What would be the easiest suspension upgrade on my 1965 Mustang GT coupe? I don't want anything to complex, yet, because right now I'm just trying to get it ready for paint and out on the road. So what would be the easiest and best upgrade to do? Thanks.

 

shelby drop , roller spring perches , roller idler arm ( although that is more a steering component ) and some good shocks


arthur

 

What is the current condition of the suspension? What is your budget?. Start with basics:
New KYB shocks (good bang for the buck)
Fresh springs (stock or 620lb drop) either way will be improvement over originals.
Make sure all your bushings, ball joints etc. are in good condition, replace as req'd.

You will be in good shape.Shelby drop is free and improves geometry and if you are changing the springs its just a few extra steps. Keep in mind you will need the car to be re-aligned, I would get the car laigned either way. Then I would suggest an export brace and monte carlo bar. Then larger sway bar.With the above you will be in good shape for a few hundred bucks., assuming you are supplying the labor.
Good luck.

 

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I already have new KYB shocks. How hard are monte carlo bars to install, and what did you mean by the Shelby drop is free Coda618? Are sway bars hard to put in also?

 

Fast, check the FAQ section for info on the Monte bar and the Shelby drop. I just got done adding both to our '65 coupe and its not really hard at all on either mod. Just gotta be careful where ya put things and take your time doing it.

 

A new sway bar can be installed with only removing 6 bolts off the old one and sticking the new on one.

The shelby drop would require you to remove the front shocks and shock cap, compress the spring, remove the upper control arm, drill new holes, and reinstall.

Monte carlo bar and export brace would be the best idea. Easily under 100 bucks and could be done in under an hour.

 

Thanks you guys. I think I'll get a new sway bar and a monte carlo bar. For the monte carlo bar, is the straight one better than the one with a curve in it?

 

That has been debated for along time. Some say the bend in the bar makes it less rigid and thus has more give, some say that is nonsense and that the bend is useful becuase it aids you when working on the distributor and allows you to have an oval air filter.

www.laurelmountainmustangs.com has straight ones for 14.95 and curved for 19.95 the last I checked

nearly all companies have front sway bar upgrade between 70-100 bucks for the bar, bushings/brackets, and bolts/nuts.

 

The export brace can be a pita to fit depending on how much your car has moved in 40 odd years but well worth it, i went with a curved MC to keep the stock air filter box, yes it may not be as strong as straight but i doubt it make any real world difference when you have an export brace IMO.

 

I too doubt any real world difference. If you are driving your car hard enough to make a difference you will need other upgrades as well. I think realisticly, for the the street, get whichever you prefer. Although, the curve does make life easier when accessing distributor and for air cleaner clearance.IMO.