Why is there different suspension on sn95

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10-01-2014, 09:05 AM

95gtconvert

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Why is there different suspension on sn95

why is there different options for suspension everywhere but they say "not for convertible" or "convertible only"

what is the difference

10-01-2014, 11:22 AM

Derf00

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weight. Vert is heavier and requires different spring rates.

10-02-2014, 08:56 AM

95gtconvert

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well now I feel kinda stupid

I thought it was a positioning thing because of the top

10-02-2014, 08:57 AM

Norm Peterson

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It is also fairly common for convertibles to have additional bracing underneath that coupes do not have. It's an attempt to restore some of the structural stiffness and strength that cutting the roof off threw away. It's the bracing that gets in the way, not any difference in the main chassis structure. But it's foolish to remove this bracing just to add a suspension mod that will most likely have you driving the car harder and loading up the now-weakened chassis more than before.

Norm
Structural engineer/analyst (retired)

Last edited by Norm Peterson; 10-02-2014 at 09:05 AM.

10-02-2014, 01:11 PM

95gtconvert

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what should all of the bracing look like because I have an aftermarket suspension kit installed on it from the previous owner

10-02-2014, 01:46 PM

Norm Peterson

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I'd start with a factory shop manual that has undercar pictures, particularly for suspension component work.

Norm

10-02-2014, 03:32 PM

Derf00

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm Peterson

Yeah but the additional structures wouldn't impede the actual suspension components or make them different than the coupe for mounting points. The structural braces are usually bolt on pieces like the A-frame connectors used on all 07+ mustangs that were only on the verts for 05-06. That example is strictly for illustrative purposes only.

Here's what the vert subframe chassis brace looks like for 94-98.

http://www.mpsautosalvage.com/sunsho...e_3138_942.jpg

This is what it looks like mounted:
http://home.comcast.net/~mevans.1/images/brace1.jpg

Last edited by Derf00; 10-02-2014 at 03:35 PM.

10-02-2014, 06:14 PM

Norm Peterson

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Wouldn't interfere with the stock components (obviously). Performance aftermarket components are a different story, sta-bars, PHBs, and torque arms in particular. They just don't fit into the same places.

Norm