Suspension upgrade recommendations

[machcrazy]

Changed to 5 leaf rears and got the look and ride . Tried air shocks first , they gave a very harsh ride.

 

[cjstaci]

Looks good!

 

[Duncan Mach72]

A question - has anyone installed a Panhard rod on the rear axle? I guess it's tricky with dual exhausts, but I would think it would deliver a lot more stability in the corners.

I say this because I used to have a European Ford Capri MkIII (1980s) which was lowered a bit, all poly bushings up front & 50 series tires on 15" rims. I then fitted a clamp-on triangulation kit between axle & forward part of leaf springs & the improvement was incredible.

 

[tony-muscle]

A question - has anyone installed a Panhard rod on the rear axle? I guess it's tricky with dual exhausts, but I would think it would deliver a lot more stability in the corners.

I say this because I used to have a European Ford Capri MkIII (1980s) which was lowered a bit, all poly bushings up front & 50 series tires on 15" rims. I then fitted a clamp-on triangulation kit between axle & forward part of leaf springs & the improvement was incredible.

I purchased one from Mike Maier that I am hoping to install soon. Yes, the dual exhaust will be a challenge combined with the fact that I have staggered shocks. I will have to find a very capable muffler shop.

 

[Bentworker]

A question - has anyone installed a Panhard rod on the rear axle? I guess it's tricky with dual exhausts, but I would think it would deliver a lot more stability in the corners.

I say this because I used to have a European Ford Capri MkIII (1980s) which was lowered a bit, all poly bushings up front & 50 series tires on 15" rims. I then fitted a clamp-on triangulation kit between axle & forward part of leaf springs & the improvement was incredible.

I have one. The struggles with the exhaust are real. I was able to get a shop to route through it, but I have conventional rear shocks and didn’t use huge exhaust tubing.

 

[Graham Man]

Shocks.... Shocks.... Shocks... Put on a set of KYBs, could not believe the difference, completely different car to drive. Best money I ever spent on the car... the 4 speed was a close 2nd.

 

[Alexei]

Good morning!

At the front I’ve installed a set of front tubular upper arms and a pair of KYB shocks and a close ration steering box, for rear, a custom made sway bar, of 1.3/4 inches and a pair of Koni shocks! Wonderful ride!

 

[351c1971]

I use KYB shocks and struts on all my Fords. The combination of high quality, good ride, long life and fair price are hard to beat!
I have stock 13/16" front and 1/2" rear sway bars on my 71 Mach 1. The stock 14" x 7" wheels also help improve the ride.

 

[Stanglover]

On my car, a 71 Mach 1 with comp suspension, I went with Eaton's Boss 351 rear leaf springs, An ADDCO revised version 990 7/8" rear anti-sway bar and KYB Excel G shocks. I did have a set of KYB Gas-A-Just on before, but found them too harsh. The softer shocks are recommended by Eaton and the ride is way better. On the front, I just went with the Addco 1 1/8" bar. the rest is new repops with original front springs.

 

[tony-muscle]

Bilstein are a great option and probably an upgrade over the KYB

 

[Stanglover]

Bilstein are a great option and probably an upgrade over the KYB

No doubt, but a BIG dollar difference!

 

[tony-muscle]

No doubt, but a BIG dollar difference!

LOL... welcome to my life. All these racing upgrades cost a fortune! And Bilstein are at the bottom of the list in cost. Once you get into adjustable shocks the prices roar!

 

[Stanglover]

LOL... welcome to my life. All these racing upgrades cost a fortune! And Bilstein are at the bottom of the list in cost. Once you get into adjustable shocks the prices roar!

A bottomless pit there for sure.

 

[Sheriff41]

No doubt, but a BIG dollar difference!

You can have more shock options it you swap your front shock tower bracket to the 1970 style. I run Koni shocks with this change.

 

[Stanglover]

You can have more shock options it you swap your front shock tower bracket to the 1970 style. I run Koni shocks with this change.

Interesting option. I doubt many would think of that.

 

[Sheriff41]

Interesting option. I doubt many would think of that.

Yep. I discovered it in an old post on this site. I doubt most people would even notice it when looking under the hood.

 

[Sheriff41]

Yep. I discovered it in an old post on this site. I doubt most people would even notice it when looking under the hood.

 

[351c1971]

Its always good to learn something new about the many useful things in the Ford parts bins.

 

[c9zx]

Shocks are like everything else, you get what you pay for, IF you are VERY careful. For rude and wheel control for regular use I prefer the Bilsteins. They are worth the money to me. Chuck

 

[Sheriff41]

Shocks are like everything else, you get what you pay for, IF you are VERY careful. For rude and wheel control for regular use I prefer the Bilsteins. They are worth the money to me. Chuck

I've run Konis on my 69 Boss 302, 86 SVO, and my 72. My wife's 98 SVT Cobra and my F150 both have Bilsteins. Konis and Bilstein both are pricier than standard replacement shocks but are markedly better. There are higher end shocks that are out of scope for how I use my vehicles.