Budget Builder Suspension
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 164
From: CA
Budget Builder Suspension
As the title says, yeap.... I'm a budget builder. I don't have deep pockets, so for those on the same boat I am, I hope this helps ya' out. I hit 50k on my 05 and only suspension mods I had on were lowering springs, and camber bolts. Needless to say the ride went to crap, felt every freakin bump.... So I started kickin open catalogs at work (I work for a wholesale auto parts), and searching the forums. I came to these components for my build:
1. S197 GT500 Front Dampers (Struts)
2. KYB Gas-A-Just Rear shocks (p/n:KG5551 off of fox body stangs)
3. CHE Pan Hard Brace
4. BMR Adjustable Pan Hard Bar
5. Steeda Bump Steer Kit
Along with my DAVR Suspension lowering springs I had already (got them from a local manufacturer close to me in Upland, CA), and the camber correction bolts, this setup came out way better than I thought.
The aftermarket goods I got for cheap (classifieds here, and good ole' craigslist), and the shocks were chep as well. All in all the setup came in under $425.00. Took me a couple weeks to get everything and about 4 hours to do the install.
I did the front end install first, only thing I do recommend that I did not do is the GT500 strut mounts/bearing, and a strut tower brace (next on the list). Took it for a test drive and wow, what a difference. Even with the stiffer profile of the GT500 dampers, the ride quality was awesome and it felt like a true performance ride. The wheel response was firmer and the car just felt a lot more connected to the road. Got back home and backed it in, got to work on the rear end components. The KYB's went in without a fuss, only thing different from these (being that they were for the fox body stangs) was the rubber hardware for the top stud and the lower mount to the axle tube was shorter (horizontally), so I had to use some spacers about 1/2" long and a washer (I cut up some 7/16" i.d. steel tubing for the spacers), and I had to re-use the upper mounting bushings from the stock shocks (you can buy a new kit to work for the shocks from Monroe p/n:P1136, or P1475). The install was not dirty, nor mickey mouse. Then the pan hard brace, and pan hard bar went on. Tightened everything up and took it for a spin..... WOW!!! Way better ride and the handling..... AMAZING!!! I have had the chance to work on cars were I installed full on best money can buy suspension components and know what it feels like. To have this budget setup ride along the lines as those expensive components was just plain exciting.
The car is just way more solid than it was, takes corners like a champ. The steering feel is a lot more positive, and body roll is a non issue.
So, anyone who at the moment has shallow pockets and lookin to do a cheap suspension upgrade, I hope this helps you out. If I find somethin that works good for me, I like to spread the word out. Take care fellas!!!
1. S197 GT500 Front Dampers (Struts)
2. KYB Gas-A-Just Rear shocks (p/n:KG5551 off of fox body stangs)
3. CHE Pan Hard Brace
4. BMR Adjustable Pan Hard Bar
5. Steeda Bump Steer Kit
Along with my DAVR Suspension lowering springs I had already (got them from a local manufacturer close to me in Upland, CA), and the camber correction bolts, this setup came out way better than I thought.
The aftermarket goods I got for cheap (classifieds here, and good ole' craigslist), and the shocks were chep as well. All in all the setup came in under $425.00. Took me a couple weeks to get everything and about 4 hours to do the install.
I did the front end install first, only thing I do recommend that I did not do is the GT500 strut mounts/bearing, and a strut tower brace (next on the list). Took it for a test drive and wow, what a difference. Even with the stiffer profile of the GT500 dampers, the ride quality was awesome and it felt like a true performance ride. The wheel response was firmer and the car just felt a lot more connected to the road. Got back home and backed it in, got to work on the rear end components. The KYB's went in without a fuss, only thing different from these (being that they were for the fox body stangs) was the rubber hardware for the top stud and the lower mount to the axle tube was shorter (horizontally), so I had to use some spacers about 1/2" long and a washer (I cut up some 7/16" i.d. steel tubing for the spacers), and I had to re-use the upper mounting bushings from the stock shocks (you can buy a new kit to work for the shocks from Monroe p/n:P1136, or P1475). The install was not dirty, nor mickey mouse. Then the pan hard brace, and pan hard bar went on. Tightened everything up and took it for a spin..... WOW!!! Way better ride and the handling..... AMAZING!!! I have had the chance to work on cars were I installed full on best money can buy suspension components and know what it feels like. To have this budget setup ride along the lines as those expensive components was just plain exciting.
The car is just way more solid than it was, takes corners like a champ. The steering feel is a lot more positive, and body roll is a non issue.
So, anyone who at the moment has shallow pockets and lookin to do a cheap suspension upgrade, I hope this helps you out. If I find somethin that works good for me, I like to spread the word out. Take care fellas!!!
Former Sponsor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,936
I'm glad you like the setup.... But I'm at a bit of a loss. I read you signature and see that you've spent a good bit of money on looks and stereo equipment only to get budget on the actual performance parts.
Frankly new stock shocks without 50k miles would have been a lot better than what you had before too. I know you must know you get what you pay for being in the business. I see you don't have Audiovox stereo parts.
You used rear shocks that don't even belong on this car, again because they are cheap I'm guessing. Fox cars use completely different spring rates and weigh less too. Again... better? Well, I suppose so but that's kind of damning with faint praise. If you drove a Yugo and someone offered you 1991 Escort, it would rock in comparison. You don't say what kind of components you have "used" before, just that they were the best. Well, a lot of things aren't functionally so hot.... For instance, QA1 dampers suck but many think they are great. Also you can use good parts and one bad combination can screw things all up. For instance Sportline springs many thing are great. They suck and the best shock in the world can't make up for so little travel and weird springs rates. Yet many rave about them.
I say this because it's the internet. There is always someone trying something, which is fine but others need to know that there are two sides to every coin.
For that same money I'd have put way better dampers on, skipped the PHB brace (useless IMHO), skipped the bumpsteer kit (unless you are slammed the tie rods and control arms are actually still quite level at ride height--and bumpsteer isn't an issue).
Frankly new stock shocks without 50k miles would have been a lot better than what you had before too. I know you must know you get what you pay for being in the business. I see you don't have Audiovox stereo parts.
You used rear shocks that don't even belong on this car, again because they are cheap I'm guessing. Fox cars use completely different spring rates and weigh less too. Again... better? Well, I suppose so but that's kind of damning with faint praise. If you drove a Yugo and someone offered you 1991 Escort, it would rock in comparison. You don't say what kind of components you have "used" before, just that they were the best. Well, a lot of things aren't functionally so hot.... For instance, QA1 dampers suck but many think they are great. Also you can use good parts and one bad combination can screw things all up. For instance Sportline springs many thing are great. They suck and the best shock in the world can't make up for so little travel and weird springs rates. Yet many rave about them.
I say this because it's the internet. There is always someone trying something, which is fine but others need to know that there are two sides to every coin.
For that same money I'd have put way better dampers on, skipped the PHB brace (useless IMHO), skipped the bumpsteer kit (unless you are slammed the tie rods and control arms are actually still quite level at ride height--and bumpsteer isn't an issue).
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 164
From: CA
Well Sam, thanks for noticing my sound system and the assumption that I spent a grip on it. Unfortunately, like the opnening statement of my post said, I'm a budget builder. So yeah, I spent a small amount of bread on that too (it's good to have friends/family in the right places). Yeah new struts/shocks would of felt better than my stockers with 50k, but with KYB GR2's and Monroe only available for the fronts, I decided to go with something from Ford that I know is better than those choices I had available. As far as the KYB's for the rear, I did my research and called my KYB rep and he sent me specs on both the fox number and S197 number, and the valving, the extended, compressed, and travel lengths are pretty much identical (within a 1/4"), unfortunately the S197 KYB number is not available to me. I tried a setup and was happy with the outcome and just tryin to share what I tried. I am not trying to sell anything, nor saying this setup is better than anything of the expensive stuff I've tried. I am also not a suspension guru and I can't sit here and explain to you every suspension components specs. I have used just about all the big manufacs out there for the mustangs; Maximum, Granatelli, Eibach, Steeda, etc. That post was to share with those who might want to try it who have little "free" money. And yes you are right, there is two to every coin. Sorry if what i put together does not suffice to your liking. And yeah, I know there is better stuff and different ways to go.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 349
From: webster, ny
Well Sam, thanks for noticing my sound system and the assumption that I spent a grip on it. Unfortunately, like the opnening statement of my post said, I'm a budget builder. So yeah, I spent a small amount of bread on that too (it's good to have friends/family in the right places). Yeah new struts/shocks would of felt better than my stockers with 50k, but with KYB GR2's and Monroe only available for the fronts, I decided to go with something from Ford that I know is better than those choices I had available. As far as the KYB's for the rear, I did my research and called my KYB rep and he sent me specs on both the fox number and S197 number, and the valving, the extended, compressed, and travel lengths are pretty much identical (within a 1/4"), unfortunately the S197 KYB number is not available to me. I tried a setup and was happy with the outcome and just tryin to share what I tried. I am not trying to sell anything, nor saying this setup is better than anything of the expensive stuff I've tried. I am also not a suspension guru and I can't sit here and explain to you every suspension components specs. I have used just about all the big manufacs out there for the mustangs; Maximum, Granatelli, Eibach, Steeda, etc. That post was to share with those who might want to try it who have little "free" money. And yes you are right, there is two to every coin. Sorry if what i put together does not suffice to your liking. And yeah, I know there is better stuff and different ways to go.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 232
From: Socal
i spent 400 bucks for koni STR.T's, just like the ones sam sells and put the rest of my budget build funds into GT500 strut mounts and a steeda G-trac. you can definately find good parts purposely designed for your car even on a budget
Former Sponsor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,936
You know, I find it humorous.... no, make that sad, that because I sell parts that some just assume I'm out to do do anything beyond put folks on the best items for their needs.
What 14901490 implies is akin to telling an architect he's a scammer because he thinks that Joe Bob with a hammer tossed up a building that Joe Bob thinks is great. Ironically 14901490 has this nasty tendency to not want to listen either. In fact, he's called on a few occassions and my recommendation was for LESS expensive parts that offered adjustability... he ended up with more expensive parts that offer no damping adjustment ironically. But I must be out to hose folks. Ok.
I knew that the response here would be that I'm an ******* because I do not agree. Well guess what? I'm not wrong because I sell parts. In fact, it's my job, and knowing parts, how they work and setting up cars is what I'm good at.
I can't help but shake my head here. I guess I'm just way off base in thinking it's really funny that $40 rear shocks designed for a Mustang 2 generations older are great. In fact I ripped Gas-A-Justs off an old S10 beater truck my dad has because the damping is so poor. GR2's from KYB are better--and that's saying something.
So guys. Go on with your thinking, it's ok with me. I can't help anyone who is so determined to be right that they don't want to or can't accept that their cheap setup isn't the best, or 90% of the best.
KYB's are pretty crappy... in fact most in the business call them Keep Ya Bouncing.
It's not worth it..... I could tell by the first post that I shouldn't have wasted my time.
What 14901490 implies is akin to telling an architect he's a scammer because he thinks that Joe Bob with a hammer tossed up a building that Joe Bob thinks is great. Ironically 14901490 has this nasty tendency to not want to listen either. In fact, he's called on a few occassions and my recommendation was for LESS expensive parts that offered adjustability... he ended up with more expensive parts that offer no damping adjustment ironically. But I must be out to hose folks. Ok.
I knew that the response here would be that I'm an ******* because I do not agree. Well guess what? I'm not wrong because I sell parts. In fact, it's my job, and knowing parts, how they work and setting up cars is what I'm good at.
I can't help but shake my head here. I guess I'm just way off base in thinking it's really funny that $40 rear shocks designed for a Mustang 2 generations older are great. In fact I ripped Gas-A-Justs off an old S10 beater truck my dad has because the damping is so poor. GR2's from KYB are better--and that's saying something.
So guys. Go on with your thinking, it's ok with me. I can't help anyone who is so determined to be right that they don't want to or can't accept that their cheap setup isn't the best, or 90% of the best.
KYB's are pretty crappy... in fact most in the business call them Keep Ya Bouncing.
It's not worth it..... I could tell by the first post that I shouldn't have wasted my time.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 349
From: webster, ny
You know, I find it humorous.... no, make that sad, that because I sell parts that some just assume I'm out to do do anything beyond put folks on the best items for their needs.
What 14901490 implies is akin to telling an architect he's a scammer because he thinks that Joe Bob with a hammer tossed up a building that Joe Bob thinks is great. Ironically 14901490 has this nasty tendency to not want to listen either. In fact, he's called on a few occassions and my recommendation was for LESS expensive parts that offered adjustability... he ended up with more expensive parts that offer no damping adjustment ironically. But I must be out to hose folks. Ok.
I knew that the response here would be that I'm an ******* because I do not agree. Well guess what? I'm not wrong because I sell parts. In fact, it's my job, and knowing parts, how they work and setting up cars is what I'm good at.
I can't help but shake my head here. I guess I'm just way off base in thinking it's really funny that $40 rear shocks designed for a Mustang 2 generations older are great. In fact I ripped Gas-A-Justs off an old S10 beater truck my dad has because the damping is so poor. GR2's from KYB are better--and that's saying something.
So guys. Go on with your thinking, it's ok with me. I can't help anyone who is so determined to be right that they don't want to or can't accept that their cheap setup isn't the best, or 90% of the best.
KYB's are pretty crappy... in fact most in the business call them Keep Ya Bouncing.
It's not worth it..... I could tell by the first post that I shouldn't have wasted my time.
What 14901490 implies is akin to telling an architect he's a scammer because he thinks that Joe Bob with a hammer tossed up a building that Joe Bob thinks is great. Ironically 14901490 has this nasty tendency to not want to listen either. In fact, he's called on a few occassions and my recommendation was for LESS expensive parts that offered adjustability... he ended up with more expensive parts that offer no damping adjustment ironically. But I must be out to hose folks. Ok.
I knew that the response here would be that I'm an ******* because I do not agree. Well guess what? I'm not wrong because I sell parts. In fact, it's my job, and knowing parts, how they work and setting up cars is what I'm good at.
I can't help but shake my head here. I guess I'm just way off base in thinking it's really funny that $40 rear shocks designed for a Mustang 2 generations older are great. In fact I ripped Gas-A-Justs off an old S10 beater truck my dad has because the damping is so poor. GR2's from KYB are better--and that's saying something.
So guys. Go on with your thinking, it's ok with me. I can't help anyone who is so determined to be right that they don't want to or can't accept that their cheap setup isn't the best, or 90% of the best.
KYB's are pretty crappy... in fact most in the business call them Keep Ya Bouncing.
It's not worth it..... I could tell by the first post that I shouldn't have wasted my time.
1. I never questioned your knowledge of parts Sam .. that would be stupid.
2.The point of my post was - Leave the guy alone he is simply telling others what HE came up with & likes
3. If you recall you reccommended Koni Sports to me and they were & may still be unavailable - nearly a 9 mos later . EXCUSE me for not waiting to indefinitely to buy from you. I did not rip you off for your knowledge - I CHOSE to buy different and elsewhere for many reasons. Only one of which ,was the way you talked down to me on the phone- maybe I caught u on a bad day.
4. You obviously have a chip on your shoulder towards me as The "SELLING " comment I made was NOT directed at you - I meant leave the OP alone as HE is not SELLING his set up - just informing others what he came up with & likes. He never claims its THE BEST .
5. You are extremely knowledgable - but everyone who doesnt heed your advise is an uneducated idiot who made the wrong choices. Please get over the fact I bought elsewhere & am happy.
MERRY CHRISTMAS SAM & BEST WISHES FOR A PROSPEROUS & HEALTHY NEW YEAR.
Sam
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 164
From: CA
Believe me Sam, if I had the bread I would be buying better quality stuff. Maybe even from you down the line I will. Some of the dudes I know have purchased from you, and recommended you right away. No matter how mismatched, or bad quality the parts are, I used what was available to me right away. I don't make the same money I used to 1 1/2 years ago (the shop I worked at shut down), so my leads to the good stuff were gone. SO as an alternative I used those parts that I got for cheap. The KYB's for the foxes and S197 are the same price (at cost), just for some odd reason not available to me (the vendors we use do not stock them). So I made the decision to use those that were close in specs. I know some people do not like the damping on the KYB's, personally I have always thought them better than Monroe, and Gabriel. I really wish I could of thrown some Bilsteins on but my wallet doesn't have the capacity. Yeah, them being $100 bucks? Exactly, I wasn't in the position to throw $100 on each shock. Never meant to step on anyone's ***** with this thread, nor insult their knowledge. I am not right about a lot of things, and never stated I was right about anything here. I am not trying to make anyone look like an a**hole, but also can't sit here and let someone trash me. I sell parts too, I work on cars too... I know what combination of parts would of been killer on my car, and again I wish I had the bread for them. I spent close to $300 for the dampers and other stuff I recently bought. Dampers were new, and the other components were good used parts (minus the springs which I bought new about 1 year ago). But yeah, I guess all I can say is sorry?
