Hey guys. After doing a lot of reading on here I think I have an idea on what I want to do with my front suspension. Any feedback would be appreciated (negative or positive)
I have a 66 coupe with a 289 and auto trans. Manual steering no a/c. Eventually I am going to put disc brakes on the front but for now they are manual drums.
Here are my thoughts:
1" shelby drop
Stock mustang v-8 springs
1" sway bar
KYB GR2 shocks
P-S-T polygraphite bushings
The car will be a weekend driver and for occasional short trips. I don't want anything harsh but I would like it to handle decent and be better than it was when it left the factory.
Am I headed in the right direction?

 

I think you are on the right track. I would add that you should have a front end alignment done per Daze's suggestions. If you wanted to go a little further, you could think about upgrading the upper and lower control arms and strut arm to something like the Opentracker or TCP stuff. It is more expensive than staying stock, but would take the handling to a more predictable level. If you went to the level, you would also be ready for a 70+ style spindle to use for disc brakes. Just a thought. I too have been rolling around whether to do the UCA drop and a new borgeson power steering box or just go all the way with new stuff.

 

I'd recommend OEM GT springs (available from Either Glazier's or NPD), and rubber bushings everywhere except the sway bar.

CSRP sells a good OE-style disc brake kit that will bolt onto your existing spindles. I have the same kit on my car and I'm very happy with it.

 

Thanks for the input guys.
Starfury, why would you recommend stock rubber bushings? Not disagreeing just curious.
I'll check out the CSRP brakes. I have been looking at the diskbrakeswap setup and really like the price of the k/h 4 piston setup.

ok - just realized that CSRP is the diskbrakeswap mentioned above! That's the one I want.

 

My first suggestion would be to read this article, it's a good primer for suspension/steering thoughts and a plan:
http://home.bresnan.net/~dazed/suspension101

He has other good ones if you like research:
http://dazed.home.bresnan.net/dazecars.html

The Shelby/Arning 1" drop will lower you front <1/2" if at all noticeably, I think the GR-2 are a good all around gas shock, I have them on all 4 for now. 1" sway bar is a good option. Use rubber on the strut rods if you don't go adjustable.
Your stock drum spindles will work with most brake options.
Jon

 

You said you didn't want a harsh ride. Urethane will kill that plan. If you are running SCCA, or autocrossing on weekends, fine, but otherwise forget urethane. Especially avoid urethane strut bushings.

 

Thanks 2+2. I have heard stories about the strut rod breaking when it's held in place without allowing movement.
So stock rubber bushings it is...

 

I heard a lot of avoiding urethane on strut rods. any other place it should be avoided in classic mustangs?
currently i have rubber everywhere, but need to replace the endlink rubbers (swaybar end lionks). that's why I'm asking

 

The SR is the only neg. area I've heard of as it restricts movement too much as the rod needs to move in a vertical arc as the suspension moves and the poly is too stiff often, heim joints are better here.

I've had no trouble with poly elswhere, installed Energy poly bushings in my rear leafs and sway bar and am pleased with ride and response. Just be sure to lube them liberally where ever you use them. I found that the little tube they give you isn't enough and researched, closest I can figure the poly lube is identical to dielectric grease, picked up a big tube for $10 at the parts store and no squeeks after a year of use.

There are different grades of poly also and the harder it is the faster it will deteriorate from my reading, I think Prothane is more of a pure urethane and not as pliable as the Energy with poly added, just what I've read someone may correct me.
Jon

 

I did drill my 17/32 holes for the shelby/arning drop last night. Wasn't too bad considering I have everything off the car anyway. I must have done something right because the arm fit right in like it was supposed to.
As far as replacing all the bushings with new rubber - is there a good place to get a kit that will include all the pieces needed?
Jonk67 - are you running poly on your front suspension also?