[97woodwarddream]

Hey everyone, I am in desperate need of some new shocks and struts. My main priority is ride quality as i dont race much and live in the city with terrrible roads. What would be some good choices that would fit that criteria? Or should i just get the best shocks/struts midas has? Cornering is important to me, but ride quality is something i must have. Thanks for the help.

[tripleblack]

Originally Posted by 97woodwarddream

Hey everyone, I am in desperate need of some new shocks and struts. My main priority is ride quality as i dont race much and live in the city with terrrible roads. What would be some good choices that would fit that criteria? Or should i just get the best shocks/struts midas has? Cornering is important to me, but ride quality is something i must have. Thanks for the help.

I detest Midas, so don't blame me if they screw up your car! I hope every one of them goes out of business. I bet you can find a better place to do the work. Shock installs are easy.

Anyway, get OE Ford parts if you want to restore the car to the original ride. Most important at this stage, however, are your various bushings. All the oe rubber bushings are probably about gone, and they will afffect the car's ride as much as the shocks will. If you are on a limited budget, its fine to just do the shocks, but keep in mind that the bushings DO NOT outlive the shocks! There are bushings everywhere, and folks like FRPP (Ford Racing), www.50resto.com and UPR sell replacement sets of all the bushings you need.

[Jakes]

Ford engineers spent alot of time specing out struts/shocks to provide the best balance between handling and ride quality. Go with Ford replacements or their aftermarket equivilents.

If you replace bushings as TripleBlack suggest (and I agree) and want to maintain the best ride quality, use rubber OEM replacements. Stay away from the poly bushings. They will improve handling but they transmit more road noise and vibration.

[tripleblack]

Originally Posted by Jakes

Ford engineers spent alot of time specing out struts/shocks to provide the best balance between handling and ride quality. Go with Ford replacements or their aftermarket equivilents.

If you replace bushings as TripleBlack suggest (and I agree) and want to maintain the best ride quality, use rubber OEM replacements. Stay away from the poly bushings. They will improve handling but they transmit more road noise and vibration.

Correct. 5.0 resto sells oe spec bushings. I believe UPR does as well (both companies also sell polyurethane bushings, which are fine for more performance oriented applications). Cheaper to buy in sets rather than individually. If your ride doesn't improve after new shocks and bushings, you have a problem with coil springs or worn out suspensio componets (tie rod ends, steering rack, etc.).

[Nicks79]

As for brand of struts/shocks, I went with Monroe Sensatracks and they are great! WAY better then stock, and you still maintain good corner control.

[97woodwarddream]

yeah i am trusting midas only because of one mechanic who works there, who does great work. Never done me wrong yet.

Should i try to buy the shocks/struts and bushings online or would midas be able to order them for me? If there is a good place online could someone please post a link of where to find the correct parts, i always f up and get the wrong stuff. Thanks for the help!

[tripleblack]

You'll save a chunk doing your shopping on line or at a good discount parts place rather than buy through Midas, though this won't make Midas happy.

As for getting the wrong stuff, I've had this happen to me with lots of different shops and on-line groups. You just have to take your chances - there are illiterate parts clerks all over!

Try Latemodel Restoration Supply - America's #1 Restoration and Performance Parts Warehouse and MUSTANG-UPR Products.com for stock type parts (I like the Monroes for a stock ride too). Another good supplier is Ford Mustang Parts & Performance - American Muscle (used to be mustang tuning), and sometimes Mustangs Unlimited - The Source for Mustang Parts, Shelby Parts, Cougar Parts and Accessories will have parts few other sources have.

For good deals on new parts removed from cars (that are then replaced with upgrades) New Take-Off ::: OEM Parts for Automobiles sells these OE parts that came straight from factory fresh cars. Your car is probably too old for them, but you never know (I'm not sure how long they've been in business).

For one of the biggest performance Ford dealerships that does business on line, try Ford & Ford Racing Performance Parts - GEFRacing.com (Gene Evans Ford located near Atlanta, GA). Mustang Parts Online Restoration and Performance Superstore - Catalogs is Dallas Mustang, and they have an interesting selection.

If you have problems let us know. Best of luck!

Originally Posted by 97woodwarddream

yeah i am trusting midas only because of one mechanic who works there, who does great work. Never done me wrong yet.

Should i try to buy the shocks/struts and bushings online or would midas be able to order them for me? If there is a good place online could someone please post a link of where to find the correct parts, i always f up and get the wrong stuff. Thanks for the help!

[coolwaterblvd]

Spend a little money and get the Tokiko D-Spec's shocks and u can have them ride as smooth or harsh as u want "fully adjustable" and simple to use instructions.

[lxarlo]

stock ride with a small drop, and better cornering= bullit handling package. all oe stuff, cant go wrong.