Want to replace shocks and struts

[riverman]

Just wondering what everybody is using for shocks and struts on their SN95. I have a 1996 GT and not sure if they have ever been replaced, what would be the best ones to replace for just cruising around in. Thanks

[ZR]

It's really hard to beat the ride n quality of Bilsteins all round. Not the cheapest option but not crazy money either.

[riverman]

Thanks ZR, I'm new to the mustang and car thing. You have any good places to purchase parts from.

[ZR]

Where abouts do you live?

[riverman]

Just outside of Brantford.

[RedSN]

Is the car lowered? Are you planning on lowering? Car mostly for street?

Shocks and struts should be matched to the springs.

[ZR]

Jay at Miseners Performance is not all that far or you could have DaSilva Racing (club sponsor) mail em to you.

[RioCobra]

I have a 97 cobra, and run Bilsteins and Roush springs.
Did new end links while everything was apart.
Once lowered, then you move onto needing caster camber plates.
I then added Maximum Motorsports adjustable rear lower control arms to bring the rear down a little more.
Next step is a panhard bar to centre the rear axel.
If I had the money, coilovers would be nice, but I don't lol as all of the above added up.

[ZR]

They seem to work equally as well with stock or lowering springs.

[riverman]

No, car is not lowered, just for street and cruising around in. I'll take a look at Miseners.

[RioCobra]

Oh, and welded subframe connectors. I couldn't believe how it changed the car and tightened things up.

[riverman]

You have a part # for the Bilsteins

[ZR]

Can look em up here.
http://www.bilsteincanada.com

[riverman]

Thanks

[Intmdtr]

yes first thing should be full length subframe connectors. Made a night and day difference to my 96 once added.

[Gr8Stang]

Installed the Bilstein HD struts and shocks on my 98 Cobra with Eibach Sport springs on it. According to Bilstein info. they are designed to work with lowered cars. Did all four on a Saturday, taking my time. Hardest part was breaking free the two strut bolts that attach to the knuckle. As ZR mentioned, they are a bit pricey, but worth it (consensus of those using them). I bought mine online through summit racing...best price I could find (cheaper than ordering local from what I could see). There two other small shocks in the rear that are next on my list.

Big improvement over stock to say the least. Now to get me some of those sub frame connectors!

[RioCobra]

Here is a pic of the stance now
10989

[riverman]

Car looks nice. Mine is just a project car for the wife and I to cruise around in, shocks/struts and an exhaust over the winter.

[ZR]

Yes set of Steeda full length connectors installed will make a substantial improvement. Same goes for if your able to combine new shocks n struts with Maximum CC plates so you can get alignment spot on plus a set of their aluminum rack bushings and replacement steering shaft.

[RedSN]

....and so it begins.


Came in for shocks and struts ....left with the MM catalogue.

[ZR]

Is there any other way?

[ZR]

+ set of these from Steeda of course.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i411/yllrgt/SUBFRAMECONNECTORS1.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i411/yllrgt/SUBFRAMECONNECTORS5.jpg

[Slick_89_Hatch]

I agree with everything stated here lol....BUT if budget is a serious concern and it's not going to be lowered and you just want to replace 20 year old stuff KYB's are OEM or better quality and very reasonable. Check A&A Autoparts in Hamilton, cheapest place you'll find them.

[RedSN]

^^^this is what I was getting at.

If just replacing the old worn out shocks and struts, a quality set of KYB's will perform well on an otherwise stock Mustang. No need to go full retard.

[98 Snake]

Lots of good suggestions

fwiw I have a pair of like new Koni STR-T shocks for sale

Pm me If you're interested

[1BAD92LX]

....and so it begins.
Came in for shocks and struts ....left with the MM catalogue.

Story of my life right here

[Slick_89_Hatch]

^^^this is what I was getting at.

If just replacing the old worn out shocks and struts, a quality set of KYB's will perform well on an otherwise stock Mustang. No need to go full retard.

While your doing them, you may want to consider some cheap upgrades like Energy suspension Sway bar bushings and end links.......cheap and effective. Another cheap improvement would be Energy suspension steering rack bushings NON OFFSET. They help with steering feel alot. Some complain of vibration at low speed with them but I have had no issues. Maximum Motorsports makes solid ones which are the best, and still not expensive but a little more work to install. Lastly, consider a cheap replacement rag joint for the steering shaft. If everything on your car is basically original, these basic items will definitely be noticeable and not break the bank. After that i'd look at replacing all of your rear control arm and diff bushings with stock style rubber stuff. Cheap to buy as well, but a bitch (so ive heard) to replace. I'd say you could make the car night and day for $500 in parts depending on how worn out your current parts are, but at over 20 years old I suspect they have some wear :)

[ZR]

No secret I was once a fan of KYB's as a more affordable option but can't say I was anywhere close to impressed with last couple sets we installed.

[riverman]

Wow, lots of good advise from everone, and thanks for all the information. I'll have to sit down and do some more research on all of the different parts everybody gave me. Thanks

[ZR]

We may have gone just ever so slightly beyond your only asking about struts n shocks. ;)

[RioCobra]

Just so you have an idea on where my ride height was sitting at, it was verified at official 4x4 status lol.

11006

[RioCobra]

Here is another after

11007

[riverman]

That's a big difference in looks with the lowering springs. I would have to say my car would be in the 4x4 club as well, lol.