1968 Mustang How Do You Raise The Back End?

Augies68 · 06-11-2009

Hi im new to the forums. I own a 1968 Mustang Fastback I have been rebuilding for a year. These forums have been very help full in the past, but this is my first post.

My tires would hit the wheel housing every time i hit a bump, so i knew i had to raise the car up a little. I just bought stock springs and 1" pads that would raise the front. I still probailly would need to raise the back end.

How could i raise the back end? I know new leaf springs would, but is there another way. Thanks

**jim293** · 06-11-2009

Welcome to AFM. Lets try your question in here.

billthecougnut · 06-11-2009

You can do it with air shocks, but that is the chincy way to go, and the ride qualiy sucks. The best but probably most expensive way it to purchase new leaf springs. The old ones tend to sag quite a bit over the years. A fresh set will probably give you an inch back or possibly even more. The thing about the air shocks is you can raise or lower them depending on your desired "look" for the day, and also the type of driving you plan to do. Let some air out and let the wheels tuck in a bit for cruising, and pump em up a bit for commuting as to not bottom out. Like I said though, they aren't as comfortable of a riding shock as a standard shock, so you will pay for the look with comfort.

Sometimes you can "help" your springs a bit by putting on a extra leaf or leaf helper, this can breathe new life at least for a while into sagging leaf springs.

the other thing to consider, is rolling in the fender lip a bit, basicly a free mod to try first (if you like the current stance, but just want more clearance)

Augies68 · 06-11-2009

Thanks maybe i should look into new leaf springs.

67ragtopStang · 06-11-2009

I'd go with new leaf springs. They aren't expensive and are easy to install.

nigel · 06-12-2009

Welcome to the site. I would go with new leaf springs.

kens67mustang · 06-12-2009

PLEASE invest in new springs. Air Shocks are horrible& you run the risk of cracking the metal towers where the air shocks bolt up to.It's thin metal& not up to what the air shocks will do to it.

bruce s · 06-12-2009

I put in new leaf springs last year and it made all the difference in the world. My 65 definitely had some back end drag going on.

andrewmp6 · 06-13-2009

Air shocks are a big no no on a early mustang.You can get a load leveler aka add a leaf at any parts store that will raise it 1 inch tho.Or if your springs are still good a spring shop can put more of a arch in them which will raise it too.

67fstbk · 06-13-2009

A few years back I had the problem that most classic Mustang owners experience where the rear end sits lower than the front. It's not that the springs were bad it is just the way they were made. So, I got a set of coil springs that lower the front end 1". Perfect, the car actually sat level. Then last winter I decided to put a new set of leafs in the rear. I figured 40+ years old they should be replaced, right? I got a standard spring kit from one of the dealers and installed it. Now my rear end sits lower than the front again

. It doesn't bottom out or anything, it just looks like it's launching all of the time.

Cobra6 · 06-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by billthecougnut

You can do it with air shocks, but that is the chincy way to go, and the ride qualiy sucks.

Do not use air shocks! They are not an option!
The first time you hit a good bump, you could punch through the upper shock mount in the rear - a real PITA and big $$$$ to fix.

MIL1ION · 06-13-2009

I had my new ones redrawn at a spring manufacturing shop.
I was lucky enough to have this in the city I lived in.
The 1st time they drew them too high..then again still too high..
So I had to offer the specs of 500LBs above normal.