On the bottom of the springs, there is a rubber "boot" or sleeve which the spring slides into. Is this attached to the car or supposed to be attached to the springs. I've just taken the springs out of my 3.8 and am going to replace them with stock 5.0 springs.
When removing the drivers side, i discovered it was broke, right before it went into the rubber bottom part. I have since sped most of it out of the control arm, but it was very time consuming. Essentially I just need confirmation if this is supposed to come with new springs, or something that stays in the car.
If they come with new springs, can they be bought seperately? Anyone have them laying around?
Yes,they can be bought separately.I got mine from Energy Suspension.
Thank you. Where is enery suspension? Are the for the stock 5.0 springs? Are they supposed to simply sit in the control arm or are they pressed in. sorry for all the question, I would just rather know now before I put everything back together.
Also does anyone know if v6 and v8 tie rod ends are the same? I'm thinking I should replace them while everything is taken apart.
The coil isolators just slip over the lower end of the springs. You can get new rubber ones from the dealer or get polyurethane ones from any place that carries Energy suspension stuff.
Alright. I've used polyurethane bushings on my uncles 70 impalla in the rear and they seem a lot harder. When turning hard they seem to bounce and jerk around more than cushion like rubber ones.
To make a long story short, has anyone noticed any pros and cons of the polyurethane ones over the rubber or visa vera.
In this instance it's a non-issue other than longevity. The poly ones will outlast the rubbers ones and you're not going to notice them other than that.
I'm using the Energy polyurethane spring isolators top & bottom & they offered no change in ride. Changing to Mach1 springs & Cobra control arms = huge change! Bushings in control arms effect ride as removing the give of the rubber changes the way the car handles, especially in the back where the poly will increase wheel rate & bind long before rubber will.
So do I want the spring isolators for an 83-04 mustang? Thats the closest thin I can find thats listed on the site.
Yes...
Alright one more question then, what pats stores carry energy suspension stuff? I can't seem to find them. I emailed the company but have not gotten a response yet.
Auto zone has some energy suspesion stuff.. i got stabilizer bar bushings from them. going from completely shot bushings to nice red poly ones was nice.... and i do belive the tie rod ends are the same..
I see CHE doesn't list them anymore. Summit racing stocks them.
How can they be removed from a car without ruining them? They appear to in pretty good shape, and I would love to use them, but can't seem to get them out. I have sprayed them and sed all of the debris out of the control arm.
Anyone have any suggestions?
Alright, so I've decided I'm going to have to buy springs. One of the ones I removed from the parts car is broken at the very bottom where it goes into the isolator. I didn't realize it when I took it out. It was stuck in the isolator.
What have you guys used for stock replacement? I don't want anything lowered or special, just a replacement for a 1987-1988 thunderbird 5.0
Moog part #8599 for the rear.
#8602 up front for stock. 8600 Should lower the front slightly. 8598will work nicely if you throw in an aluminum head 5.0 with minimal accesory brackets and no A/C....
http://101part.com/coilsprings/Moog_Coil_Springs.htm
http://www.101part.com/coilsprings/ford/thunderbird.htm
thank you! :)
the ones i have are broken about an inch from where they stop. I'm not sure if they flatten out or what, but they would probably through the car out of balance nonetheless.
What do you mean my slightly? I dont have the money to replace the rears at the moment and am a little worried new front springs will cause the car to sit funny, as the rear are original and settled.
Also on the chart you listed 8600 is for a turbo coupe. And do you know the difference 8606(the "heavyduty application") and the 8658 which appears to be the normal. The 8600 seems to be a 6cyl spring not for a v8. I'm a little confused here.
I would trust his part numbers.
If you look through the first link, you can compare the differences in installed height, free height, spring rate and load rate.
I have 8599's in back and 8598's up front with the other weight reduction mentioned before on my 5.0. here's some front and back heights.