Hi, hoping to get some input on current products (if you installed, a pic to show would be great!) related to lowering and tightening up the suspension a bit..

Happy owner of 2011 v6 Stang.. Want to start right (did it backwards on my last car, wheels then suspension..) and do the suspension first, then work on wheels, then play under the hood (Want to feel secure, before I make it faster...)

I'm not a complete novice at suspension upgrades, I had a fully adjustable racing suspension (koni shocks, bilstein adjustable struts, along with aftermarket polyurethane mounts for said struts) put in my last car, so am aware of the ride changes, height worries, firmness changes, etc etc etc.

I have the stock suspension right now, and it's already 4x4ing with the stock 17's on it.. (to my eyes and what I'm used to, of course). No 'hate' to Ford from that, they have to sell the car as appealing to everyone as they can. I like to drive hard, and want to feel the road better and be more attached in my driving.. I want to bring it down about 1 1/2 to 2 inches (nothing too drastic, but.. firmer..). Don't want to do coilovers (can you even do those on stangs??), would like to do what I did last time and replace shock/struts to get what I'm looking for (affordable!).

I do want a firmer ride (beyond the 'look'..), but not god-awful rock-hard. (So if there is a 'pro' setup vs 'racing' as I experienced with my last car, I'd go Pro this time).

Suggestions of possible kits, or mix/match shock/strut combo that works well on this year car would be appreciated along with said experiences you might have?

Thanks!

 

I posted this in your other thread, but anyway, here ya go:

First things first, lowering springs will get rid of the 4x4 look. At UPR Products, we offer our UPR Pro springs which are made by Eibach and they spec out the same as Eibach's Pro Kit springs. (1.5" drop) http://www.uprproducts.com/mustang-e...prings-05.html

When you lower the car, you should install an adjustable panhard bar to center the rear end (otherwise it'll be shifted over to the driver's side) http://www.uprproducts.com/mustang-p...rd-bar-05.html

Just as important, the dampeners are an area that is greatly lacking from the factory. For good all around handling, I like Koni yellows, but I hear great things about Koni's budget line, the STR.Ts. (we don't sell either at UPR) When you install the struts, you'll have to use 05-10 style strut mounts to adapt them to your 2011 car. However, the GT500 mounts are an upgrade from the stock mounts which tend to pop with aftermarket struts and springs. Plus the GT500 mounts a cheap. Vorshlag makes a nice billet cc-plate, but they're $$$.

Sway bars dramatically improve the cornering without making the ride quality harsher. http://www.uprproducts.com/eibach-mu...ar-kit-11.html

Control arms also improve traction and eliminate wheel hop. Ours are only $179 for the set, which is a screaming deal! http://www.uprproducts.com/mustang-c...ackage-11.html

This was just a quick and brief overview, but these mods make a MONUMENTAL improvement in handling!


For your general info: all parts we manufacture are Made in America, they carry a Lifetime Guarantee, and you get a 10% discount on them for being a mustangforums member. (PM me for details)

 

Sir,
What are your thoughts on the strut tower brace? Either rear or frontend, more for looks or proven performace?

 

Thanks btw for the detailed reply, I responded back in the suspension forum with a few more Q's as well.

Thanks again!
Jason

 

I think you have an '00 Mustang in your sig and an '11 in your user title. I guess I'll answer for both cars.

2000: if you're interested in handling, I definitely recommend it for the front end. You'll feel the difference for sure! On the rear? Not so much. I think it's sort of a gimmick. (CAVEAT: unless you're running rear coilovers and VERY stiff springs... then you might feel a difference.)

2011: I don't have one on my S197. Now, I spend about six hours a day on the forums, and I always listen to what other experts have to say. (I'm more experienced with drag racing, so in particular, I tune into what the roadrace guys say about their test results) Honestly, the experts seem to be about 50/50 split on the usefulness of the strut tower brace. However, they tend to value the STB more on cars with STIFF springs. I've never heard anyone recommend a rear shock tower brace, but I'm sure the parts are out there.

No problem man. It's what I'm here for! I'll check out your other thread.