Does anyone have the damping rates of TC springs as opposed to the V8 springs? I'm looing into a little bit of a change....
Also how much of a drop am I looking at realistically? Car weighs about 3400 pounds WITH me and a half a tank of gas.
Anyone?
Rears are identical to the Sport, fronts will lower a aluminum headed 5.0 AOD combo approx 3/4"...
OR at least my TC sets 3/4 " lower than a stock one...
I experienced a drop of 2" in the convertible up front. Tires rubbed on the inner fender liners. The stock springs went back in and they're much, much better. The TC springs were from a low-mileage wrecked car and measured within 1/8" of each other out of the car. My car is about 3800 lbs. without driver. I can't even tell you what the weight distribution is because of the convertible stuff and the extra bracing; it should be more back-heavy than anything.
That's a big difference between you guys as I know Tom has kept his car fully optioned....If I did this I'd be going new springs.....
Check this out:
Opinions on the 2? Which is more suited to a good launch @ the track with all other components being equal?
Pluses and minuses on both?
Also on the front:
How do these Spicers compare to offerings from Husky, Moog, and OEM Ford? I know they are all SUPPOSED to be replacements, but we all know how that goes....
Let me break in and ask,what springs will lower the Sport about an inch to an inch and a half up front?The rear is fine.
In light of Eric's experience, any chance the spring pocket depth varies per application??? At the track, my car has weighed 3560 with a small tool box and 3/4 tank of gas...
I have approx 140K mi on the original springs... Unless one busts ain't no way I'm touching them...
As I stated it sets approx 3/4" lower than the other level TCs I've checked... My red one is crooked as Hell...
They do, between the A-arms. I'm still running the stock 1983-86 length control arms. The 1987-88 arms have a deeper pocket than mine. So that's why I was really surprised at how much my car sank because by all measurements the car shouldn't have dropped as much as it did. Honestly it became undriveable...I had to be very careful in any kind of corners, going up inclines into driveways...hell, I couldn't even get the car into the parking lot at work. It was like that for 2 years, then I put the stock springs back in (which were already at a very nice stance) and the car is back to driving great, and no sing or cornering issues.
Basically I put the TC springs in because I thought I "should" have. On paper it was a great idea. In reality it just didn't work out like I'd hoped.
Now...this is just my experience, using the 1983-86 (Fox Mustang) control arms, in an already overweight car. I would hope my experience was the exception, not the norm. As it is right now, I'm afraid to try any other spring in that car, but it's not like I'm stuck with something I don't like because those stockers that I have are frickin' awesome for stance.
So...hopefully I haven't scared anyone from using TC springs. ;)
Here is what a set of turbo coupe springs looks like with an iron headed V8. They won't drop it as much as you would think. It has actually settled down a little since then, but I'm still going to get a set of H&R lowering springs when funds become available.
(http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4443/1000648ba0.jpg)
(http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/3892/1000651da8.jpg)
Woah Granny, looks like it's on stilts..
I can't seem to locate a picture that shows the amount of space between the tire and fender, but these give some idea...
Rear is down a little in the first shot as I had approx 150lbs in the trunk... Pict was taken just before I left for Carlisle in '02...
If that's what I end up with, it'll be perfect up front!
Now the rears.....of the 2 part #'s I listed.....What would you pick and why?
The TC springs lowered my car's front by about 1.5" (until one broke, then it was down about 3" :hick:)
The first pic is with the stock V8 non-Sport springs (it was actually taken shortly after I bought the car).
The second pic is with '87 TC front springs and stock non-sport V8 springs with stock control arms in the rear.
I'm assuming you are ordering from RockAuto?? LOL
I work there.
I would say the variable rates. They will get stiffer as the car squats ( or you place a load on them) so thats what I would buy for mine.
Paul I honestly don't know what I'd choose...
Good drag launches a combo of springs and shocks/struts... You want something that will allow the front to raise and transfer weight to the rear...
My method is rear shocks set to firm and disconnected... The fronts can still be set to soft(auto) which at 140K mi is almost like no shock... She points her nose and goes straight down the track... Many people also disconnect the front sway bar, but I never have...
I'll dig around for a launch photo...
As my car sits now ( a wee bit high in the nose) it makes for a great launch....I want the front down and the same -- if not better launch characteristics.
I'll be going KYB monotube struts in the front---I think.
Pict as promised, hot off the scanner...
Dayum must be too big....
NOPE, screwed up the file extension... :hick: Got it now...
Rear shock option: http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/14386/name/B46-1041-Bilstein-Ford-Cars
The front struts from KYB only come in a dual tube design. Anybody know of a good monotube option?
Anybody?
I agree that car looks like it could be an off road car compared to a regular TC.
Ow I forgot to minteion the springs look like they took a puppies.
I hope everyone knows that was a joke I wasn't being serious. On that note I get a infration for that whats up with maken a joke can anyone explain that.
The explanation is simply that this is the tech area. If you include a joke in your initial post, it's no big deal. It's the fact that you created a second post, to make a joke that wasn't funny, nor typed anywhere near coherent, and simply wasted space and time.
If you want to joke around in the tech area, at least having something relevant or helpful to add. It's useless to post w when you have nothing to contribute.
Can someone teach him to edit posts please!?...
If it was only that simple...
Heres mine with the bullits on the rear with the che's.
The front got the sport springs W/O ac.whey to high.
Did add afr's.Not sure what I'm trying next.
(http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16884&stc=1&d=1218240805)
I'm in the same boat up front.....No A/C and aluminum heads along with some other weight reduction here and there.
Then I got a good look around a Mercury Marauder the other day. The backs are bags, but up front......
I have to find rates and heights, but it seems like a possibility -- especially the Eibachs.
The Marauder idea is a bust....spring diameter is wrong FWIW....
Still hunting....Doublechecking spring part#'s on Rockauto shows a disturbing trend.....they list the same part#'s for ALL 87-88 T-birds...
Cougar part#'s become interesting.....
Especially for front springs. Moog part#8602 is listed for Mustang Gt's and 86-88 Mustang LX's as well as v6 87-88 Cougars....
87-88 Cougar V8 carry an extra individual part# for front springsthat shows a height of about 5/8" taller in both free and installed applications then the rest.....It is listed NOWHERE in the T-bird appplications on the site.....
I'm becoming disgusted...Motorcraft and newfordparts are no help as well....
Does ANYONE have the factory part#'s for front and rear 87-88 TC springs? Also the specified rates/heights for them? Time is becoming a bit of a factor......I've decided on a rim/tire upgrade and I'd like to do this all at once.....
I just looked up what I used it was the 8600 it didn't lower mine much, about 3/8".
If this helps moogs spring rate chart.
http://bbb-carb.com/moog_Coil_Springs.htm
I decide to go with mach 1's with a spacer.
I'll see what I can find you Paul.
Thanks for the heads up. The Turbo Coupe springs are specified in the parts descriptions. I'll see if I can get the OEM numbers for the TC, the Sport, and the LX 3.8 front and rear through my sources.
#8598 appears promising......
true, but when the same part # shows up on a search under v8 I dont recall it saying TC under that.
FWIW I'm pretty dead set on the rear spring/shocks and I'm down to 2 options on the front...
That does look promising.I thought the 8600 would of lowered to much.
I'm about to pull the pin.....
The car is staying 4 lug with an 11 inch brake upgrade with 73mm calipers....I've ordered the pieces for that (the SSBC kit ---- http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/iwwida.pvx?;item?item_no=SS-A1125%20%20%20%20%20%20%201&comp=LRS and a set of front spindles on eBay).
I also have a set of rear Chuck W rear shock adapters saved for just this occasion so it looks like Fox struts/shocks all around. I'm leaning towards these:
Struts: http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/15464/name/V36-4138-H3-Bilstein-Ford-Mustang
Shocks: http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/14661/name/B46-2148-H1-Bilstein-Ford-Mustang
I also believe I have made a spring decision to go with those. Up front the Moog 8598's....
http://101part.net/scart/product_details.asp?ItemNum=MOG%2D8598
And in back the Moog 8599's
http://101part.net/scart/product_details.asp?ItemNum=MOG%2D8599
I think this will give me what I want. A decent ride that is an im provement over stock while bringing it to the desired ride height. The rims and tires will come later......THis is gonna stress my budget as it is and the overall tire/rime size will be within .010" in diameter from what I understand....
Thoughts/Criticisms/Suggestions are welcomed. :)
I'm also curious about the Monroe strut mounts.....Ideas?
Springs ordered.....Total was $ 161 with ground shipping....
And yes I ordered them through Rockauto Birdman! Tell your boss you need a raise!
Shocks/struts next. The rear gears get swapped tomorrow. I'll tackle everything else when it all comes at once....
Paul- I wish i would have saw this sooner! I have a set of rear MOOG coils like you ordered just sitting here that have been slightly used!!
No sweat.
Just ordered the shocks/struts....My credit card hates me....
It Would be nice to get all the factory rates/dimension for our cars in one place so the community as a whole has a good reference on which to build. Many thanks to all who helped, especially someone who got a few PM's from me.
One more "mystery part" and I'm done....
For now:evilgrin:
I'll get the OEM numbers that I can, I have my local Ford dealer looking into it, as well as the Motorcraft supplier locally.
Thanks Paul!
LOL
im gonna run KONI fox stang rear shocks on my linc, and SN95 front struts(yes they fit stock spindles)
but will the rear shocks work? I have adapters. I don't know if those adapters will work on a Mark.....They SHOULD, but AFAIK it's unproven....
Well, I'm doing the Griggs coil overs i run now with KYB AGX'x 98 Stang GT vintage, and Fox AGX's on the rear with Chucks adapters. At least until I can scrounge up enough for a panhard bar.....
yes the do work
I have some ;)
OK didn't realize that the Marks shared the same rear shocks....Found that out recently.
v8Demon,
I am looking for a set of springs and stumbled on this thread.
1.)Are these part #'s the springs you are currently running?
2.)Are they the same springs you are running in your sig pic?
2.)If these are the ones you went with, are you happy with them?
3.)Are your CHE LCA's the adjustable type?
Finding a set of springs is a pain! Right now I am running fox mustang steeda springs and I'm sick of it!:punchballs:
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Yes, VERY happy. The car actually handles well now.
4. No. I have the non adjustables. ;)
OK cool! I'm gonna have to do something soon and I like your setup. I think I'm going to steal your spring setup and steal Chooglin's wheels...lol. Way to be original right? :hick:
I may have a set of adjustable CHE LCA's coming up for sale soon...I'm afraid they will have the rearend jacked up too high so the stockers may be going back in.
Thanks for the help man.:bowdown: