Properly lowering my mustang. Help
10-06-2013, 11:12 PM
#1
Properly lowering my mustang. Help
Whatsup everyone. I have a yellow '06 GT that I just bought staggered 19" AMR's for and now I'm thinking about lowering it, not much though.
Aside from the panhard bar, Originally I was only going to get SR Performance springs and drop it 1.5" all around and that's it... AM.com said I can get by without shocks/struts. Also, my good friend who's done suspension work to 3 cars said I could as well.
Now I looked into it a lot and found out getting just springs is cheaper, but sacrifices ride quality and even more time because when the shocks/struts need to be replaced, you will basically have to repeat almost all that work over again? So whats the point because if I have the cash, I might as well get it all done at once with a nice Eibach kit, right?
Now my main question is... what is necessary for a successful drop of 1.3"/1.4" Front/Rear ? What im set on right now is Eibach Pro-Damper & Spring kit, and a panhard bar. IS there anything else that I need?
Aside from the panhard bar, Originally I was only going to get SR Performance springs and drop it 1.5" all around and that's it... AM.com said I can get by without shocks/struts. Also, my good friend who's done suspension work to 3 cars said I could as well.
Now I looked into it a lot and found out getting just springs is cheaper, but sacrifices ride quality and even more time because when the shocks/struts need to be replaced, you will basically have to repeat almost all that work over again? So whats the point because if I have the cash, I might as well get it all done at once with a nice Eibach kit, right?
Now my main question is... what is necessary for a successful drop of 1.3"/1.4" Front/Rear ? What im set on right now is Eibach Pro-Damper & Spring kit, and a panhard bar. IS there anything else that I need?
10-07-2013, 08:40 AM
#2
Your friend is correct about struts/shocks not being required for a 1.5" drop on S197 Mustangs. You're also correct in that the ride comfort and stability will drastically increase if you do hook the car up with aftermarket dampeners. So, if you do have the cash to spare, picking up performance struts/shocks is definitely a good call.
The Eibach Pro-System-Plus kit is very well rounded and a solid package, but it I wouldn't say it all of its components are mandatory either. Such as the front/rear sway bars and bushings. Again, if you can swing the whole package then definitely go for it, I just want to be clear not all of it's required for a suspension drop.
Other than an adj Panhard bar, the only other requirement you're missing is Eibach camber bolts or Caster Camber plates. Either of these options will work for a 1.5" drop or less on your S197. The CC plates are the better option if you're very rough with your Mustang on back roads or auto-cross racing. If that doesn't sound like your driving style, then a simple set of camber bolts will work perfectly.
If you have more questions or could use any other assistance please let me know. I'd be happy to help you out!
Shane
The Eibach Pro-System-Plus kit is very well rounded and a solid package, but it I wouldn't say it all of its components are mandatory either. Such as the front/rear sway bars and bushings. Again, if you can swing the whole package then definitely go for it, I just want to be clear not all of it's required for a suspension drop.
Other than an adj Panhard bar, the only other requirement you're missing is Eibach camber bolts or Caster Camber plates. Either of these options will work for a 1.5" drop or less on your S197. The CC plates are the better option if you're very rough with your Mustang on back roads or auto-cross racing. If that doesn't sound like your driving style, then a simple set of camber bolts will work perfectly.
If you have more questions or could use any other assistance please let me know. I'd be happy to help you out!
Shane
10-07-2013, 09:15 PM
#3
That is the route I believe im going to take... definitely springs and dampeners, but I heard a few times that I should consider Upper & Lower CA's. Should I? I'm alright with buying the springs and dampeners because once my stock ones go, ill have to basically do the work I did to put the springs in over again. As for control arms and sway bars, id rather save the money if I could and put it towards somewhere else... so if these are not necessary for a 1.3/1.4" front/rear drop then ill skip it.
10-08-2013, 11:18 AM
#4
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That is the route I believe im going to take... definitely springs and dampeners, but I heard a few times that I should consider Upper & Lower CA's. Should I? I'm alright with buying the springs and dampeners because once my stock ones go, ill have to basically do the work I did to put the springs in over again. As for control arms and sway bars, id rather save the money if I could and put it towards somewhere else... so if these are not necessary for a 1.3/1.4" front/rear drop then ill skip it.
10-08-2013, 01:00 PM
#5
Well in that case, I guess ill just skip it for now. I dont do any track racing with my car. I basically do regular driving, bring it to meets to show it off, and occasionally do a little aggressive driving like on the highway or if someone with mommy & daddy's car tempts me at a red light lol.
10-08-2013, 02:19 PM
#6
That is the route I believe im going to take... definitely springs and dampeners, but I heard a few times that I should consider Upper & Lower CA's. Should I? I'm alright with buying the springs and dampeners because once my stock ones go, ill have to basically do the work I did to put the springs in over again. As for control arms and sway bars, id rather save the money if I could and put it towards somewhere else... so if these are not necessary for a 1.3/1.4" front/rear drop then ill skip it.
Proper suspension geometry mostly helps reduce wheel hop and provides the proper pinion angle for your driveshaft. An improper pinion angle can cause loud humming vibrations and premature wear to your driveshaft. With that being said, most 05-10's can get away without changing the control arms because their pinion angle "isn't that bad."
This is something to keep in mind for the future though! Let me know if you have more questions, too.
Shane
10-08-2013, 04:58 PM
#7
I wouldn't say control arms are mandatory, but they're a nice option. Upgrading to adjustable upper and lower control arms will allow you to regain the proper suspension geometry, which was lost when the ride height changed.
Proper suspension geometry mostly helps reduce wheel hop and provides the proper pinion angle for your driveshaft. An improper pinion angle can cause loud humming vibrations and premature wear to your driveshaft. With that being said, most 05-10's can get away without changing the control arms because their pinion angle "isn't that bad."
This is something to keep in mind for the future though! Let me know if you have more questions, too.
Shane
Proper suspension geometry mostly helps reduce wheel hop and provides the proper pinion angle for your driveshaft. An improper pinion angle can cause loud humming vibrations and premature wear to your driveshaft. With that being said, most 05-10's can get away without changing the control arms because their pinion angle "isn't that bad."
This is something to keep in mind for the future though! Let me know if you have more questions, too.
Shane
10-09-2013, 11:44 AM
#8
Yeah ill skip that for now then. My car gets like 3,000 miles a year AT MOST. Ive had it for a year and half, came with 17K now has 21K lol. So I think that plus the pinion angle being "not that bad" will make it less of a problem. Now I just need to let my bank account recoup a bit from my last purchase lol, then ill grab the Eibach Pro-System-Plus
Post back once everything is installed and you get a chance to test it. I'd love to hear your first impressions!
Shane
10-22-2013, 01:28 PM
#10
Control arms are recommended (UPR, of course) but completely separate from the shock/strut/spring upgrade. So that's not a pressing issue. I personally installed springs on my car, and then shocks & struts about a year later. I'm a budget modder!