Oldgeek

In 1998 I bought a new 4.6 GT and thought the ride was rather tame for a GT. I expected something much firmer. I traded the car in 2002 after I got married and needed something with a bit more room. Regretted it ever since! A couple months ago, I decide to replace my truck with a nice but high mileage 1995 GT 5.0. It appears to be stock. The 95 rides rough, with very little lean or travel in the suspension. I finally got it up on a lift and it looks like the rear shocks and the struts are about due for replacement. That may account for some of it, but I also notices rubber inserts in the rear springs. Does anyone have any experience with stock GT's from those years? I'm looking for a point of reference as to whether someone has tweaked the 95 or if that is just the way they ride. I also get a loud rattle/thump when I go over a bump around a corner. I found a crack on the rear sway bar that my buddy says might be the cause. Any feedback would be appreciated.