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Topic: What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC? (Read 6158 times) previous topic - next topic

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

We have one rear shock that is leaking on the whiteBird 88 Turbo Coupe.

What shocks do most of you fellas recommend for these cars?
Ron
Speed is just a question of MONEY How fast can you go?    (M. M.)

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #1
It kind of depends on what your setting your car up for

Mines a DD but I wanted a firmer feel and my car is lowered so I went with foxbody mustang kyb gas a justs with chucks shock adapters
1987 T-Bird TC: 5-Spd, 5-lug conv., CHE Rear CAs, '04 Cobra wheels and 13" Brakes, Vac Assist conv: '93 Cobra BB/MC & Wilwood PV, Gutted/Knived Intakes, T3 turbo, RFE6 Mani, Stinger 3" Exhaust & Oil Feed, 255HP Walbro, Kirban AFPR, RR Cam, Esslinger Cam gear and Round Tooth Conv., Gillis Boost Valve, Speedway Dual Valve Spring,  K&N, 130a 3g Alt conv., 140mph Speedo
Running Better Than Ever :burnout:

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #2
When I looked into this years ago, I found that Mustang people loved the general feel of the Bilstein HD units. The Koni yellows were quite stiff, and the reds a bit soft. Overall, the consensus was that the Bilsteins had great control, but they weren't rock-hard.

So I picked up the Bilstein HD struts and shocks. They feel excellent. Many years later and still good. I'm sure I'll have a time when I'll make use of the lifetime warranty. Having them and full tubular rear control arms really changed how the car handled. I can't imagine what it would be like going back and driving a stock suspension tbird or cougar.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #3
Thanks guys,
Since these TCs have the ride control switch, I wondered what might the best way to go when replacing them.

Is the ride control build into the shocks or can any shock be used and still be able to use the control switch?
Ron
Speed is just a question of MONEY How fast can you go?    (M. M.)

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #4
Quote from: BLKBRD88;438382
Thanks guys,
Since these TCs have the ride control switch, I wondered what might the best way to go when replacing them.

Is the ride control build into the shocks or can any shock be used and still be able to use the control switch?
Ron

You lose the firmness control. I don't believe there is any way to keep the adjustability these days - no rebuild options out there.

The ride control system is basically dead.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #5
Another vote for the Bilstein HD's.  Couldn't be happier with them.
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #6
Ok guys thanks for the info and advice.
Not the best news, since I wanted to keep this car as stock as possible and I hate to lose the ride control, but if new parts or rebuilds are nonexistent then I will probably follow the Bilstein route.
Ron
Speed is just a question of MONEY How fast can you go?    (M. M.)

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #7
mustang rear shocks require Chucks adapters or you can flip the stock mounts, but they are still a little too short.
Mike

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #8
Quote from: mcb82gt;438482
mustang rear shocks require Chucks adapters or you can flip the stock mounts, but they are still a little too short.

OK, who is Chuck, & where do I get his adaptors?
Since this is the car that my wife drives more than me, I don't want it to be too harsh, but I do want better control when we go on vacation and I drive. That is why I hoped to keep it stock with the ride control, so we would both be happy.
Ron
Speed is just a question of MONEY How fast can you go?    (M. M.)

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #9
Chuck is a member on here, makes motor mounts and used to make the Mustang shock adapters.  I think he quit making them, but im not sure.

http://www.turbochuck.com/motormounts/
Mike

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #10
I had to post a wanted ad to get my adapters and I believe Chuck still hasn't had any for sale since

If you like the stock shock and the ones you have are leaking or something just put some used stocks back on
There's plenty of people here that just have them laying around including myself and wouldn't mind parting with them
1987 T-Bird TC: 5-Spd, 5-lug conv., CHE Rear CAs, '04 Cobra wheels and 13" Brakes, Vac Assist conv: '93 Cobra BB/MC & Wilwood PV, Gutted/Knived Intakes, T3 turbo, RFE6 Mani, Stinger 3" Exhaust & Oil Feed, 255HP Walbro, Kirban AFPR, RR Cam, Esslinger Cam gear and Round Tooth Conv., Gillis Boost Valve, Speedway Dual Valve Spring,  K&N, 130a 3g Alt conv., 140mph Speedo
Running Better Than Ever :burnout:

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #11
Quote from: Ramos617;438590
……………….If you like the stock shock and the ones you have are leaking or something just put some used stocks back on
There's plenty of people here that just have them laying around including myself and wouldn't mind parting with them

You have my undivided attention, how much for a good used pair shipped to:  86329?
Ron
Speed is just a question of MONEY How fast can you go?    (M. M.)

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #12
Let me see what exactly I have back home
What are you looking for ?
Front struts, rear shocks, or a full set?
I believe I also have some quad shocks since I run tubular control arms out back
1987 T-Bird TC: 5-Spd, 5-lug conv., CHE Rear CAs, '04 Cobra wheels and 13" Brakes, Vac Assist conv: '93 Cobra BB/MC & Wilwood PV, Gutted/Knived Intakes, T3 turbo, RFE6 Mani, Stinger 3" Exhaust & Oil Feed, 255HP Walbro, Kirban AFPR, RR Cam, Esslinger Cam gear and Round Tooth Conv., Gillis Boost Valve, Speedway Dual Valve Spring,  K&N, 130a 3g Alt conv., 140mph Speedo
Running Better Than Ever :burnout:

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #13
Hey Ramos,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you.
The left rear shock on our 88Turbo Coupe is leaking & needs to be replaced right away.
If the price is right I may buy both rears & have the other for future use.
Ron
Speed is just a question of MONEY How fast can you go?    (M. M.)

What's the best rear shock absorber for 88TC?

Reply #14
Bumpity bump……….Ramos617 did you find out if you have the rear shock that I need?
Ron
Speed is just a question of MONEY How fast can you go?    (M. M.)