Suspension

Sashab · Jan 9, 2013

Ok I have a question, I have a 2000 v6 convert manual, some mods etc done over time. I got the car back in 2005 and as a surprise my then bf put a suspension kit on lowering it etc. it included springs I believe and not sure wtf else, tried to look and the rest looked stock (struts). It handles great around curves (fast and furious) but I'm pretty much turning this car into my all out project car and at this point I'm wondering if I should go ahead and replace it? How long do the springs, struts etc really last and are there any distinct noises I should listen for if they are wearing out? Thanks in advance.

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v606er · Jan 9, 2013

When I lowered mine, I did the springs, shocks, upper and lower control arms (UCA/LCA), and adjustable panhard bar. My rear suspension is different from yours in that it has three pieces while yours has four. So I put in two solid LCA's and one adjustable UCA. You have a four link suspension, so you'll need the appropriate parts. The reasoning behind the adj. UCA is that when lowering the car, the angles and geometry changes. So to correct the pinion angle, you'd need an adjustable part. Same with the adj. panhard bar. It centers the rear end.

It is also recommended that you get LCA relocation brackets, but I ran out of money so I don't have them

Hmm phone just rang. Lost my train of thought.

Also, you should check the alignment up front. When I did my springs, I just had the Ford dealership check the alignment, and it was pretty close to normal, but if it is too far out of wack and can't be fixed with the stock hardware, then you may need Caster/Camber (C/C) plates or camber bolts. The cc plates run around $200, and the camber bolts are about $40. But have the alignment checked first before buying parts, as you may not need to fix it. I took the alignment chart/specs to a local & reputable mustang shop and asked them if I needed to worry about it, and they said no. And the dealership agreed (though the dealership also said they wouldn't install cc plates since it's aftermarket).

I just grabbed some chocolate and got distracted again.

Here are some links to help you get started

Control arms: 1999-2004 Mustang Control Arms at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!

cc plates 1999-2004 Mustang Caster Camber Plates at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!

shocks: I got the orange Koni STR.T ones. I'm happy with them. But you could do whatever you want after researching more 1999-2004 Ford Mustang Shocks, Mustang Struts at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!

I'm not seeing any panhard bars for your year, so maybe that's different too :dunno I'm seeing some torque arms that look like they do something similar. But more people will stop by to help

:welcome to the forums also. I used to be in Tn

BHD · Jan 9, 2013

Well, if the car has only aftermarket springs on doesn't mean it handles great, perhaps according to the way your drive its great, but most of us in here upgrade the shocks and struts along with the springs.

Let's assume you have springs only, the advantages are (according to my experience)
1- will run a BIT flatter in corners
2- will look better indeed
3- less nose dive when braking

And please note that not all springs are compatible with the stock shocks and struts, some might come with bouncy ride, noises etc..

Just try to find out what you have laying in there and go on with your project, all the best

Sashab · Jan 10, 2013

Thanks guys very informative, upon closer inspection there are steeda lowering springs and aftermarket struts couldnt see the brand it got dark out here on me. I do believe that my control arms are where I am lacking or is what needs the replacement. During serious braking conditions nose dive is definitely not major but I believe there's always room for improvement.

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Sashab · Jan 10, 2013

Thanks for the welcome v606er!!

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Fink · Jan 10, 2013

Sashab said:
I'm pretty much turning this car into my all out project car and at this point I'm wondering if I should go ahead and replace it?

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What are your ultimate goals for the car? This will decide what suspension components you will need to purchase.

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Sashab · Jan 10, 2013

Ultimately street mean show car, TCharger maybe NOS if I get bored after while. Might take it to the track for fun still don't want to get my ass handed to me if I do. I still want to be able to drive it on the weekend, not just have it hoisted up on a trailer 24/7 (no offense). I love to bend the corners at full speed + so suspension is an important component. If I do decide to go all the way track with it I want the suspension to support some serious torque I hate having to double back and respend money when I could have got it A+ right the first time.

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03 cristian · Jan 10, 2013

Sashab said:
Ultimately street mean show car, TCharger maybe NOS if I get bored after while. Might take it to the track for fun still don't want to get my ass handed to me if I do. I still want to be able to drive it on the weekend, not just have it hoisted up on a trailer 24/7 (no offense). I love to bend the corners at full speed + so suspension is an important component. If I do decide to go all the way track with it I want the suspension to support some serious torque I hate having to double back and respend money when I could have got it A+ right the first time.

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Wtf is a tcharger?
And do you mean auto cross track or drag track because each has a different set up

Chill out, its the internet bro!

Sashab · Jan 11, 2013

Turbocharger I get tired of typing that out sorry

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Suspension

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