Lowering + Comfort without busting the wallet
#21
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Will get more bounce with stock shocks. If all you want is the look then yes you can just put the springs on there.
#22
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Nope. Don't know exactly why everyone decides to replace shocks and struts when they lower their cars. Koni makes a really good performance shock but with a 1.5" drop, your stock shocks and struts will perform fine without bottoming out. Some people just follow the leader without exactly knowing why. I'm running stock shocks and struts with Steeda sport springs and it really rides well even though mine is pretty low. Also you can stiffen your chassis and improve your cornering with other parts instead of adjustable shocks that never get adjusted anyways. Lots of things you read on these forums is passed on advise and info that you may as well ignore.
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#23
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Nope. Don't know exactly why everyone decides to replace shocks and struts when they lower their cars. Koni makes a really good performance shock but with a 1.5" drop, your stock shocks and struts will perform fine without bottoming out. Some people just follow the leader without exactly knowing why. I'm running stock shocks and struts with Steeda sport springs and it really rides well even though mine is pretty low. Also you can stiffen your chassis and improve your cornering with other parts instead of adjustable shocks that never get adjusted anyways. Lots of things you read on these forums is passed on advise and info that you may as well ignore.
#24
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Nope. Don't know exactly why everyone decides to replace shocks and struts when they lower their cars. Koni makes a really good performance shock but with a 1.5" drop, your stock shocks and struts will perform fine without bottoming out. Some people just follow the leader without exactly knowing why. I'm running stock shocks and struts with Steeda sport springs and it really rides well even though mine is pretty low. Also you can stiffen your chassis and improve your cornering with other parts instead of adjustable shocks that never get adjusted anyways. Lots of things you read on these forums is passed on advise and info that you may as well ignore.
![Stickpoke](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/stickpoke.gif)
#25
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I also felt my stock shocks and struts were weak at best with a drop which I did run for a while. Changing over to something designed to work with lowering springs made all the difference in the world.
#26
A Man Just Needs Some....
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I recommend changing shocks to anyone that lowers a car. From your post, I'm assuming Mustang shocks are different than other cars. This is my first lowered Mustang. I did lower a 300z, GTI, Jetta, BMW 325is, and an accord on stock shocks. They rode fine but quickly went to poop. In truth, I wanted to buy shocks for all of the cars above but didn't want to wait till I could afford it. I've changed both the springs and shocks ever since. Perhaps we are both assuming our experience is the same as everyone else's. I can only speak to my experience.
Change out the springs and possibly the panhard bar. As long as the caster is ok when the alignment is checked, all you need is camber bolts. You just don't need parts you will never have use for unless you just want people to see them. If you will be racing, drag or road, you may want to upgrade as you go. I just hate to see people buy stuff that the will never need.
#27
So it sounds like my stock shocks will degrade quicker over time but new ones are not necessarily a must buy right up front... I really appreciate everyone's points of view and I now feel I have a better understanding of what gains the different parts would give me. I'm going to price things out and see how it matches up to 600 bucks... if I can lower it on good springs and shocks for under 600, Ill probably do it... if I'm looking at 700+, Ill probably put springs on for now and then this summer/fall put in new shocks. I would like to get better handling out of it in the long run... but if I cant afford it, Ill just go for the look for the moment.
#28
... unless you guys from experience can tell me that my stock shocks wouldn't even last through the summer on the new springs, then I would think that is pointless... if that's the case, then I will just need to save up to do springs and shocks all at once.
Again, thanks for the education everyone!
Again, thanks for the education everyone!
#29
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... unless you guys from experience can tell me that my stock shocks wouldn't even last through the summer on the new springs, then I would think that is pointless... if that's the case, then I will just need to save up to do springs and shocks all at once. Again, thanks for the education everyone!
#30
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... unless you guys from experience can tell me that my stock shocks wouldn't even last through the summer on the new springs, then I would think that is pointless... if that's the case, then I will just need to save up to do springs and shocks all at once. Again, thanks for the education everyone!
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#31
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Then you can sell your almost new GT shocks and struts to some 11-14 guy who chose to keep his car stock and needs replacements...make back a little $&
#32
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The stock shocks/struts are marginal even with the stock springs. Asking them to do the same job with higher rate springs and less travel will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
"Never underestimate what a quality set of shocks/struts can do for your car".
If you seriously want to do this right the first time save up enough money to get a proper setup. For improved looks, handling and ride you should look into a shock/strut combo that has been shortened to allow more travel with the lower springs. Coil overs are another option but are almost double your original budget, but they do come with pretty much everything. Do a good amount of research before you purchase anything, Good luck.
"Never underestimate what a quality set of shocks/struts can do for your car".
If you seriously want to do this right the first time save up enough money to get a proper setup. For improved looks, handling and ride you should look into a shock/strut combo that has been shortened to allow more travel with the lower springs. Coil overs are another option but are almost double your original budget, but they do come with pretty much everything. Do a good amount of research before you purchase anything, Good luck.
#33
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The stock shocks/struts are marginal even with the stock springs. Asking them to do the same job with higher rate springs and less travel will dramatically shorten their lifespan. "Never underestimate what a quality set of shocks/struts can do for your car". If you seriously want to do this right the first time save up enough money to get a proper setup. For improved looks, handling and ride you should look into a shock/strut combo that has been shortened to allow more travel with the lower springs. Coil overs are another option but are almost double your original budget, but they do come with pretty much everything. Do a good amount of research before you purchase anything, Good luck.
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#34
The stock shocks/struts are marginal even with the stock springs. Asking them to do the same job with higher rate springs and less travel will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
"Never underestimate what a quality set of shocks/struts can do for your car".
If you seriously want to do this right the first time save up enough money to get a proper setup. For improved looks, handling and ride you should look into a shock/strut combo that has been shortened to allow more travel with the lower springs. Coil overs are another option but are almost double your original budget, but they do come with pretty much everything. Do a good amount of research before you purchase anything, Good luck.
"Never underestimate what a quality set of shocks/struts can do for your car".
If you seriously want to do this right the first time save up enough money to get a proper setup. For improved looks, handling and ride you should look into a shock/strut combo that has been shortened to allow more travel with the lower springs. Coil overs are another option but are almost double your original budget, but they do come with pretty much everything. Do a good amount of research before you purchase anything, Good luck.
#35
Thanks everyone for the great info! Once I've lowered it (hopefully soon), I'll post some pics here.
Jay@Hypermotive - I believe you to be the same Hypermotive everyone in my mustang club talks about (in a good way, lol). I'm a new member of Sandhills and if that's you, I'll come see you soon about some parts.
Jay@Hypermotive - I believe you to be the same Hypermotive everyone in my mustang club talks about (in a good way, lol). I'm a new member of Sandhills and if that's you, I'll come see you soon about some parts.
#36
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Thanks for the props.
I went thru the same ordeal with my F-body some years ago and decided to go for an all out approach Spring Sways Shocks etc.... when completed it was awe inspiring as far as handling and composer but left some of the good ride on the table. Firm without being harsh was the coined term at that time and while true it was still a bit much for a 40 something to use as a DD. I vowed not to do the same thing again with the Mustang.
Research is everything IMO and going with a shortened shock/strut from a quality manufacturer seems to be the key to maintaining some resemblance of the good ride.
Another reason behind doing it all at once is if you install springs and shocks separately then your disassembling the fronts twice, The backs are cake but the fronts can be quite a PITA.
Hope this helps.
I went thru the same ordeal with my F-body some years ago and decided to go for an all out approach Spring Sways Shocks etc.... when completed it was awe inspiring as far as handling and composer but left some of the good ride on the table. Firm without being harsh was the coined term at that time and while true it was still a bit much for a 40 something to use as a DD. I vowed not to do the same thing again with the Mustang.
Research is everything IMO and going with a shortened shock/strut from a quality manufacturer seems to be the key to maintaining some resemblance of the good ride.
Another reason behind doing it all at once is if you install springs and shocks separately then your disassembling the fronts twice, The backs are cake but the fronts can be quite a PITA.
Hope this helps.
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