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Rear suspension project

Joes68

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
67
Location
Simi Valley, Ca.
I've seen a few discussions/posts about the rear low stance of the mustang and read some of the posts about it here on the site. After some additional research and info, here's what I did and how it turned out:
I put BF Goodrich Radial TAs (225/60R15) on American Racing 15x7 Torque Thrust II wheels. The front suspension is still stock with the exception of new shocks. (Stock replacement shocks, nothing special). On the rear suspension I ordered the 114lb rear leaf springs with an additional 2 inches of arch from Eaton springs. The new rear shocks are the same as the front. I also installed the stock size shackles that came with the install kit from Eaton. The stang looks pretty level with maybe a quarter of an inch higher in the back at most.
It obviously rides a little stiffer but not too bad and I have good clearance to run the larger than stock tires and wheels.
Didn't know if this will help anybody considering changes to their suspensions, but thought I'd pass along the info. If I ever figure out how to reduce the picture sizes, I'll try and post some. Lot's of good pics to post since the original gallery pics were put up.
Ron
 

coloradoHCS

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 18, 2004
Messages
159
Location
Conifer, Colorado
I may try this approach. I would like to have a little more stance in the back. Did you order the wheels by specifying the model and year or was it a special offset? Mark.
 
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Joes68

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
67
Location
Simi Valley, Ca.
Mark,
I bought the tires and wheels at the same time. The sales rep at the store ordered the wheels and spoke with American Racing wheel reps to verify the correct offset for the Torque Thrust IIs with the BFG tires for my CS. Any store or catalog that sells the wheels should know (or verify with the manufacturer), the correct offset for the particular wheel/tire set-up you may want for your car. Hope this helps.
Ron
 

Mosesatm

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Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
9,009
What does the 114# number mean vs. the 165# or 200# number I see from the Mustang vendors?
 

PFSlim

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Joined
Feb 9, 2004
Messages
1,546
Location
Weatherby Lake, MO
Joe

Good information. I do remember discussing this in a past post and I know I posted information about what we did to level our car out (getting rid of negative rake). I think it looks better leveled out, myself.

Paul
 
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Joes68

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
67
Location
Simi Valley, Ca.
Mosesatm said:
What does the 114# number mean vs. the 165# or 200# number I see from the Mustang vendors?

Arlie,
Not sure what 165# and 200# from the vendors means. I know with Eaton you can get the stock 85lb springs, the 114lb springs and I believe there are 135lb springs that were used on Shelbys. From what I've heard the 135lb springs are very stiff and wouldn't be a good choice for the CS unless it was highly modified. I couldn't imagine that 165 and 200 are spring rates??? That would really be ober the top.
Ron
 

coloradoHCS

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 18, 2004
Messages
159
Location
Conifer, Colorado
Ron, thanks, I will shop Summit and discount. Also that is correct on the springs, Eaton told me stock 289 Mustangs received the 85 lb springs, Std GT cars got the 114 lb springs and Shelby's received the 135 lb springs. Mike from Eaton said I would not like the Shelby rate springs on a 289 car. He sugested go with the the GT 114lb units at about $200 per set.

Mark.
 

nfrntau

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Joined
Aug 15, 2004
Messages
1,020
Location
Rosharon, Texas
Does anyone know if the 114# springs are the same as used on cars with the heavy duty suspension package?
 
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Joes68

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Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
67
Location
Simi Valley, Ca.
nfrntau said:
Does anyone know if the 114# springs are the same as used on cars with the heavy duty suspension package?

Bill,
I don't know the answer. Maybe somebody else does. My car came with the heavy duty suspension, but the car sure didn't feel like it had heavy duty suspension. Age of the CS probably didn't help the mushy feel the rear end had. The old springs are pretty rusty so I'll have to see if I can find some numbers/info on them.
Ron
 

rvrtrash

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
3,649
nfrntau said:
Does anyone know if the 114# springs are the same as used on cars with the heavy duty suspension package?

Yes, they are. When I replaced my springs I told them I wanted the same ones as the GT suspension and that's what they gave me. Between that and the gas shocks, it sits level and has a little stiffness to it but not enough to compress your spine going over speed bumps. I like them.
Steve
 
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Joes68

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
67
Location
Simi Valley, Ca.
Hope these resized pics work.
 

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Joes68

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
67
Location
Simi Valley, Ca.
Hey the resized pics finally came through!! Here's 2 more pics. One before the new rear springs and one after with the change in stance.
Ron
 

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Mosesatm

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Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
9,009
Ron, it looks great. It's nice to be able to see the road, isn't it?!!!

Does Eaton have any kind of no-sag warranty?
 
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Joes68

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
67
Location
Simi Valley, Ca.
Thanks Jason, I'm considering it.

Joe I'll catch you at Fab Fords already have my entry slip but won't be there until Sun Morning.

Arlie, not sure about the no sag warranty, but with the 2" of additional arch on the 114lb springs, we'll see how they hold up.

Ron
 
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