Suspension help
#1
Hi all,

My 72 suspension was all original so after nearly 40 years felt tired, creaked & banged a lot, the rear of the car also looked exceptionally low, after searching round a little I replaced all my suspension and steering components using this kit.................
http://www.laurelmountainmustang.com/pro...ion-kit-bb
with an upgrade on the leaf springs to heavy duty 5 leaf to cope with the UK potholes!!!

The kit was a good deal even with the international shipping costs and everything fitted without a hitch, I did the work over 2 days starting with the rear, after completing the rear and lowering, the car sat level, a perfect improvement on stance as I expected as general opinion seemed to be the original leaf springs would have settled a few inches over the years.
I rebuilt the front on day 2, again all a perfect fit and quality components, the coil springs were stock height/rate.
After lowering the car and a test drive to settle everything the car has returned to the original stance/rake which kind of reminds me of a car that has worn rear suspension!!!!!

So my question is ................any answers/suggestions to raising the rear to at least getting the car level if not slightly higher in the rear.
Handling btw is an awesome improvement and well worth the time & $$'s

Thanks in advance for any help

Pray
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#2
A Slightly "lower in the rear" look is what you should be shooting for. This is how they looked from the factory. Rear hieght does not necessarily translate into spring rate or travel. Ford calls it a "competition suspension" for a reason. The lower the rear sits (assuming all the suspension components are up to snuff) the better the car will handle through the turns. Ever see a jacked-up in the rear trans-am racer? '71-'73's are supposed to sit low and level. Your front springs may need time to "settle out". Also, the front end alignment may change slightly after settling occurs.
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#3


He is right;
I would wait and see for at least 6 months of driving how the springs settle in. Then I would mess with the rear. (Air shocks would raise it up temporarily).

They sell new leaf springs if you cant wait.

I personally think that lowering the car with those lowering kits look aweful and give you a crappy ride as well.
Crazy
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#4
Although Ford may have intended for the car to sit with a slight rake rearward and that is to be expected from a stock suspension replacement, I agree with Roger and do not personally like the look.

Neither do I like the old 70's look with the rear end jacked to the sky. A level or slightly raised rear will affect handling but I can justify that slight difference for a look that is what I want. The question then is how to level or slightly raise the car.

Back in the day everyone put longer shackles on their cars. That looks cheap - because it is. Almost every 70's car ended up with coil-over shocks at some point in its life to help keep the back end from sagging. A third option as all ready stated was to add air shocks. I have never been a big fan of adding that amount of stress to the shock mounting position as it was never created to handle weight.

The alternative then would be a greater arch in the rear spring. That of course is more expense. I am not sure of what is available there in England but back in my New Zealand days we had a spring shop that would re-arch our Land Cruiser springs for a very reasonable charge. You may want to look into that. Maybe experiment with the old set with new bushings and see what you think.
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#5
New springs are the way to go. Air shocks and coil-overs only over stress the shock absorber mounts - they will crack and eventually break off. I've seen it happen lots of times. They also restrict spring travel resulting in a "skateboard like" ride.
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#6
Thanks for the input guys, appreciated......

I'm ok with the Ford original idea of a lowered rear but, I'm with Steven, so simply not a great fan, may have been cool 40 years ago but the look in my mind suggests the rear has a problem although it doesnt because it now has new and upgraded components.

Without wishing to offend the purists I'm simply looking for ideas/suggestions to alter the look to my liking, I browsed the gallery earlier & few guys here have acheived the appearance I have in mind without using the extended shackles which I can manufacture myself but that option does look cheap as Steven said, we have plenty of spring manufacturers/"tuners" here in the UK & I have my original factory leaf springs to work with so any input for the re- arching would be welcome, the front as said, I expect will settle a little more in time & with use.

I'm ok with steel fabrications and machining new mounts so could mess around with the frame rails & leaf spring mountings as a last resort but the car is in near perfect original condition & I dont really wish to sacrifice that originallity.....

I know...............looking for best of both Worlds!!!!

Couple of pictures..........

Before

[Image: KGrHqIOKpEE25br81Y0BN0FUgBgkQ_3.jpg]





After


[Image: 014-4.jpg]

Thank you all for the help

Clap_Clap_
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#7
The simplest easiest way is with tires on the rear roughly 2 sizes larger. For example it appears you have 235/60x15 all the way around. If you had 245/60's on the rear and 225/60's on the front, this would give you almost exactly the look your going for. And as far as the purists go. Piss on them! Who's car is it anyway? Make it suit you! Just an opinion. JTS 71 Mach1
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#8
(10-27-2011, 10:07 AM)JTS71 Mach1 Wrote: The simplest easiest way is with tires on the rear roughly 2 sizes larger. For example it appears you have 235/60x15 all the way around. If you had 245/60's on the rear and 225/60's on the front, this would give you almost exactly the look your going for. And as far as the purists go. Piss on them! Who's car is it anyway? Make it suit you! Just an opinion. JTS 71 Mach1

lol .... I like straight talkers!!!!

Thanks for the tire info, I'll look into it as I was hoping to get some wider rubber at the rear eventually

Clap_
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#9
Welcome Roger.I agree its your car I personally dont like the stock look either.Tires are a good inexpensive way to cure stance.I do like the lower in the front look but you do sacrifice handling.Keep us posted on what you do so all can see what you chose to do.
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#10
I will attach a link below to Mustangs Plus here in the states. These are great mustang suspension guys and offer several kits and combinations to address different ride height and suspension needs. I have used them for several cars I have worked on and they have been great guys to talk to over the phone. I know you just bought new rear springs and may not want to buy another set. I would give them a call before you make up you mind just to consider your options. If you car is as clean underneath as your pictures show for the top, I would be reluctant to do any major modifications. I must admit I am a purist, but I also recommend people keep in mind that significant modifications can affect safety as well as the potential future buyers if you need to sell.

http://www.mustangsplus.com

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