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Topic: How tough is '87 T-bird suspention? (Read 1897 times) previous topic - next topic

How tough is '87 T-bird suspention?

Hello again!
Sometimes I feel like I'm bothering you with strage questions, but when I get a "new" car I simply like to know what are the weak poits I should take special care of.
You probably don't know much about Poland, but it's rather poor country and our roads are kinda rough sometimes (especially after strong winter). That's the reason why I decided to keep my T-bird  on 215/70R14 tires and haven't thought of 16'' rims and lower profile tires.
I'd like to know what's your opinion about fox-body T-bird suspention? Is it tough enought if I may hit a bump from time to time and how long would it last? What are the weak poits of front and rear suspention? Is it a big job to replace front control arm bushings and ball joints? What is it like comparing to newer lightweight suspentions?
Thanks in advance for your opinions!
Have a good weekend!
Mariusz...

Re: How tough is '87 T-bird suspention?

Reply #1 –
Well I know the front is tough. Tough enough to slam into and get on top of a median strip ( atleast 5 inches high) without even knocking the alignment out. Only damage was a bent rim. No suspension damage what so ever.
All thanks to some friggin woman in a honda :mad:

Re: How tough is '87 T-bird suspention?

Reply #2 –
Living in eastern Canada I can relate to the rough roads. The suspensions in these cars are quite tough, and very simple. The ball joints are easily replaced, especially if you have the tool that presses 'em in and out of the control arm. The control arm bushings are easily replaced as well (when compared to other vehicles). Tie rod ends are a 15 minute job, and even the steering rack is relatively simple.
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Re: How tough is '87 T-bird suspention?

Reply #3 –
Ditto to what Thunder chicken said.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Re: How tough is '87 T-bird suspention?

Reply #4 –
The others are right.......These cars are pretty tough and simple........Only thing not mentioned is the sway bar endlinks and bushings tend to be the spot needing attention from time to time due to wear and breakage.

Re: How tough is '87 T-bird suspention?

Reply #5 –
What about the rear suspention?
 

Re: How tough is '87 T-bird suspention?

Reply #6 –
Beefy axle and decent control arm setup in the back, it's not the most rigid but you won't break it with regular springs and stock stuff.  The only thing I can definitely recommend is subframe connectors for uneven roads and stuff.  Chuck W cracked a windshield(windscreen to you? :-)  and someone else popped the windshield out because of body flex.  But it may not be an issue for you with stock suspension.
Long time Turboford freak...
84 SVO
88 TC
87 XR4Ti