rear suspension upgrades

[TheJ]

I'm getting ready to redo the rear suspension are there any simple and relatively inexpensive upgrades I can do while I'm in there? I want to get a little better handling but still keep it streetable.

I was thinking of these:

175lb/in 4.5 leaf springs (maybe 195lb/in 5 leaf springs)

polyurethane bushings

KYB Gas-a-Just shocks

Thanks for looking

 

[droptop73]

I'd skip the poly bushings.If you do not want rubber try the global west pieces. The P.O. put poly spring bushings in my car ant it creaks and groans like crazy pulling in and out of driveways. I cannot keep enough lube in there to stop it. I do not have experience with the other parts.

 

[TheJ]

I'd skip the poly bushings.If you do not want rubber try the global west pieces. The P.O. put poly spring bushings in my car ant it creaks and groans like crazy pulling in and out of driveways. I cannot keep enough lube in there to stop it. I do not have experience with the other parts.

That's what I had heard. I don't think I'll get them after looking at the price. $50 for the set of poly vs $15 for rubber.

 

[will e]

Get some under the wheel traction bars. The shelby style not the cheap ones. This will help with traction (no more wheel hop) and it also helps with braking (no wheel hop)

 

[Tnfastbk]

Get some under the wheel traction bars. The shelby style not the cheap ones. This will help with traction (no more wheel hop) and it also helps with braking (no wheel hop)

I used this set up

http://www.calvertracing.com/caltracs.php

 

[TheJ]

That's a bit pricey for me at the moment. Off topic question: how can you tell what type of diff you have ie 9", 8".

Thanks

 

[Tnfastbk]

That's a bit pricey for me at the moment. Off topic question: how can you tell what type of diff you have ie 9", 8".

Thanks

Here you go

http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm

 

[Hemikiller]

I'm getting ready to redo the rear suspension are there any simple and relatively inexpensive upgrades I can do while I'm in there? I want to get a little better handling but still keep it streetable.

I was thinking of these:

175lb/in 4.5 leaf springs (maybe 195lb/in 5 leaf springs)

polyurethane bushings

KYB Gas-a-Just shocks

Thanks for looking

Those springs are entirely too stiff. The factory Competition Suspension springs were in the 135 lb/in range. I would recommend the 71 429 leaf, which is universal spring #42547. You can get them from most any spring or Mustang shop. Mustangs Unlimited has them for $80/each. They are firm enough to control the axle, but not so stiff that they don't follow the road surface.

Poly bushings are fine in the shackle, but skip them in the eye. I used NPD's HD rear shackle kit on several of my cars and was very happy with them.

KYB Gas Adjusts in the front are a good idea. Some guys run the KYB GR-2's in the rear as they feel the G-a-J's are too stiff. I have Gas Adjusts on all four corners, but I'm also running 225/70R14 tires and I have original leafs. When I put in new rear springs later this year we'll see how stiff the GaJ's truly are.

 

[homelessmexican]

these were the traction bars i picked up

http://www.competitionengineering.com/catalog/CategoryDisplay.asp?CatCode=13116

and i used KYB GR-2's as well, and hd shackels

 

[FastE]

Get some under the wheel traction bars. The shelby style not the cheap ones. This will help with traction (no more wheel hop) and it also helps with braking (no wheel hop)

I used this set up

http://www.calvertracing.com/caltracs.php

Hey Roy,Calvert posted a picture of my car on their web site! First Ford up! I couldn't beleive it. Sorry for stealling this post but,the Calverts are worth every penny!

 

[TheJ]

What kind of springs did you guys run with the caltracs?

 

[Tnfastbk]

Get some under the wheel traction bars. The shelby style not the cheap ones. This will help with traction (no more wheel hop) and it also helps with braking (no wheel hop)

I used this set up

http://www.calvertracing.com/caltracs.php

Hey Roy,Calvert posted a picture of my car on their web site! First Ford up! I couldn't beleive it. Sorry for stealling this post but,the Calverts are worth every penny!

man that is cool

 

[droptop73]

I've heard the CalTracs are harsh on the street. Is that true Eddie?

 

[FastE]

I've heard the CalTracs are harsh on the street. Is that true Eddie?

They can be. You have to back the adjustment off to keep them from rattling.Not a bad ride at all. You do pick up some road noise,due to the solid front spring bushing.

I am running the stock replacement springs for the heavy duty suspension, just like Hemikiller pointed out.I am also running the old Gabrial red ryder gas shocks.They seem to work very well.My plans are for a shock upgrade some time.

 

[Tnfastbk]

I've heard the CalTracs are harsh on the street. Is that true Eddie?

BACK in your SAAB buddy. Lets see........May leak gas (safety issue) now ride is to harsh. Man next you will declare all need AC.

 

[droptop73]

Well now that you mention it... LOL

No one would mistake riding in my car for a Lincoln.

 

[Tnfastbk]

Well now that you mention it... LOL

No one would mistake riding in my car for a Lincoln.

lollerz

 

[kblackav8or]

Fays 2 Watts Link and some sort of subframe connectors.