Posts: 172
Joined: 11/20/2007 From: Calgary, AB Status: offline
My knowledge of suspension components is marginal at best and all I know about it is what I've read on these forums so, I'm looking for some input from the suspension gurus.
I have a '07 GT vert that I want to lower and maybe improve the handling in the process (my '07 Volvo wagon handles way better than the Stang so maybe I can make the Stang handle as good as the V50). I don't and never will race my car on a 1/4 mile strip or a road course. All I want is a comfortable, well behaved cruiser.
Here's a list of parts that I have assembled but I want to make sure that that's what I need before parting with my $$$:
Steeda Sport or BMR lowering springs Tokico-D's or Koni yellows (Tokico being $200 cheaper is my preference) BMR adjustable PH bar BMR LCA with relocating brackets
That's all I can think of for the basic setup, will it work? What's your opinion?
Steeda Sport or BMR lowering springs. No opinion here. I have the Steeda ones and they work well. Tokico-D's or Koni yellows (Tokico being $200 cheaper is my preference) I've had both and in my opinion the Koni's are worth the extra $200. BMR adjustable PH bar Go with one that is adjustable with spherical ends. I switched from urethane and the difference was noticable. I have the UMI from Strano. BMR LCA with relocating brackets Go with the Steeda brackets. They have extra holes that you will need to get the arms set properly.
Posts: 2746
Joined: 6/8/2006 From: SF Bay Area Status: offline
I agree with the MVP as far as spherical ends, or Heim joints. I have 100% Heim joint suspension in my car (with the single exception of the axle end of the LCA's). They will allow your suspension to move in the direction it needs to, but will add ZERO slop and help with handling and create wonderful response. You will notice a little more road noise, although very little with only a couple of these joints.
Posts: 172
Joined: 11/20/2007 From: Calgary, AB Status: offline
Thanks for your suggestions and replies Kobie & Cat, I will edit my shopping list and start looking for places to buy from (vendors that ship to Canada).
Steeda Sport lowering springs Tokico-D's (I know but it's just a cruiser) UMI PH bar with spherical joints UMI LCA's (which are better - spherical/spherical or spherical/urethane?) Steeda relocating brackets and camber plates
You guys have to stop buying parts, particularly shocks, on the notion that "it's just a cruiser". If it's just a cruiser and doesn't matter, why change it at all? Furthermore, dampers don't know what you are doing with the car they just control mass. The car doesn't lose mass when you are "just cruising". And while I'd agree that if you truly just tooled around @ 30 mph all the time you aren't asking for much from the shocks, they still effect how the car drives. But I don't buy that you drive the car only that way.
I don't see a need here for LCA's at all. I'm not even sure about the springs. I'm not saying those parts don't have uses, they do.... I haven't seen anything from you to indicate they are needed. You don't need springs to make these cars handle very, very well. And if you lived anywhere near me I'd be more than happy to take you for a ride in my personal car which has stock springs and bars and a set of Koni's. In fact, anyone who wants to take a ride can feel free to stop on by and I'll be happy to show you just what a good set of dampers can do.
I'd take your budget and put it to the Koni's. If you think you need springs (which I'd like to discuss), then fine and and an adjustable PHB, and as Kobie mentioned I do UMI products. If you want to lower the car, that's fine but you should not assume you need to to make the car handle well. In fact for street use, I'd take a car on better dampers and stock spring over a car on lowering springs alone any day.
Posts: 172
Joined: 11/20/2007 From: Calgary, AB Status: offline
Thanks for you suggestions gents, all are much appreciated.
Sam, the reasons I want to upgrade the suspension on my GT are to lower it and while I do that I want to make it handle better as well. I refer to the car as a cruiser since I have no plans on racing it but I still want something that will behave more like a sports car (or at least like my Volvo wagon) and less like a Titanic when going around corners.
I understand that you want to make it handle better. The issue is that "handle better" is a hugely generic idea, and one that everyone wants. And you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who's done anything at all to their cars that wouldn't claim it "handles better".
This is why, though some see it as a pain, I work a bit more in depth. What I want to know is how the car acts to you, and what you'd like to change about it. I don't really much care what Joe-Bob thinks about his car, you aren't him and being we are individuals we all have different wants and needs. Parts are used to address an issue. If I don't know what issue you'd like to change or alter, it's awfully hard to make a good recommendation.
I'd strongly urge you to take a drive, and pay particular attention to the dynamics of the car overall and see just what it is you'd like to improve upon. Even if you can sort of explain why you feel the V50 is better that'll help. I'll bet it's damping, and that the V50 is more sure footed which means better shocks and struts, but we'll see.
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My suspension choices - what do you think? - 
