guy questions for anyone willing to advise:

I just picked up a new 06 GT this weekend, and I'm interested in lowering it by 1" to 1 1/2" all around to get rid of the 4x4 look. The photos of lowered Mustangs on this site are very nice.

Could I just replace the springs and be done or would I also have to change out sway bars, panhard bars, etc. to maintain the suspension geometry?

I'm sure I couldn't do this by myself, so I would have to find an installer. What type of place would you recommend for the work? Any ballpark figure on cost to install?

Thanks in advance.
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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 12:21 PM
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You really only need the springs. I have the Eibach Pro Kit on my car and would recommend it. The install is actually very easy too and can be done with simple hand tools, do a search and you'll find a few posts with instructions on how to do it. I think you'd be looking at about $200 for a shop to install them.
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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 01:22 PM
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Thanks for the tip! I didn't have too much trouble when I lowered my truck by replacing the shackles, but I thought a spring change would be much more complicated (and more dangerous since a spring could pop out and impale my cranium!). I'll keep looking for some good instructions on a spring install.
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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 01:34 PM
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I have the Steeda Ultralite lowering springs. Overall drop is something like 7/8" up front and 1" at the rear.
No additional components were used (LCA's, panhard bar, camber bolts, etc.) or necessary to bring the alignment back into specs.

I documented my install and have various pics in my sig (they're all over the place) to show what the drop looks like.

link

I chose the Ultralites because I didn't want to sacrifice ride quality (too much). It does ride a tiny bit harsher than stock, but much more compliant compared to more aggessive drops.

I believe shops charge around $200-250 labor, at here in SoCal.
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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 06:18 PM
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TacoBill- Thanks. Your detailed photos are a wonder to behold. They almost make me believe I could do this.

And your car is fantastic. Very inspirational!!
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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by BamaGT
TacoBill- Thanks. Your detailed photos are a wonder to behold. They almost make me believe I could do this.

And your car is fantastic. Very inspirational!!
Thank you. And I believe you can do it too!

The rear springs are the easiest. The fronts weren't too bad, but I had a buddy with that floor standing spring compressor, made life easy with that thing.

You have many options...
* Do the entire drop yourself.
* Do both ends, but take the front coil packs to a shop for them to swap out the springs.
* Just do the rear and have a shop to the fronts.
* Let the shop do it all.

Whatever you decide, post pics when your done!
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Old Aug 3, 2006 | 06:12 PM
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You could also buy adjustable shocks to keep the ride smooth
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Old Aug 4, 2006 | 05:59 PM
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I went with the springs and the adj panhard bar. On some vehicles the rear axle will push out to one side when you do the drop. A lot of people say it is not necessary, but I wasn't going to take the chance. Also an aftermarket panhard will save you a few pounds. Check out the Progress kit. I am extremely happy with the ride quality and looks.
Bill, next time we meet up, check out my new stuff.
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Old Aug 4, 2006 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by DaBoss2
Bill, next time we meet up, check out my new stuff.
Lookin' forward to it, Josh!
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Old Aug 6, 2006 | 10:02 AM
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I put Vortland springs , on my 05 and love them , good ride and awesome looks
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Old Aug 6, 2006 | 11:25 AM
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Do it all yourself. You can rent the spring compressor from most autoparts stores. Thats what I do whenever I need to change springs out.
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Old Aug 6, 2006 | 04:18 PM
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Wink Do not lower it too much ....

I would go with H&R OE Sport Springs. Lowers the front 1 inch and 3/4 on the rear. Part # 51655. Get some Tokico D-Spec Struts & Shocks. You could go with Steeda for the other suspension pieces.
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