Looking for opinions!
08-07-2013, 03:13 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NC
Posts: 21
Looking for opinions!
After a lot of reading and researching, I think I've finally decided on my 2002 Mustang's suspension upgrades. But because I'm still fairly uneducated and before I invest such a large amount of money, I wanted to get some final opinions from other forum members. 
I should mention this will be my daily driver for the foreseeable future, and I don't intend to do any track or drag strip anytime soon! [Esp. since I will be leaving for boot camp in a few months] At the same time, if I'm going to spend the time and money on upgrades, I want to do it right the first time and get some quality parts rather than barely-better-than-OEM ones that I will end up replacing in a year.
P.S. Mods: I can hope I can post this here; this forum seems to get a lot, if not the most, of traffic. If this post needs to be elsewhere, feel free to move it!
Basic upgrades:
H&R Super Sport Springs: http://www.americanmuscle.com/h-r-sp...ngs-96-04.html (also buying polyurethane isolators)
MM C/C Plates: http://www.americanmuscle.com/maximu...tes-94-04.html
Bilstein Shocks/Struts: http://www.americanmuscle.com/bilste...hock-8704.html
http://www.americanmuscle.com/bilste...trut-8704.html
MM FLSFC: http://www.americanmuscle.com/maximu...onnectors.html
MM LCAs: http://www.americanmuscle.com/maximu...rms-99-04.html Primarily considering these due to the quality of OEM LCAs.
Upgrades being considered:
Bumpsteer Kit: http://www.americanmuscle.com/stbukit94b.html - With the springs & isos, my car is expected to be lowered ~1.6-1.7"; without the isos, even lower. So I wonder if this will assist in a firmer performance. As of now, potholes and minor bumps will cause the car to jerk left or right. Perhaps I simply misunderstand how bumpsteer works.
Ball Joint Kit: http://www.americanmuscle.com/stx2bajokit.html - Simply improving my front-end suspension.
Sway Bar: http://www.americanmuscle.com/eibach...rce=igodigital - I understand this will dramatically reduce body roll and help in hard cornering, but since I don't intend to drive any track in the near future, would they really be necessary for daily driving?
-- So far, these are all the upgrades I have considered at length, but I fear my lack of understanding may result in important components being overlooked or misunderstood.--
For those who have read it this far, my questions are these: How does my suspension setup look? What would you change (whether adding or eliminating parts)? Are there other upgrades I should look into, considering I intend to later improve the performance (i.e. gears)? I am looking for any and all opinions. Thanks in advance!
I should mention this will be my daily driver for the foreseeable future, and I don't intend to do any track or drag strip anytime soon! [Esp. since I will be leaving for boot camp in a few months] At the same time, if I'm going to spend the time and money on upgrades, I want to do it right the first time and get some quality parts rather than barely-better-than-OEM ones that I will end up replacing in a year.
P.S. Mods: I can hope I can post this here; this forum seems to get a lot, if not the most, of traffic. If this post needs to be elsewhere, feel free to move it!
Basic upgrades:
H&R Super Sport Springs: http://www.americanmuscle.com/h-r-sp...ngs-96-04.html (also buying polyurethane isolators)
MM C/C Plates: http://www.americanmuscle.com/maximu...tes-94-04.html
Bilstein Shocks/Struts: http://www.americanmuscle.com/bilste...hock-8704.html
http://www.americanmuscle.com/bilste...trut-8704.html
MM FLSFC: http://www.americanmuscle.com/maximu...onnectors.html
MM LCAs: http://www.americanmuscle.com/maximu...rms-99-04.html Primarily considering these due to the quality of OEM LCAs.
Upgrades being considered:
Bumpsteer Kit: http://www.americanmuscle.com/stbukit94b.html - With the springs & isos, my car is expected to be lowered ~1.6-1.7"; without the isos, even lower. So I wonder if this will assist in a firmer performance. As of now, potholes and minor bumps will cause the car to jerk left or right. Perhaps I simply misunderstand how bumpsteer works.
Ball Joint Kit: http://www.americanmuscle.com/stx2bajokit.html - Simply improving my front-end suspension.
Sway Bar: http://www.americanmuscle.com/eibach...rce=igodigital - I understand this will dramatically reduce body roll and help in hard cornering, but since I don't intend to drive any track in the near future, would they really be necessary for daily driving?
-- So far, these are all the upgrades I have considered at length, but I fear my lack of understanding may result in important components being overlooked or misunderstood.--
For those who have read it this far, my questions are these: How does my suspension setup look? What would you change (whether adding or eliminating parts)? Are there other upgrades I should look into, considering I intend to later improve the performance (i.e. gears)? I am looking for any and all opinions. Thanks in advance!
08-07-2013, 04:43 PM
#2
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 545
Your "basic upgrades" is the set up I have on my Mach 1 except for the LCAs . (I have the height adjustable MM LCAs and recommend them over the non adjustable units.) I decided on going that route after getting advice from a Mach 1 owner who set his car up the exact same way (he's an SCCA Regionals winner and Ferrari driving school instructor).
The extra upgrades are not needed and you can throw away your rear quad shocks after installing the MM LCAs.
I love the way my car handles and looks. I had the same concerns as you regarding matching up a bunch of parts to reach a specific handling goal. I was lucky to run across a Mach 1 owner with a bunch of real world track experience who had modded his daily driver Mustang.
You need to understand how low your car will be. The ground clearance at the FLSFCs will be slightly less than 3.5". That means you won't be able to get Harbor Freight or Snap-On low profile floor jack under the connectors without putting a tire on piece of wood. You will not be able to get your car on a lift at 95% of dealers and garages without driving onto four pieces of wood. You will not be able to drive over some oil change pits without driving onto pieces of wood (my local Ford dealer has two 12 foot long pieces of 1" thick boards for me).
You will need to learn to avoid all but the shallowest driveway aprons and really slow down at intersections for those drainage dips. The other day, I ran into as detour in a small town. Main Street was torn up and all the detour routes were side streets with temporary 2" water pipe placed on top of the asphalt. The contractor had covered the pipe with gravel/dirt making really nice 3.8" humps all the way across the road. At least it was the FLSFC scraping and not the other stuff down there.
I love the stance, but honestly think an extra 1/4" ride height would be a decent trade off.
I got a laugh out of your bump steer kit comment. I believe the wheel will jerk when you hit a pothole with or without a bump steer kit. But, the last time I hit a pothole was 5 minutes after lowering my car in 2004 and never ever since then.
As far as gears go, I like the stock 3.55s in my Mach 1. A lot of guys go with 4.10s, but I'm not into drag racing or smokey burn outs. I think your GT has 3.27s and if I had a GT, I'd go with the 3.55s.
You might consider a Steeda Tri Ax or MGW shifter. It will make a huge difference in the driving experience.
With everything said, I wouldn't change a thing on my car but you'll will be changing your driving style.
The extra upgrades are not needed and you can throw away your rear quad shocks after installing the MM LCAs.
I love the way my car handles and looks. I had the same concerns as you regarding matching up a bunch of parts to reach a specific handling goal. I was lucky to run across a Mach 1 owner with a bunch of real world track experience who had modded his daily driver Mustang.
You need to understand how low your car will be. The ground clearance at the FLSFCs will be slightly less than 3.5". That means you won't be able to get Harbor Freight or Snap-On low profile floor jack under the connectors without putting a tire on piece of wood. You will not be able to get your car on a lift at 95% of dealers and garages without driving onto four pieces of wood. You will not be able to drive over some oil change pits without driving onto pieces of wood (my local Ford dealer has two 12 foot long pieces of 1" thick boards for me).
You will need to learn to avoid all but the shallowest driveway aprons and really slow down at intersections for those drainage dips. The other day, I ran into as detour in a small town. Main Street was torn up and all the detour routes were side streets with temporary 2" water pipe placed on top of the asphalt. The contractor had covered the pipe with gravel/dirt making really nice 3.8" humps all the way across the road. At least it was the FLSFC scraping and not the other stuff down there.
I love the stance, but honestly think an extra 1/4" ride height would be a decent trade off.
I got a laugh out of your bump steer kit comment. I believe the wheel will jerk when you hit a pothole with or without a bump steer kit. But, the last time I hit a pothole was 5 minutes after lowering my car in 2004 and never ever since then.
As far as gears go, I like the stock 3.55s in my Mach 1. A lot of guys go with 4.10s, but I'm not into drag racing or smokey burn outs. I think your GT has 3.27s and if I had a GT, I'd go with the 3.55s.
You might consider a Steeda Tri Ax or MGW shifter. It will make a huge difference in the driving experience.
With everything said, I wouldn't change a thing on my car but you'll will be changing your driving style.
Last edited by Sonic Mustang; 08-07-2013 at 05:05 PM.
08-07-2013, 09:55 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NC
Posts: 21
Ok thanks, I'll have to look into the height-adjustable LCAs. Is said owner on the forums, or did you meet him in person?
I understand my car will be significantly lowered and I've already found a handful of roads and areas I'll be avoiding. One of the main streets I used to take has been torn up so badly, I could bunny-hop from hole to hole. Granted, there used to be a 4"+ indent in the road, but even the paving job left a little dip. I rarely shop at HF, the biggest purchase there thus far has been a deep-wall impact socket for my rims. I will have to keep that in mind about the car shops though!
Clearly I misunderstood the purpose of a bumpsteer.
I understand the car will jerk a little, regardless, but this is a noticeable displacement; if I don't grip the steering wheel hard enough, it could literally jerk me into the next lane. I'm probably not making myself any more clear...
I heard the 3.73 is the "perfect" gear ratio for an '02 GT, and considering I'll be upgrading my transmission (clutch, flywheel, TOB, etc.) at some point, I might as well pack a little heat! The MGW Shifter was one of the first upgrades I did, and I've loved it since the day I installed it!
I understand my car will be significantly lowered and I've already found a handful of roads and areas I'll be avoiding. One of the main streets I used to take has been torn up so badly, I could bunny-hop from hole to hole. Granted, there used to be a 4"+ indent in the road, but even the paving job left a little dip. I rarely shop at HF, the biggest purchase there thus far has been a deep-wall impact socket for my rims. I will have to keep that in mind about the car shops though!
Clearly I misunderstood the purpose of a bumpsteer.
I understand the car will jerk a little, regardless, but this is a noticeable displacement; if I don't grip the steering wheel hard enough, it could literally jerk me into the next lane. I'm probably not making myself any more clear...I heard the 3.73 is the "perfect" gear ratio for an '02 GT, and considering I'll be upgrading my transmission (clutch, flywheel, TOB, etc.) at some point, I might as well pack a little heat! The MGW Shifter was one of the first upgrades I did, and I've loved it since the day I installed it!
08-07-2013, 10:25 PM
#4
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 545
Ok thanks, I'll have to look into the height-adjustable LCAs. Is said owner on the forums, or did you meet him in person?
I understand my car will be significantly lowered and I've already found a handful of roads and areas I'll be avoiding. One of the main streets I used to take has been torn up so badly, I could bunny-hop from hole to hole. Granted, there used to be a 4"+ indent in the road, but even the paving job left a little dip. I rarely shop at HF, the biggest purchase there thus far has been a deep-wall impact socket for my rims. I will have to keep that in mind about the car shopsthough!
Clearly I misunderstood the purpose of a bumpsteer. I understand the car will jerk a little, regardless, but this is a noticeable displacement; if I don't grip the steering wheel hard enough, it could literally jerk me into the next lane. I'm probably not making myself any more clear...
I heard the 3.73 is the "perfect" gear ratio for an '02 GT, and considering I'll be upgrading my transmission (clutch, flywheel, TOB, etc.) at some point, I might as well pack a little heat! The MGW Shifter was one of the first upgrades I did, and I've loved it since the day I installed it!
I understand my car will be significantly lowered and I've already found a handful of roads and areas I'll be avoiding. One of the main streets I used to take has been torn up so badly, I could bunny-hop from hole to hole. Granted, there used to be a 4"+ indent in the road, but even the paving job left a little dip. I rarely shop at HF, the biggest purchase there thus far has been a deep-wall impact socket for my rims. I will have to keep that in mind about the car shopsthough!
Clearly I misunderstood the purpose of a bumpsteer.
I understand the car will jerk a little, regardless, but this is a noticeable displacement; if I don't grip the steering wheel hard enough, it could literally jerk me into the next lane. I'm probably not making myself any more clear...I heard the 3.73 is the "perfect" gear ratio for an '02 GT, and considering I'll be upgrading my transmission (clutch, flywheel, TOB, etc.) at some point, I might as well pack a little heat! The MGW Shifter was one of the first upgrades I did, and I've loved it since the day I installed it!
I ran across the Mach 1 owner /driving instructor on a forum and later met him in person. He also owned and operated a Mustang speed shop where I had my suspension mods installed. Unfortunately, the last I heard, he had closed his shop after becoming seriously ill.
I have never experienced getting the steering wheel jerked out of my hands with stock or aftermarket suspension. I have hit a few objects and holes in the road, but none caused any damage or knocked the front end out of alignment.
I don't know the size of the pot holes you're crossing, but getting the wheel ripped from your hands isn't normal and a bumpsteer kit won't fix it. There has to be something else going on with your front end.
Don't knock Harbor Freight too much. If you look hard enough, you can find some good stuff. a few years ago, the internet seemed to think the Snap_on low profile floor jack was identical to harbor Freight's ($69.00 with coupon).
3.73s should be fine for a daily driver.
08-07-2013, 10:41 PM
#5
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 42
Check my sig. 
I didn't do the H&R springs, but the Ford "B" springs instead. Bilstein dampers at all four corners along with the MM C/C plates. MM FLSC's, too. I haven't decided on which LCA's to install, but Jazzer's sticky over in the Suspension sub-forum has limited me one which ones to get.
I've only had the set up for about a week now; however, the suspension is much better than what was on the 'stang before. The car feels much more connected to the road and while being a bit stiff, isn't uncomfortable at all - which isn't a bad thing for a DD.
HTH...
I didn't do the H&R springs, but the Ford "B" springs instead. Bilstein dampers at all four corners along with the MM C/C plates. MM FLSC's, too. I haven't decided on which LCA's to install, but Jazzer's sticky over in the Suspension sub-forum has limited me one which ones to get.
I've only had the set up for about a week now; however, the suspension is much better than what was on the 'stang before. The car feels much more connected to the road and while being a bit stiff, isn't uncomfortable at all - which isn't a bad thing for a DD.
HTH...
08-07-2013, 10:56 PM
#6
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 545
If the Ford "B" springs are a little taller than the H&R SSs, they might be a good way to go for a daily driver. It depends on being able to trade a little bit of cool for practicality. And, by practicality I mean sitting on the side of the road with a holed oil pain thinking, "%$%#! If only I had gone with 1/4" taller springs!"
It hasn't happened to me, but when it does I'll only be able to blame myself.
It hasn't happened to me, but when it does I'll only be able to blame myself.
08-08-2013, 01:30 AM
#7
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 411
All I can say is I used to own a 95 stang with basically the whole maximum motorsports catalog thrown at it, the previous owner used it to autocross and only sold it to purchase a 99 mustang which he intended to do the same thing to. Was stiff and stable when she was cornering or sideways, only way I can describe it. The only thing that ruined it was the Sumitumos wrapped around the giant 18X10 saleen style rims...harsh on the bumps and no traction to speak of, even stock. But yeah, Maximum Motorsports... Its goood stuff.
08-08-2013, 08:55 AM
#9
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NC
Posts: 21
**Thank you everyone for your replies, thus far! Please keep 'em coming! 
**
@SonicMustang That's unfortunate to hear, I hope he's doing well now! A family friend, who is also a mechanic, is in the same predicament. Though I suspect he will hand over the reigns to his son, I still trust the dad more... something about 50 years experience versus 5 years.
I'll have to do some more research regarding the jerking. Perhaps the suspension is just so weak, it's unable to absorb the bumps effectively and therefore transfers the brunt of the impact to the axle. I don't really know. This is all a learning experience to me! It's not my first car, mind you, but the first I have bothered to work with.
It was not my intent to rag on Harbor Freight, as I am well aware of some of the prices they offer and will be a customer there in the future. However, when it comes to making sure 1.5 tons of metal stay above my head, I will be looking elsewhere.
@barqsdrinker I'm glad to hear you're satisfied with your suspension setup! I have not yet looked into the Ford "B" Springs, but I certainly will. I would prefer anything stiffer at this point, simply because the worn-out suspension makes driving feel so sloppy. I suspect the drop is not as dramatic? What size tires are you running?
The H&R SS Springs were love at first sight, and I have yet to read anything bad about them. I worry, however, about rubbing up front. I made the mistake of buying a tire package from AM without properly researching first. Now I have 275/35/18 tires in the front that rub on the sway bar on full turns, and with a drop over ~1.3" would most likely begin to rub on the fenders.
@rwdfan I hear great things about Maximum Motorsports, and I'm happy to hear you're satisfied with their products! (Damn, I'm starting to sound like a customer service specialist lol) I was looking at the Sumitomos for a while, but I would highly recommend the Nitto 555s. I run a staggered 18" setup with Nittos, and they have yet to disappoint me. Despite a sloppy suspension, the tires grab the road very well!
@antwaan I don't know why I want such a dramatic drop, probably because it looks so schmexy! But again, I'll have to look into the "B" springs some more.
**@SonicMustang That's unfortunate to hear, I hope he's doing well now! A family friend, who is also a mechanic, is in the same predicament. Though I suspect he will hand over the reigns to his son, I still trust the dad more... something about 50 years experience versus 5 years.
I'll have to do some more research regarding the jerking. Perhaps the suspension is just so weak, it's unable to absorb the bumps effectively and therefore transfers the brunt of the impact to the axle. I don't really know. This is all a learning experience to me! It's not my first car, mind you, but the first I have bothered to work with.
It was not my intent to rag on Harbor Freight, as I am well aware of some of the prices they offer and will be a customer there in the future. However, when it comes to making sure 1.5 tons of metal stay above my head, I will be looking elsewhere.
@barqsdrinker I'm glad to hear you're satisfied with your suspension setup! I have not yet looked into the Ford "B" Springs, but I certainly will. I would prefer anything stiffer at this point, simply because the worn-out suspension makes driving feel so sloppy. I suspect the drop is not as dramatic? What size tires are you running?
The H&R SS Springs were love at first sight, and I have yet to read anything bad about them. I worry, however, about rubbing up front. I made the mistake of buying a tire package from AM without properly researching first. Now I have 275/35/18 tires in the front that rub on the sway bar on full turns, and with a drop over ~1.3" would most likely begin to rub on the fenders.
@rwdfan I hear great things about Maximum Motorsports, and I'm happy to hear you're satisfied with their products! (Damn, I'm starting to sound like a customer service specialist lol) I was looking at the Sumitomos for a while, but I would highly recommend the Nitto 555s. I run a staggered 18" setup with Nittos, and they have yet to disappoint me. Despite a sloppy suspension, the tires grab the road very well!
@antwaan I don't know why I want such a dramatic drop, probably because it looks so schmexy! But again, I'll have to look into the "B" springs some more.
08-08-2013, 09:21 PM
#10
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 411
Yeah, heard some decent reviews on the nittos, I think when I pick up a set of staggered Saleens from American Muscle Im gonna go with the Nittos too, surprised me though that they put 275s on the front and 285s on the rear? I mean youre ordering a 1 inch stagger and they only go up one size? Lol. I think 305/315s fit, I forget which. Good to hear someone else likes the nittos. If you dont hoon the tires all the time, what kinda treadwear/mileage do you get out of a set?
