So I read through the stickies and searched for discussions on this. I think I've got to post it as a new thread tho.

A few months ago I replaced the stock tires and rims on my 05 S197 to the Roush stage 3 rims and cooper tires that I bought mostly used for a great price. It was a significant appearance changer. It took what was a tolerable suspension though and has turned it in to a pretty rough ride. The old tires were 17" the new are 18"x10.

A car enthusiast friend says I should consider upgrading to coil over suspensions that are adjustable and find a solution that other mustang owners have found to work. In reading some posts from Sam I know this is the right place to lay out my values and find out what could work for me.

- Top priority is smoothing out the ride. I'm not racing my V6 and it is my daily driver.

- Second comes quality. I'd rather spend more and get something that'll last longer than cheap out and replace it sooner.

- Last is price. My car is paid off for a while now and I don't mind dropping some money in to it. $1-2k isn't unreasonable for my budget keeping in mind that this is my 3rd priority.

Any suggestions for an upgrade for my 2005 V6 with these larger tires to smooth out the ride? What components am I looking at upgrading to do this? I've never replaced parts to upgrade them on a car. I just take good care of it and adjust the things that bug me. After the tires/rims I just upgraded, this is only the second time I've been able to afford changing out a part for a reason other than they wore out and had to be replaced.

Thanks for any suggestions and experience.

 

I assume you had these wheels/tires balanced, right? Out of balance can cause a pretty rough ride.

 

You need to start with better shocks, and only better shocks to start with. The wheels and tires weigh more, and added a good big of unsprung weight (which is what compression damping settings control) over OEM. Those Roush wheels aren't exactly light.

You need to decide if you want adjustable dampers or not. I'll say for this primary use that Koni Sports aren't needed, as they don't adjust compression--just rebound. That being the case then STR.T's @ $399/set would work just as well to deal with the weight. The other option is going to surprise some. D-specs, this is the one case where the fact they move compression can help us out with the extra unsprung weight. They are $589/set. I have both in stock.

 

Thanks for the responses.

danzcool: I did have the balance and alignment done actually twice from 2 different places. The first place did a lousy job and I took it to a FQCC (or whatever name they go by now). This corrected the vibration of the steering wheel, but there's still something to be addressed when I hit bumps or go over railroad tracks.

Sam: Thanks for your suggestions. $200 (difference between the 2) seems reasonable to me to be able to adjust it until I'm happy with the shocks.

 

Whats the tire size you are running? The thinner the tire the rougher the ride as well.