1966 Mustang Suspensions comparisons.

Mustang4vr · 08-27-2009

Hey there, I got a 289 '66 Mustang Coupe.
I am going to be working on the suspension have some questions.
I know that the GT mustangs used smaller coil springs that lowered the car in front by an inch. And I know about the Shelby drop to the Upper control arm.
What about the Rear Suspension though on the '66 GT and '66 Shelby Mustang 350 GT?
How many leafs are on the rear suspension of the GT and Shelby?

Any info is much appreciated.
Thanks.

Ivy66GT · 08-28-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang4vr

I know that the GT mustangs used smaller coil springs that lowered the car in front by an inch.

I am not sure that is true. The GTs used different front springs, but I don't know that the ride height was any different.

I have a '66 standard coupe and a '66 GT convertible. The rear springs appear identical on both cars. Both have 4 leaves in each spring.

Calponycarsmike · 08-28-2009

As far as I know the GT springs were stiffer but the they did not have differnt rear springs and the GT springs did not lower the car.

Mustang4vr · 08-29-2009

I must really have my information really messed up then.

Maybe I'm thinking about Shelby type suspensions then?
Thanks.

andrewmp6 · 08-30-2009

The only things Shelby did was lower the upper a arm and slap on a export brace that was his suspension upgrades.

66GT305PS · 08-30-2009

The sway bar on the GT was 7/8 in and 1 in on the GT350. Fornt spring rate also higher on each. No ride height difference on the GT or the '66 Gt350 (ex. carryover cars).

Unless you plan to run SCCA road courses or live around winding roads and have lots of extra horsepower due to engine mods, suspension change is not neceesary. And the shocks and rear spring rate would need to be changed to balance the front.

Assuming you have a V* with disc brakes, the suspension changes are fun, especially in hard cornering. There are numerous books and mag articles on the suspension differences. Research is key before spending the money.

Mustang4vr · 08-30-2009

Thanks for all the advice. I don't have HUGE engine mods or anything. Just sometimes there is conflicting info about what suspensions work and what is the "best". Thanks for all the help.

andrewmp6 · 08-31-2009

Roller spring perches,sub frame connectors,export brace and monte carlo bar all of those you will feel a difference in.

Cobra6 · 09-02-2009

I'm sorry - I thought that the GT350 coil springs did lower the front an inch - at least on the '65 models

look at these springs here.....
Opentracker Racing Products - Front Coil Springs

the first one is a GT350/GT spring that lowers one inch.

I will check this out to be sure.

Calponycarsmike · 09-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra6

I'm sorry - I thought that the GT350 coil springs did lower the front an inch - at least on the '65 models

look at these springs here.....
Opentracker Racing Products - Front Coil Springs

the first one is a GT350/GT spring that lowers one inch.

I will check this out to be sure.

That is just an aftermarket spring company that offers 1" lowering springs.