I'm looking at upgrading my suspension components as they are starting to make some funky noises and are just looking worn out after 40+ years. I really like the TCP bolt-on coilover kit, but the cost seems pretty high. Is upgrading to a coilover setup really worth $2500+? I was all but sold on that kit from the moment I seen it, but I've had a lot of time to think of what else I could spend that money on. I seen the Graba-a-trak kit at MustangsPlus for around $800, and now I'm having to wonder if that extra $1700 is really worth it.

Who here has done an upgrade to a coilover setup? What are your thoughts? Is the difference really that great between a coilover setup and a refresh of the original parts? I am interested in a good setup for the money, but I DO have a budget. My pockets aren't THAT deep. I seen that open tracker products as well, but that complete setup costs almost the same as the TCP setup. If I'm going to spend that much, I guess I should do the coilover conversion.

My car is 66 Coupe V8 daily driver. I don't road race or take it to the strip or anything like that. I just cruise and use it for transportation in general, but am looking for a little more of a modern feel to the car. I'm about to put a T5 and disc brakes in, and the suspension is next on the list. Thanks for the feedback!

 

I say go for a rebuild with a shelby drop, roller spring perches, adjustable strut rods, new arms, sway bar, update all your steering as well while you're at it, and use that other money for your disk brakes and T-5. I'm sure someone here will ring in with a good street set-up in a bit. Starfury has a pretty good set-up recommendation.

 

I just finished my front suspension. Here is what I did:

Opentracker Street UCA (non-roller)
Opentracker Street LCA (spherical bearing)
Opentracker Spring Perches (roller)
Street or Track Adjustable Strut Rods
Koni Adjustable Front Shocks
1" Front Sway Bar
Poly Sway Bar Bushings
Baer Tracker Outer Tie Rod Kit

I was also looking into the coilover setups but the consensus was unless you are going to be road racing the car full-time, it is extremely overkill. I love the way my car handles now and I spent a whole lot less than what those coilover setups cost. Here is what it looks like now:

 

Read this thread.

My car handles very well for a 40yr old piece of Detroit (or San Jose, in my case) steel. It won't outhandle a newer, lighter car, but it's a world of difference from the crappy stock setup. The front end actually goes where you point it, usually. Understeer is significantly reduced, and it's much safer trying to find the limits of the suspension/tires. Ride quality is also pretty decent, although you can tweak a couple things (shocks and springs) for improved ride quality with a minor decrease in handling ability.

 

Thanks for the feedback. The ORP setup sounds like the way to go. I haven't heard any complaints about them yet. It sounds like a solid product and a good setup. The benefit of going that route would be that I could upgrade each component as my budget allowed also. After adding everything up...

Roller perches
Roller Upper Arms
Roller Lower Arms
Adjustable Strut Rods
Shocks (Edelbrock)
Springs and pads

It all adds up to just over $1800. That's about $700 less than the TCP setup, and $700 more towards other suspension/steering upgrades. I think you guys sold me on the ORP setup, especially if they hook up some discounts for forum members! Thanks again.

 

If you want the best handling ever the coilovers that go to the lower control arm are worth it.If you want more a normal car that handles pretty good then just rebuild what you have with a few upgrades here and there.

 

I have one of the Grab a trak packages... I can't remember exactly which one I got, but I do remember I got the mid-eye rear leafs, 1" lowering coils, new tie rod ends, ball joints, monte carlo bar, new strut rod bushings, opted for the bigger front sway bar (1 1/8"?) and thier in-house shocks for now. Overall, I believe it was a good investment. I still haven't driven it to compare to the stock suspension, but my wife has. She swears is corners great and rides very nice. From the pictures she has sent me, the ride height is right where I wanted it- lower than original but not slammed to where it looks like your airbags are blown out. For the money, I think the Grab a trak is a decent package.
Sure, I'd like to do the coilovers and 3 link, but I just can't justify the coin required. I'm no trust fund baby. I make damn good money though. I just can't see spending so much for a car I'm not racing.

 

Hmmm… Assuming you are driving on the street at approximately legal speeds, get GT coil springs, new upper control arms mounted 1" lower as per the Arning/Shelby "drop", new lower arms, new RUBBER strut bushings, new spring saddles (roller bearing if you just 'gotta'), new tie rod ends, and new idler, and for fast (legal) cornering, a 1" front bar.

You do this stuff, you won't know it's the same car.

Save the rest for a trip to Cabo or something.

Arning/Shelby Suspension Drop

 

Call John at ORP and talk to him, he won't oversell you. Tell him what the car will be used for and he will give you the best bang for the buck list of parts. My guess is that the Roller Upper Arms ($600/pr) in your list will be overkill for a street can and his street prepped arms ($200/pr) will do fine. I would stick with the roller perches, once you hold them next to the stock ones and try to move the stock ones you realize what they do to suspension reaction. I went with stock repop LCA and they were a waste of $ as they slid on the bushing and rub in the mount now, ORP LCA (roller or street) will be in my future.

Have you done your rear leafs yet? Mine were original and new 4 1/2 leaf mideyes with poly bushings made a HUGE difference on the front steering, the rear used to push the nose right when merging left on an interstate onramp, solved.

You didn't mention if you have PS or manual, if manual ask John about the roller idler arm, I have read it improves low speed turning and high speed steering stability, a larger steering wheel will also make slow steering a little easier.
Jon

 

A coilover setup is certainly sweet. But if you are questioning the budget of it AND you say the car will mainly be an A-to-B car with weekend driving, an upgraded stock components system should be more than fine.

The thing with totally original parts is that they are stamped steel, have rubber bushings and are worn out. This ALWAYS contributes to the sloppy less-responsive feel while driving. Id say a refresh with upgraded stronger parts will do the trick for you...in my opinion.