jokerstars

1. Will I need (or is it strongly recommended) that I get new shocks/struts?

2. Same as above, but for the upper strut mounts? Will the GT500 ones work ok? I don't plan to track the car.

From what I could tell, I might be able to get away with only the springs, but with some risk to my car.

Oh, and do strut braces REALLY make a noticable difference?

12GTBLK

shocks/struts probably not a bad idea, but Panhard bar a must because the rear end will be off center when you lower it.

jokerstars

What's the diff between sway bars and panhard bars?

What about the upper strut mounts? I read I'll need these if I got with the Koni streets?

http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...199&ModelID=35

Grifftech

You ill want to get an Adjustable Panhard bar compared to the solid stock bar, like the previous poster said this will allow the installer to center the body over the axle after you lower it.

I have done tons of research on this exact setup and I am going with a

UMI adjustable Panhardbar
Steeda Sport Springs
Koni STRt Struts/Shocks and
GT500 Upper Strut Mounts

I have read many people who have had no problems whatsoever getting the alignment back within spec with the GT500 mounts and others want that extra amount of adjustment for caster/camber and will get the Steeda HD Mounts. But if you get the Steeda HD Mounts you will still need to buy 2005-2010 Upper Strut Mounts in order to get the isolator off of them to put on the Steeda HD mount. So my opinion is to go with the GT500 mounts and call it a day.


Also getting the Koni Struts/Shocks are a very good idea to get as the valving on them is designed to work better with lowering springs while the stock ones aren't. So over time you end up replacing the stock dampers so might as well do it now.

ssimaniac

Why would you want to spend over $1500 for this setup? Lowering the car in the area we live in is ludicrous. You will scrape everywhere and every pothole will shatter your teeth.

jokerstars

Because I'm not very happy with the handling on my car. Feels floaty and lots of roll.

I'm also moving to DC and will only be driving my car on high ways to get to VA once a week.


But feel free to talk me out the suspension changes, seriously.

Got a link where to buy these?

MRGTX

Good to see that you're keeping the hotrod.

Grifftech

Not sure where you came up with $1500 bucks

Koni STR.t STrut/Shocks $318 Strano Performance Parts
Steeda Sport Springs $255 Strano Performance Parts
UMI Panhard $120 Strano Performance Parts
GT500 Mounts $90
Camber Bolts $35
Install (what I got quoted) $150
Alignment $75

Total $1043


Here is link to GT500 upper strut mounts http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/...rut-Mount-Pair

ssimaniac

LoL, I was going to go down the same path and I realized it wasn't worth it. My current suspension is fine as is. To be quite honest, sometimes I scrape with the stock height, let alone lowering it. DC is horrible, and I mean horrible, to drive in. Regards if you're coming to VA or not, your teeth will shatter. You will do more damage than good, and if you take it for some work you won't be covered. If you lived somewhere nicer, I would say go for it. But it's truly fine as is.

You're buying a new place, why waste more money on a car you were going to sell few days ago. Save your money and pay it down instead of wasting more on it.

ssimaniac

Install for $150???? Please tell me who it is because I'll take my car to them right away, lol. Most places quote you $500-600 for the install and that's on the low end. Alignment alone is like $150

jokerstars

Thanks! Got a link to the camber bolts?

jokerstars

I think you're right. I actually plan to do ZERO driving in DC but perhaps it's not the best place to spend money right now...plus I'm getting 3.73's installed next week.

jsnyng

I'm not an internet commando on this question throwing out a random opinion on this matter. I've been there/done that with this combination.

1. You don't NEED new shocks/struts with Steeda Sports. You will wear out the factory shocks/struts sooner, but the car is totally drivable and substantially better handling with just the springs. Nose dive and body roll are almost gone. I ran mine for a couple thousand miles before upgrading to the Koni Sports, but I also auto-x a lot. Recommended, yes; mandatory, no.

2. GT500 mounts will definitely work for your situation.

Strut braces don't make a huge difference.

As for others saying you must have an adjustable Panhard bar, I didn't have to have one after my drop. The Steeda Sports are a mild drop. The rear end was off center by < 1/8".

Pics of car w/ stock wheels, Steeda Sports, stock Panhard, and stock shocks/struts:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsnyng/...7625218693778/

jokerstars

Okay, so if I wanted to go through with this I'd need to buy:

1)Steeda sport sprigns

2)Koni STR shocks/struts

3)GT500 mount

That's it?


edit: How's the ride quality? No too harsh? I do admit I enjoy the very comfy ride of my GT's stock setup.

Grifftech

Call Sam Strano at stranoparts.com 1 (800) 729-1831, he is INCREDIBLY knowledgable and will help you with any questions or concerns you have about Mustang suspension stuff.

mtnbikefuel80

If you get a watts link that replaces the panhard bar correct since that centers the rear through its whole travel? I plan to auto-x and road race at sebring. Im looking at koni yellows when i upgrade.

FCMalie

Yes, the Watts link replaces the panhard bar.

crescent_wrench

If you want to reduce body roll, you may consider an adjustable rear sway-bar. I understand it makes a huge difference and also gets rid of the under-steer our cars suffer from from the factory. Give Sam a call.