[CardinalStang]

Yes, I know, not the first time this questions has been asked, but can't find current stuff.

I lowered my 2009 V6 vert with Eibach pro-kit, front down 1.5, back 2.0 inches. Should have got new shocks.struts then but did not.

Car is just too rough on dips, speed bumps, etc. My teeth hurt! So which are best considering I do street driving only albeit sometimes aggressively?

Focusing on Tokico D Specs. Worth the price? Any others recommendations? Tell me I'll see a big improvement, PLEASE!

[stlwagon]

D-Specs are not a tremendous upgrade. If I had a do-over, I'd probably go with Billsteins.

[CardinalStang]

Is this what we are talking about?

2005+ Mustang, Bilstein HD series damper package, includes 2 Bilstein HD struts and 2 Bilstein HD shocks.

• Direct replacement struts and shocks with Bilstein Heavy Duty valving
• Suitable for stock springs and aftermarket lowering springs
• Includes VE3-C871-H0 front struts.
• Includes BE5-C224-H0 rear shocks.

[stlwagon]

Those would be a nice upgrade over stock.

[Mr. Ugly]

I'm running D-specs on H&R Supersports. If I did mine over, I'd go with H&R race springs and Konis.

For ultimate handling performance, 1.5-2" is a little too low. And D-specs have too much compression damping when you adjust for enough rebound damping, so they can ride hard. I don't mind the hard ride all that much, so I'm leaving mine as is for now.

For better ride, you might want to go with Steeda Ultra Lites and Konis. The Konis adjust on rebound, so you don't get that jarring on bumps and dips, and you get good spring dampening and control. Bilsteins might be good too, since Ultra Lites aren't super stiff. Bilsteins are best for springs that are closer to stock spring rates.

If you keep the Eibachs, Konis set soft would be pretty good. Pricey though.

[Mr. Ugly]

Also, with a 2" drop in the back, you are pretty much on your bump stops.

If you keep the Eibachs, you probably should cut down the bump stops, but then you pretty much need to go with a shock that has a lot of compression dampening so you pretty much are stuck with the harsh ride. Well harsher than if you switched to a taller spring and Konis/Bilstein.

[Mr. Ugly]

You might want to talk to Sam Strano. He has a lot of experience setting up and racing s197 suspension.

He's fixed up a lot customers with the same concerns as yours.

Strano Performance Parts

[stlwagon]

Originally Posted by Mr. Ugly

Also, with a 2" drop in the back, you are pretty much on your bump stops.

One of the reasons I've not a huge fan of a 2" drop..

[CardinalStang]

Originally Posted by stlwagon

One of the reasons I've not a huge fan of a 2" drop..

The 2" drop in back is due to the vert I think. It was very high. I brought to Eibach and they concluded that it is within normal range now (from center cap to top of wheel well). The bump stops have plenty of room. I mean a lot of room. So, I treat it like 1.5" all around.

In terms of handling, the car is great. Turns at aggressive speeds are on a rail (a bit of wheel hop coming out of turn though). No complaints there. Just too bumpy, not so much stiff, but bouncy.

I sure do not want to buy the wrong struts and shocks.

[Mr. Ugly]

Oh okay. So bouncy as in underdamped?

I'm thinking Koni Yellows due to the higher than stock spring rates. Possibly Bilsteins as a second choice.

[Mr. Ugly]

Get some control arms and relocation brackets back there too if you haven't already.

That'll help with the wheel hop, and the relocation brackets clean up the geometry so a lot of that weird feeling movement in back goes away.

[stlwagon]

Originally Posted by CardinalStang

The 2" drop in back is due to the vert I think. It was very high. I brought to Eibach and they concluded that it is within normal range now (from center cap to top of wheel well). The bump stops have plenty of room. I mean a lot of room. So, I treat it like 1.5" all around.

In terms of handling, the car is great. Turns at aggressive speeds are on a rail (a bit of wheel hop coming out of turn though). No complaints there. Just too bumpy, not so much stiff, but bouncy.

I sure do not want to buy the wrong struts and shocks.

That's good that you're not close to the stops. A few have had real problems with that. And nobody makes a shorter stop for the S197..

[CardinalStang]

Just for the record, below is a pic of the rear wheel before lowering, after lowering, and then the full side view now. Would you agree that the rear was very high before? I could easily put my full fist between the top tire and wheel well (and I'm a big guy). Now, only one finger.

I would appreciate any opinions. I just want to know that I have not gone too low to negatively impact other suspension issues. Like how she sits visually?

Oh yes, I have 17" wheels.

[Mr. Ugly]

The first pic looks about typical for a V6. Verts are heavier than coupes so if anything, I would think yours might end up a little lower than a coupe.

Here's a pic of my car and my buddies pony package when they were stock. They are about the height of yours before lowering, I think.

[oldlugs]

I just did springs & dampers on my Mustang, and went with Vogtland and Koni yellow. The front is a bit lower than I expected (I'd ordered the GT500 springs to level out; may have gotten GT springs in GT500 box), but I'll live with it for a while. Still need to get it aligned, but it drives well as it is...
Anyway, I started with the Konis at 2 turns up from softest, and it felt a bit too firm. Next, I backed it down to one turn up from softest, and it feels pretty nice. The ride is pretty close to stock (a little firmer), except when it goes over bigger bumps or dips... That's when you notice less travel. I say go with Konis; I've had good luck with them in the past, on other cars. They're adjustable, rebuildable, and warrantied for life (to original owner).