Poly suspension April 25, 2013, 02:29:47 PM I just put all poly on my "86" Cougar. I left the top control arms on the top of the pumpkin stock, but every thing else is poly. I also put 15.1 ratio rack and pinion and the stiffest springs I could find and KYB struts, so I thought the ride might be a bit harsh. On a bad bumpy road it is rough but it's no worse than what it was with old worn out bushings, shocks and springs. So it's the same noise level, but better control. But, on a good road it's really smooth! I was especially surprised at the way it handles speed bumps. I thought with the suspension so stiff it would hit hard, but it actually hugs them and rides right over them (our speed bumps are fairly wide). Right now I have 225/60/16 tires on it. It corners real smooth but then the rear tires chirp a little if I give it gas. With the new anti-sway bars it's turns real flat. I think I saved the best for last... a "87" Sport Coupe quad shock rear axle with limited slip and 3.45 gears. Trim the springs and put on a set of 225/50/16 Michelin tires and I should be set. Quote Selected
Poly suspension Reply #1 – April 25, 2013, 02:52:29 PM If that rear gear is stock, it's not from a Sport..they had a Trac Lok 2.73 7.5" rear...if it's a factory 3.45 rear, it's most likely from a turbo 4 eye... Quote Selected
Poly suspension Reply #2 – April 25, 2013, 04:18:13 PM Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;413898If that rear gear is stock, it's not from a Sport..they had a Trac Lok 2.73 7.5" rear...if it's a factory 3.45 rear, it's most likely from a turbo 4 eye... You are correct. I finally went over to the bone yard to take a look at the doner. I picked up a chrome grill in place of my plastic grill, digital clock, another pair of scoops, and he gave me a pair of "5.0" badges. Is a Trac Loc and a limited slip the same? Quote Selected
Poly suspension Reply #3 – April 25, 2013, 04:44:26 PM yep, GM calls or used to call their LS diff a positrac. All the same. Quote Selected
Poly suspension Reply #4 – April 28, 2013, 04:01:55 AM This is all inspiration for me to proceed with my build. I do not recommend tpuppies or heating the springs though. I think it will diminish your progress, get some sn-95 springs or search on here for some good Moog numbers that have gave our members good success on these cars. Quote Selected
Poly suspension Reply #5 – April 28, 2013, 07:16:15 PM Quote from: beast50;414052This is all inspiration for me to proceed with my build. I do not recommend tpuppies or heating the springs though. I think it will diminish your progress, get some sn-95 springs or search on here for some good Moog numbers that have gave our members good success on these cars. I know it's not the best way to lower a car, but with this car it looks like the only way. It was great when all I had to do was buy Eibach springs and mount them, but I couldn't find anything for this car (too old and not enough interest). That's why I went with the stiffest springs I could find (Moog). Taking 1/2 - 1 coil off the springs may not effect the stiffness at all. But lowering the car an inch will. My car stands tall, I could probably go 2 inches if it wasn't for having to have rubber bands for tires. I ran my car with 225/50/16 tires for a while and was not a harsh ride to me. From what I have read here and on other forums is that the SN-95 springs will drop my car about two inches and that I will be sing some metal off the bottom. I don't want to go crazy, if I lower the car an inch, I will be happy. Thanks! Quote Selected
Poly suspension Reply #6 – April 28, 2013, 10:04:04 PM Removing coils increases the springs rate as well as load. There is nothing wrong with cutting coils. Cutting coils has been dun for many years with great results. Quote Selected
Poly suspension Reply #7 – April 29, 2013, 01:43:34 AM Here is a couple old pictures of my car when I had the 225/50/16 tires on it. There is a lot of room in those wheel wells. My car does look a little different now with the turbo scoops, dual exhaust, ect.. Actually, the 225/50/16 tires might be too short, instead I may go with the 225/55/16's. Quote Selected
Poly suspension Reply #8 – April 29, 2013, 10:13:34 AM Never seen wheels like that before...... Quote Selected
Poly suspension Reply #9 – April 29, 2013, 11:33:18 AM Quote from: mcb82gt;414138Never seen wheels like that before......I get that a lot. It seems to really get to the Fox/Mustang guys in my area. They just stare. I got them off e-bay a long time ago with the tires you see on my car. The guy I bought them from said he used them for racing around a track. The fins are for cooling the brakes. I think they are called directional wheels, they are to be mounted with the arrows pointed forward. I'm not sure, but they look like they are some sort of cast aluminum. They are tough! The front wheel cover had the name of the company on it, but I lost those a long time ago. Wish I could remember what it was. Quote Selected
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