Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 03, 2011, 05:19:52 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 03, 2011, 05:19:52 PM
Has anyone put 2003 Mach 1 springs (part#MCH 3r33 5310-AA) on a T Bird or Cougar ? I have a set I want to put on but they look like the car might sit too low . I have an 87 Cougar with a stock (no po ) 5.0 . I have 245/60r 15's on the front and I might have to put on some 225/50r 15's i have .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: Beau on July 03, 2011, 05:34:07 PM
Post by: Beau on July 03, 2011, 05:34:07 PM
They'll for sure drop it down, but the tires should clear...are the wheels stock? If they have different-than-stock offset, the tires may rub.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: Thunder Chicken on July 03, 2011, 06:38:36 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on July 03, 2011, 06:38:36 PM
Mach springs with 225/60R15's on 10-holes:
...And with 225/60R16's on snowflakes. These are both stock tire sizes available from the factory on these cars.
I had CHE adjustable rear lower control arms on the back, and had them adjusted up quite high. The rear might sit too low with stock LCA's and Mach springs - they're about 3" shorter than stock springs...
...And with 225/60R16's on snowflakes. These are both stock tire sizes available from the factory on these cars.
I had CHE adjustable rear lower control arms on the back, and had them adjusted up quite high. The rear might sit too low with stock LCA's and Mach springs - they're about 3" shorter than stock springs...
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 03, 2011, 10:51:27 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 03, 2011, 10:51:27 PM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;362739
Mach springs with 225/60R15's on 10-holes:
...And with 225/60R16's on snowflakes. These are both stock tire sizes available from the factory on these cars.
I had CHE adjustable rear lower control arms on the back, and had them adjusted up quite high. The rear might sit too low with stock LCA's and Mach springs - they're about 3" shorter than stock springs...
Thanks alot you provided exactly what I needed . After seeing your pics I think my 245/60's are going to be a little too wide and my 225/50's a little too short . I guess I'll buy some 225/60's . For the rear I have some custom springs by Coil Spring Specialties (320 lb inch 1" ) drop and I'll stay with my 255/60's for now. Thanks for both of your replies .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: jncocowboyx on July 04, 2011, 01:56:17 AM
Post by: jncocowboyx on July 04, 2011, 01:56:17 AM
yeah, the rear sits waaaaay low without the adjustables. the front was also high for me as well, i guess due to the 5.0/4.6 weight difference.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 04, 2011, 10:35:22 AM
Post by: ricktjr on July 04, 2011, 10:35:22 AM
Quote from: jncocowboyx;362770
yeah, the rear sits waaaaay low without the adjustables. the front was also high for me as well, i guess due to the 5.0/4.6 weight difference.
High ? Do you have any pics?
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: Kitz Kat on July 04, 2011, 01:23:18 PM
Post by: Kitz Kat on July 04, 2011, 01:23:18 PM
without adj. lca's it will really drop it down. I have mine just about maxed out. Here is a link with mine.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?31280-Before-and-after-with-mach1-s
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?31280-Before-and-after-with-mach1-s
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 04, 2011, 09:32:08 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 04, 2011, 09:32:08 PM
Quote from: Kitz Kat;362804
without adj. lca's it will really drop it down. I have mine just about maxed out. Here is a link with mine.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?31280-Before-and-after-with-mach1-s
I love your ride bro . The stance is awesome , just what I Want .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 05, 2011, 08:29:01 AM
Post by: ricktjr on July 05, 2011, 08:29:01 AM
I just put one of my custom rear springs next to one of the Mach rear springs and it was the same length . Much thicker but the same length . I hope that doesn't mean I'll have to get new adjustable lower control arms . I already have the CHE non adjustable arms .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 05, 2011, 08:37:32 AM
Post by: ricktjr on July 05, 2011, 08:37:32 AM
Quote from: ricktjr;362855
I just put one of my custom rear springs next to one of the Mach rear springs and it was the same length . Much thicker but the same length . I hope that doesn't mean I'll have to get new adjustable lower control arms . I already have the CHE non adjustable arms .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: Kitz Kat on July 05, 2011, 02:33:45 PM
Post by: Kitz Kat on July 05, 2011, 02:33:45 PM
The rears are easy, try one out and see. The customs look heavier you might get away without adj lca's
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 05, 2011, 08:44:34 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 05, 2011, 08:44:34 PM
Quote from: Kitz Kat;362861
The rears are easy, try one out and see. The customs look heavier you might get away without adj lca's
I did omfg !!! The springs are custom jobs by Coil Springs Sepcialties and the front was supposed to go down 1.5" the back 1" well this is how the back looks
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 05, 2011, 08:52:23 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 05, 2011, 08:52:23 PM
The tires are 255/60r15's and the pic doesn't do justice to how low it looks . The shop is a mess and I don't have alot of room around the lift so that's the best I could do pic wise . The car's in primer so I don't care about the fingerprints . Even though the front was supposed to be lower it sits higher now so next I'll try the Mach front springs . Can a thinner spring have a higher rate (lbs/inch) than a thicker one ? The custom rears were supposed to be over 300 lbs/inch much higher than the stock springs ( 200 something ? ) but they were thinner . What's up with that?
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 05, 2011, 09:30:32 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 05, 2011, 09:30:32 PM
Stock vs Mach (with tag )
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: DVP on July 06, 2011, 11:58:05 AM
Post by: DVP on July 06, 2011, 11:58:05 AM
All of those dead coils in the stock spring help keep the height. I think the rear sits about right, if you can get the front low enough to match.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 06, 2011, 01:16:06 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 06, 2011, 01:16:06 PM
Quote from: DVP;362922
All of those dead coils in the stock spring help keep the height. I think the rear sits about right, if you can get the front low enough to match.
Drop rate of about 1.5" and spring rate of 900 lb/inch.)
When they get here I'll decide between them and the Machs .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: 2tbirds on July 09, 2011, 03:37:00 PM
Post by: 2tbirds on July 09, 2011, 03:37:00 PM
ricktjr... Can I see a picture of the front before you take them out ?
Are you useing Isolators ?
Also, I think its wise to say if the car is just sitting around it will be about 1/4 higher than when you drive the car for a week or so.
I had a friend swap SN95 springs and cut the front one coil. It looked even for a week in his drive way (without driving it). Then he drove the car for a week straight and it settled down 1/4"
Is your car a V8 or what?
Just in case. If you decide to get rid of the rears I'll be waitting :) I got dibs on the Coil Spring Specialties or the Mach 1s
Are you useing Isolators ?
Also, I think its wise to say if the car is just sitting around it will be about 1/4 higher than when you drive the car for a week or so.
I had a friend swap SN95 springs and cut the front one coil. It looked even for a week in his drive way (without driving it). Then he drove the car for a week straight and it settled down 1/4"
Is your car a V8 or what?
Just in case. If you decide to get rid of the rears I'll be waitting :) I got dibs on the Coil Spring Specialties or the Mach 1s
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 09, 2011, 06:42:47 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 09, 2011, 06:42:47 PM
Here ya go . No prob on the springs bro . I have polyurethane isolators on the front and rear . I might just put my 98 mustang spindle/brake setup on while I'm at it . Not sure yet .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 10, 2011, 01:01:38 AM
Post by: ricktjr on July 10, 2011, 01:01:38 AM
With the back so low these (Mach Shocks ) fit .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: 2tbirds on July 10, 2011, 04:00:03 AM
Post by: 2tbirds on July 10, 2011, 04:00:03 AM
ricktjr, it looks like the motor is out of the car. Is it? You didn't answer my question about if its a V8 or not. EDIT: I see its a 5.0 in the first post (sorry)
I was going to buy those H&R springs you got off ebay. I emailed the guy a few days ago. Its funny how we were thinking the same thing for the same application. Can't wait to see them on the car. Just curious what a 1.5" Mustang drop does on the Cougars & Tbirds.
Like I said I had a friend cut one coil out and it was too low after a week of driving. Then another guy did a 2/3 cut out of his fronts from a 94-04 Mustang GT with stock rear height as well and it looked good. The back was alittle lower than what yours is currently. This Tbird is a 4 cylinder so I don't recommend a 2/3 cut for your Cougar. The stock backs should do the exact same thing to your Cougar from what I've read (with Isolators ! ). I don't know for certain because I have a Tbird. I just read they do the same thing on both birds and cougars.
I was going to buy those H&R springs you got off ebay. I emailed the guy a few days ago. Its funny how we were thinking the same thing for the same application. Can't wait to see them on the car. Just curious what a 1.5" Mustang drop does on the Cougars & Tbirds.
Like I said I had a friend cut one coil out and it was too low after a week of driving. Then another guy did a 2/3 cut out of his fronts from a 94-04 Mustang GT with stock rear height as well and it looked good. The back was alittle lower than what yours is currently. This Tbird is a 4 cylinder so I don't recommend a 2/3 cut for your Cougar. The stock backs should do the exact same thing to your Cougar from what I've read (with Isolators ! ). I don't know for certain because I have a Tbird. I just read they do the same thing on both birds and cougars.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: daminc on July 10, 2011, 08:08:06 AM
Post by: daminc on July 10, 2011, 08:08:06 AM
my car sit's to low in the back and way to high in the front also..... I'm going to have to do some spring changing myself
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: bigbada1 on July 10, 2011, 09:03:53 AM
Post by: bigbada1 on July 10, 2011, 09:03:53 AM
There was no way I was going to be able to use my Mach springs without also going to the CHE Adjustables
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 10, 2011, 11:57:10 AM
Post by: ricktjr on July 10, 2011, 11:57:10 AM
Yes 2tbirds it does have the motor in it it just looks goofy because the back is so much lower than the front . I hope the front spring swap will change that . Bigbada1 I should have purchased the CHE adjustable lowers when I got the non adjustable ones . Oh well I might end up with an extra set of lowers . Either way my little spring experment is turning out to be more fun than I thought it would be.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 12, 2011, 01:30:30 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 12, 2011, 01:30:30 PM
The new springs are even shorter than the machs !! around 11"(give or take) compared to around 13"(give or take) .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 14, 2011, 01:53:26 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 14, 2011, 01:53:26 PM
The new (SN95) spindle seems to fit and now I can put things back together .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 14, 2011, 08:51:36 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 14, 2011, 08:51:36 PM
Well I now have one quarter of a 5 lug swap done lol . Actually I still have to mess around with the tie rods and I might end up switching up both inners and outers to SN95 specs because I think the Fox parts are going to be a little too short. I know the pic's terrible I'll try for a better one after work tommorrow. Also the pic is deceiving because i switched tires to 225/50r15s which are shoter than the 245/6015s (23.85/26.57)
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: Beau on July 15, 2011, 02:16:09 AM
Post by: Beau on July 15, 2011, 02:16:09 AM
Pretty sure that Sn95 inner tie rods won't work on a Fox rack...and an SN95 rack won't work with a stock Fox steering shaft...I was looking into all this myself...too costly and no real gain, unless you're building an all-out race car...
I've got SN95 spindles on mine, with SN95 balljoints, a Fox rack and inner/outer tie rods...no problem with the length. Remember, if you lower the car, basically, you'll gain a small amount of tie rod end length, or at least, that was my experience, I think it amounted to about a 1/4" on each side. I switched from the stock Sport springs, to TC springs (no difference, really) and then to '97 Stang springs...seems like it has came down a little bit..hopefully a little more.
I've got SN95 spindles on mine, with SN95 balljoints, a Fox rack and inner/outer tie rods...no problem with the length. Remember, if you lower the car, basically, you'll gain a small amount of tie rod end length, or at least, that was my experience, I think it amounted to about a 1/4" on each side. I switched from the stock Sport springs, to TC springs (no difference, really) and then to '97 Stang springs...seems like it has came down a little bit..hopefully a little more.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: 2tbirds on July 15, 2011, 05:09:27 AM
Post by: 2tbirds on July 15, 2011, 05:09:27 AM
Thats still too high in my opinion. When I seen the coil spring specialties on there I thought they may have messed up and made the spring too long. Now I'm thinking what in the world is going on? I mean, shouldn't it be sittling alot lower than that?
I've seen late model T.Cs with one coil cut out of SN95 front springs and the tire sits just inside the fender. Shouldn't the same apply on the Cougar?
I've seen late model T.Cs with one coil cut out of SN95 front springs and the tire sits just inside the fender. Shouldn't the same apply on the Cougar?
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 15, 2011, 04:31:10 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 15, 2011, 04:31:10 PM
Quote from: 2tbirds;363483
Thats still too high in my opinion. When I seen the coil spring specialties on there I thought they may have messed up and made the spring too long. Now I'm thinking what in the world is going on? I mean, shouldn't it be sittling alot lower than that?
I've seen late model T.Cs with one coil cut out of SN95 front springs and the tire sits just inside the fender. Shouldn't the same apply on the Cougar?
I agree completely . I'm going to do the other side and takev it from there .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: TOM Renzo on July 18, 2011, 10:53:06 PM
Post by: TOM Renzo on July 18, 2011, 10:53:06 PM
Here you go this is how we do it. It increases the spring rate a lot and it lowers the car 1-1 1/4"
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/tomrenzo/Kitties244.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/tomrenzo/Kitties244.jpg
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: Beau on July 19, 2011, 02:01:51 AM
Post by: Beau on July 19, 2011, 02:01:51 AM
Makes the ride even rougher though.
If mine doesn't sit how I'd like it to when the rear is finished, I'll probably cut my TC springs and try those.
If mine doesn't sit how I'd like it to when the rear is finished, I'll probably cut my TC springs and try those.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: vinnietbird on July 19, 2011, 07:10:24 AM
Post by: vinnietbird on July 19, 2011, 07:10:24 AM
i'm still very happy with my SN-95 springs. Now, I got them for free. If I had to pay, I may still have the stock springs under there.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: 2tbirds on July 27, 2011, 02:12:57 PM
Post by: 2tbirds on July 27, 2011, 02:12:57 PM
Any new pictures?
I'm having my springs put in today or tomarrow.
I just want to compare the tbird and cougar stance. I'm also useing Mustang front springs @ 1.25" drop from Steeda.
I'm having my springs put in today or tomarrow.
I just want to compare the tbird and cougar stance. I'm also useing Mustang front springs @ 1.25" drop from Steeda.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on July 27, 2011, 05:11:44 PM
Post by: ricktjr on July 27, 2011, 05:11:44 PM
I went back to work so I took some time off but I should be done this week and than I'll post some more pics .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: vinnietbird on July 27, 2011, 05:44:09 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on July 27, 2011, 05:44:09 PM
Before....
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/Vinnietbird/DSCF0379.jpg)
After the SN-95 front springs...
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/Vinnietbird/DSCF3639.jpg)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/Vinnietbird/DSCF0379.jpg)
After the SN-95 front springs...
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/Vinnietbird/DSCF3639.jpg)
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: vinnietbird on July 27, 2011, 05:50:29 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on July 27, 2011, 05:50:29 PM
About 1.5 inches in droppage.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: cougarman on August 09, 2011, 10:23:26 AM
Post by: cougarman on August 09, 2011, 10:23:26 AM
Quote from: TOM Renzo;363642
Here you go this is how we do it. It increases the spring rate a lot and it lowers the car 1-1 1/4"
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/tomrenzo/Kitties244.jpg
Hey Tom, what spring is that? Is 1-1 1/4" after the car settles? Thanks, Herb.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on August 23, 2011, 04:07:01 PM
Post by: ricktjr on August 23, 2011, 04:07:01 PM
I stopped for a little while to wait for my buddy to plumb my brakes . With the extra time on my hands I installed an 87-88 Turbo coupe 8.8 rear and CHE control arms. I'm going to have the rear rebuilt with a 31 spline Detroit locker which I already have, 4.10 gears which I already have, 31 spline axles and 99-04 brakes which I don't have yet . My buddy who's going to do the rear end work said it did'nt matter to him if the rear was installed or not so I put it in . My only problem now (besides a lack of funds :mad:) is that my fox tie rods are too short to fit my 99 spindles ( I thought I had 98 spindles but they must be 99s) . I called AGR who made my rack and they said 94+ tie rods (inner and outer ) will fit so we'll see in a few days .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on August 23, 2011, 04:11:02 PM
Post by: ricktjr on August 23, 2011, 04:11:02 PM
Quote from: 2tbirds;363099
ricktjr... Can I see a picture of the front before you take them out ?
Are you useing Isolators ?
Also, I think its wise to say if the car is just sitting around it will be about 1/4 higher than when you drive the car for a week or so.
I had a friend swap SN95 springs and cut the front one coil. It looked even for a week in his drive way (without driving it). Then he drove the car for a week straight and it settled down 1/4"
Is your car a V8 or what?
Just in case. If you decide to get rid of the rears I'll be waitting :) I got dibs on the Coil Spring Specialties or the Mach 1s
Call me 267-625 6054 about the springs I'm not using when you get a chance .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: Beau on August 24, 2011, 02:01:58 AM
Post by: Beau on August 24, 2011, 02:01:58 AM
I DO know fox outer rod ends won't work with SN95 inners, or the other way around....no idea if SN95 inner rods will fit a Fox rack.
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: ricktjr on August 24, 2011, 05:51:05 PM
Post by: ricktjr on August 24, 2011, 05:51:05 PM
Turns out the sn95 inner and outer tie rods fit the fox rack and the length is just what I needed .
Title: 2003 Mach 1 Springs
Post by: 2tbirds on September 18, 2011, 08:39:46 AM
Post by: 2tbirds on September 18, 2011, 08:39:46 AM
Quote from: ricktjr;365901
Call me 267-625 6054 about the springs I'm not using when you get a chance .
I already got mine lowered. I used Steeda Sport front spring (1.25" drop) and stock 94-04 Mustang rears. Its totally low as can be. However, I'm considering converting to coil overs on the rear so I can bump up the rate and play with the ride height.
I need rear shocks and since Bilsteins are $120 or so a piece, if you buy from Maximum Motorsport the coil over kit is only about $70 more on top of that. So, thats probably what I'm gonna do. Thanks anyway.
Heres my car with the current set up I listed above.