Need Shocks

[73' mach 1]

In gathering parts for my suspension I need new shocks. So far I have new upper and lower control arms (premium scott drake), eaton springs 1" drop and TCP 4.5 mid eye leaf springs. I'm looking into getting the roller perch, rebuilding my steering box and replace the rest of the front end stuff. The car will be a cruiser/weekend car so I don't need it super firm but I'd like to handle somewhat. What do you guys suggest for shocks? I've always been a fan of bilstein shocks but I see they don't make them for the 73 and I'm not sure how difficult they are to retro fit? Thoughts?

 

[c9zx]

From what you've said, KYB Gas Adjust should work at a reasonable cost. Koni's were available for the 1970 model and can be used if the front upper mounts are swapped with 1970 pieces. If handling is important, consider sub-frame connectors and a matched set of larger anti-roll bars. Chuck

 

[73pony]

I just put in the KYB Gas Adjust shocks on all four corners. Fit was perfect and it was an easy job to do. I have not had a chance to test them out as it has been raining. Supposed to be dry tomorrow so I can post up my thoughts on them tomorrow. Keep in mind my old shocks were original and had nothing left so the comparison might not be too fair.

 

[73' mach 1]

Yes please report back your take on them. As far as size goes for the anti-roll bars what's a good size to use? Assuming stock items are used and wouldn't cause fitment issues. The only thing that would be different would be the 1" drop up front.

 

[73pony]

I installed an 1 1/8" sway bar up front that I got from a member on here, made a considerable difference over stock but then again the bushings on the original were pretty much gone. No fitment issue at all. I do not have one in the rear, might be a project for next fall.

 

[Bentworker]

I'm partial to Bilstein shocks, no particular reason.

If you decide to swap your upper shock mount to the pre 71-73 style you will have a lot more shock options (Bilstein makes some). The good thing about the swap is that it is just bolt on, and can always be swapped back later if guilt overcomes you for straying from the original design.

This is the early pre 71-73 style shock mount / tower cap with a cheapie shock on it showing extended length.



This is a 71-73 style shock mount / tower cap with a cheapie shock showing its extended length.



I found that the extended and collapsed lengths between the two were within a quarter inch. I was going to run early shocks in the front of my 71', but went with the Meier coilover setup instead.

 

[73' mach 1]

I'm partial to Bilstein shocks, no particular reason.

If you decide to swap your upper shock mount to the pre 71-73 style you will have a lot more shock options (Bilstein makes some). The good thing about the swap is that it is just bolt on, and can always be swapped back later if guilt overcomes you for straying from the original design.

This is the early pre 71-73 style shock mount / tower cap with a cheapie shock on it showing extended length.

This is a 71-73 style shock mount / tower cap with a cheapie shock showing its extended length.

I found that the extended and collapsed lengths between the two were within a quarter inch. I was going to run early shocks in the front of my 71', but went with the Meier coilover setup instead.

Is that all I need to change is the shock tower mount? Will a 67-69 bolt right up?

 

[Bentworker]

Yep, 67-70 and they will bolt right up. There is even someone making them out of billet aluminum if that is your thing. Mustang Depot has the billet and stamped ones, I am sure that you can buy them from any of the mustang parts houses.

Is that all I need to change is the shock tower mount? Will a 67-69 bolt right up?

 

[73' mach 1]

Yep, 67-70 and they will bolt right up. There is even someone making them out of billet aluminum if that is your thing. Mustang Depot has the billet and stamped ones, I am sure that you can buy them from any of the mustang parts houses.

Is that all I need to change is the shock tower mount? Will a 67-69 bolt right up?

Ok cool, so at that point I would just order the respective shock per year tower?

 

[4mm]

I've always found KYBs to be too harsh (but that's my subjective opinion) and Bilstein more compliant and much better at dampening resulting in a smoother but firm ride.

I have yet to try Koni and I am curious since I've held both in my hand and the Konis were beefier and appeared to be better made. Even the washers and bushings were thicker and of higher quality. I just have never had the chance to test drive them.

 

[73' mach 1]

How does the mounting work for the rear shocks? Would I need any different brackets there? I'd like to order the set of 4 from mustangs unlimited. The question at that point would be the streets or sports. I'm guessing the sports are more firm but how firm?? Thanks

 

[Bentworker]

Rear is exactly the same for 67-73

 

[nailpounder]

i do not care for the kyb gas adjust on the rear of my vert to stiff with five leaf springs

i just ordered kyb e-xel i just read that the gas adjust is a high pressure shock and the e-xel are a lower pressure shock so it might help its hard to find answers about the shocks the gas adjust on the front are good

i found them @ rockauto $ 44.00 for 2 delivered

the gas adjust are about $ 33.00 each front or rear

 

[73' mach 1]

Thanks for all the info guys. I have a solid plan for the bilstein shocks now!

 

[73pony]

Well took it out today and did some in town driving on our rather bumpy streets with new KYB Gas Adjust shocks on all four corners. Huge difference in ride and feel. Not a real harsh ride at all compared to the ones removed (nothing left in them). Car stays planted much better with a lot less bouncing around. Overall I am very happy.

 

[73' mach 1]

Well took it out today and did some in town driving on our rather bumpy streets with new KYB Gas Adjust shocks on all four corners. Huge difference in ride and feel. Not a real harsh ride at all compared to the ones removed (nothing left in them). Car stays planted much better with a lot less bouncing around. Overall I am very happy.

Thanks for reporting back. I think I'll be going with the bils sports since I'll be using the eaton 1" drop springs and 4.5's out back.

 

[Otto]

Hello everyone. My personal recommendation would be QA1. The reason for this, I used KYB before and they are very firm and will cause cracking at the body mounting point in the back, which happened to me. The reason they are a more common choice is the resistance to compression. The downside is the harshness because of the somewhat Mickey Mouse design. Non adjustable performance shocks would be great for cruising and occasional spirited driving. If more control is needed, you can buy single or adjustable models. My driving is very spirited and I often cruise at 90. I installed the non adjustable models yesterday and I will let you know how they work with my chassis set up.