2011 dampers
 

How much longer for a 2011+ specific shock n strut to be available? One that doesn't require new stuff or mods.

All you need are the 2010 strut mounts for the front and the whole after-market is available.

Cheers.

I understand that the mounts changed, but can anyone tell us WHY? What improvement(s) (real or theoretical) was(were) introduced by the new mounts and dampers?

Basically I'd like to find out what I'd be "giving up" by switching to the pre-2011 damper mounting.

Doubt you'll be giving up anything....The 2011 pieces are actually pretty cheap compared to the earlier GT500 parts available for $60/pr.
This whole issue is no big deal. Retro fit the older parts and you're good to go..

2011 left, GT500 right:
http://images57.fotki.com/v66/photos...ocks002-vi.jpg

http://images54.fotki.com/v543/photo...ocks003-vi.jpg

Difference in shock shafts. Old top, 2011 bottom:
http://images12.fotki.com/v253/photo...ocks001-vi.jpg

I understand the sentiment, but I am still curious WHY the parts were changed. Re-engineering a part and making changes to the parts network is not cheap, so I doubt Ford would embark upon changing something for no reason at all. Does the 2011 design provide better isolation? Maybe better longevity? Or maybe it was just cheaper to make or their machine tool broke? Maybe they changed supplier? Could be anything.

In the photos the 2011 seems to have a little less rubber (and thus a more direct connection to structure). Maybe the new design was intended to offset rubber degradation or maybe improve handling "feel" somewhat?

I'm guessing the new ones are cheaper to make which was probably the underlying motivation. They are also not staked together top to bottom. Just a top and bottom sandwiching a 3" ring of bare ball bearings.
They will fall apart if you're not careful on removal. Chasing a bunch of little ball bearings around the shop floor is not fun (ask me how I know)! The durometer of the older style is pretty stiff so I doubt there is anything noticeable there. You also need these Rubber bases (not available separately) if you put in the Steeda plates which I will do eventually..

So all you need to run a set of 05-09 Konis on a 2011 is the 07-09 GT500 upper strut mounts?

Yup...

Actually Steve, I had to did the same thing on my Mazda3, so I don't need to ask :rofl2:

LOL...Yeah...funny how no one mentioned this in any of the suspension swaps I read!....:D

Seems to me one would be better off switching to the pre '11 mount assy regargless if they were chang struts or not.

Thanks for your answers and for hanging in there with me! :nice:

Funny how you did not snap a photo of that when that happened ! :)

I am aware u can just switch the mounts but I was wondering when they would come out with ones u don't have to.