Anyone lowered there 05/06 convertible GT?

1342 Views 12 Replies 6 Participants Last post by 06TUNGVERTGT, Feb 8, 2006

06ragtopGT

Discussion Starter · Feb 6, 2006

I want the lowered look but I dont want to kill the ride. I have the 18inch stock "fanblades" on my 06. I've heard the factory made some(adjustments?) for the 18 inch wheel options for the 06 models as well as softer springs for the convertible on 05 & 06 regardless of wheel option. So...my question? will the (lowering) spring kits for the coupe work on the verts and will the fact I have the factory 18 inchers matter at all?

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nikfeedme

· #2 · Feb 6, 2006

vet lowering

I had the roush suspension kit done on my 05 vert. the ride is a little firmer and very flat, no lean. I am also running 18" Steeda 9.5 inch, no problems

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Brent05redfire

· #3 · Feb 7, 2006

nikfeedme said:
I had the roush suspension kit done on my 05 vert. the ride is a little firmer and very flat, no lean. I am also running 18" Steeda 9.5 inch, no problems

and you don't have pictures?

GRrrrrr!!! how frustrating!

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06TUNGVERTGT

· #4 · Feb 7, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

06ragtopGT said:
I want the lowered look but I dont want to kill the ride. I have the 18inch stock "fanblades" on my 06. I've heard the factory made some(adjustments?) for the 18 inch wheel options for the 06 models as well as softer springs for the convertible on 05 & 06 regardless of wheel option. So...my question? will the (lowering) spring kits for the coupe work on the verts and will the fact I have the factory 18 inchers matter at all?

Yes...using BMR

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06ragtopGT

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 7, 2006

Bingo:eyepoppin 06tungvertGT. Thats the look I want (looks like my ride).Tell me more:did you sacrafice ride quality (biggest concern)? handle better(not very concerned)? is this a big job? did you just replace springs or is there more to it? Im thinking of spacers on the rear wheels to get a wider look and to just fill up the rear wheel wells and give that wider look (after its lowered). Please tell me any negatives because I must have this look.

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06TUNGVERTGT

· #6 · Feb 7, 2006

Ride quality has changed. much firmer. Handling is incredible I had a neighbor help me who is very knowledgable. I will be doing Tokico ADJ D-spec's as soon as I can afford it, I hate to admit but I prefer a cushy ride But I love the look, will eventually do some 20" DD anthracite Bullitts

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Kohaku

· #7 · Feb 8, 2006

TungVert, That looks great. but lowered with 20s and you like a cushy ride?

I'm torn between lowering and keeping mine stock. I like the stock stance but I'd like to dial out some of the roll. If that means dropping it, I'll do it eventually.

.

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bcool7

· #8 · Feb 8, 2006

lowering

I initially lowered my 05 GT Conv with the Eibach Pro-Kit. Was pleased with the look but wasn't all that impressed with the stock struts and springs in place for my ride quality. Sold the Eibachs on e-bay. I then installed the Ford Racing Handling package at a cost of $1,049.00 added a adjustable panhard to re-center the rear axle. Also replaced the stamped steel lower control arms with tubular street/race.
I'm running 18" x 9.5 wheels (KMC Hot Wheels "68") all around. I'm very pleased with the ride quality a little firmer but it handles like it's on rails. Just did my first tire rotation no uneven wear issues on the eagle f1 tires. My alignment guy is excellent. The only issue i'm having is some wheel hop when I punch it. So the last piece of the puzzle is the rear upper control arm which should eliminate the wheel hop issue. Just doing some research and deciding which to go with.

In hindsight lowering started a whole chain reaction of other suspension related issues so be prepared for it.

I have to admit the car handles like night and day compared to the stock set-up.

If your thinking about lowering anything bigger than 18" wheels ride quality will be affected. The Eagle F1 tires I selected are almost identical to the stock tires (lots of sidewall height) so that I could keep some ride quality.

See less See more

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06TUNGVERTGT

· #9 · Feb 8, 2006

ya I know , I want the best of both worlds, so I may have to keep it at 18's and maybe beef up the tires a little. When I say cushy , I mean very close to Stock ride, not like my Mom's 71 LTD Conv !!!

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06ragtopGT

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 8, 2006

06TUNGVERTGT said:
I will be doing Tokico ADJ D-spec's as soon as I can afford it, I hate to admit but I prefer a cushy ride But I love the look

Would you say your ride is 20%-50%-110% firmer(rougher) than the stock feel. My 2 fears are my car riding like an 85 Iroc Z28 and/or having to spend $ on other suspension components to make up for a rough ride or to correct some whacked out geometry issues. I just want to swap springs and be done with supension and get "the look"...Then I can start bolting things to my engine. Did you drop 1' or 1.5'? You seem to miss that stock cush but your car looks sharp and you got bonus handling in the deal. Please warn me if my cars going to ride like an Iroc.

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06TUNGVERTGT

· #11 · Feb 8, 2006

Tough to say but I would say about 30-40 % firmer.....I have noticed its less bumpy with a full tank than with an empty tank. I did the 1.5 drop front and 2.0 drop rear-BMR's lowest set. I dont think any lowering, if done right, is done by just adding springs. I learned this with my jeep wrangler when I lifted it, alot more is involved to really have it done right and be happy with the results. You should look on TMS forum for more opinions

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06ragtopGT

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 8, 2006

06tungvert Have you done more than just springs at this point? If not could you live with the ride you have now and not spend the $ on the D-specs or are you trying to max your handling potential. I am worried about what I might get myself into as far as other suspension needs later as Bcool7 is warning me of. I do plan to replace at least the upper rear cotrol arms (wheel hop) in March at the time I do this install (as well as a blower, Wipple looking sweet) but I hope my suspension needs end there. I want straight line acceleration not road course handling. All advice welcome :help:

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06TUNGVERTGT

· #13 · Feb 8, 2006

Currently I have BMR SP010 and BMR Adj. Panhard Rod I could live with the ride , but it is very firm, I repeat, VERY FIRM...that is why I ordered the Tokico Spec D adj. Strut and Shock kit

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