How to Lower your Mustang GT
The Mustang GT is one of Ford’s proudest accomplishments and one of the strongest vehicles to appear on the road today. This unique sports car combines a classy, sleek exterior and appearance with an impeccably powerful engine and precision handling. One of the many ways that Mustang GT owners show their affection and care for their vehicles is by customizing them to make them personal and unique. While custom body work can be very expensive, one alternative that is well within most budgets is an at-home lowering process using a new springs suspension kit. This kit is relatively easy to install on your own and will give your Mustang GT a lower, more distinctive and unique appearance compared with other cars on the road.
Step 1 — Gather the Materials
You’ll need the following items in order to properly lower the Mustang GT:
- Suspension kit with new, lowered springs
- Hydraulic jack
- Jack stands (tall)
- Ratchet system
- Socket wrench with spare sockets
- Breaker bar
- Assistant to help out throughout the procedure
Step 2 — Prepare the Vehicle
First, park the Mustang in a flat and open area in which you’ll have
plenty of room to work. Be sure that the vehicle is in park if it’s an
automatic transmission, and put on the emergency break if your car is a
manual. Next, use the hydraulic jack to lift up the front part of the
car several feet off of the ground. Mount two jack stands underneath the
front chassis so that there will be enough workable space underneath
the car for you to maneuver easily.
Step 3 — Remove the Front Springs
Next, loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels so that you can access
the suspension system, which is located behind each of the tires. You’ll
want to turn the steering wheel in your car all the way to the left
when you work on the passenger’s side of the system, and all the way to
the right when you work on the driver’s side, as this will help to
facilitate the entire process. Use the breaker bar to cut the caliper
bolt and remove the caliper from your way. This should expose the
spring, which will be compressed and highly dangerous at this point.
Decompress the spring very carefully and be sure to avoid injury while
you remove it, with the help of your assistant.
Step 4 — Replace the Front Springs
Have your assistant hold open the A-Arms with the caliper out of the
way on the front portion of the suspension system. Carefully place the
new springs in the system and attach them to the top isolators. Do this
one at a time; the two springs are interchangeable, so it doesn’t matter
which one you place in which side of the vehicle. When you’re done,
close up the wheels again and fasten the lug nuts securely.
Step 5 — Remove and Replace the Rear Springs
Lower the vehicle off of the jack stands and raise up the rear of the
GT so that you’ll be able to access the rear portion of the car easily
as well. You can essentially repeat the same process of removing and
replacing the springs in the rear of the car, but there are a few
important differences. First, the rear springs are not as dangerous as
the front springs, but they can still cause injury to you and harm to
the vehicle, so it’s crucial that you be careful. Second, the rear
springs are not interchangeable, so you’ll need to place them in the
proper order in the suspension system. Finally, they should be attached
to the bottom isolators, not the top isolators.
Once you’ve completed this process, tighten up the lug nuts again and
remove the vehicle from the jack stands. Examine your new, lowered
Mustang GT to make sure that everything is even and working in proper
order.
For more information about how to lower your Mustang GT, or for
additional advice on how to install these new springs, speak with a
professional in your area or a certified custom auto specialist.