I'm likely beating a dead horse, but here is the scenario. I'm getting the bottom of my maverick all sealed, and it will require a rotisserie.... because of this, I'm quite literally stripping everything. front/rear suspension, rear end, everything. Unfortunately, the 8" will have to stay for now, for budgetary reasons. super high doller stuff is out of the question. barring that, I'd like a lower than stock appearance, but not too low..and "maybe" a slight rake towards the rear. for wheels, I'll like go american racing something or other...haven't decided yet. However, NO bigger than 17's. any suggestions here?? my control arms will be sent in for powdercoating. EVERYTHING going back on must be clean/shiny and new looking. my springs are original. I'd like to replace the front springs if they don't cost a fortune. Any suggestions for something that gives a lower ride height and better handling, yet won't jar your teeth out? As for the rear leafs, how much do replacements cost? should I have them re-arc'd?? any other suggestions?? What about the front end, rubber vs polyeurothane vs????? I'm open to any and all suggestions here for everything.
i think a set of rear springs runs about $160 you should probably change out things like ball joints, springs, bushings and tie rods and just have everything else cleaned and coated. it doesnt sound like our after a high performance suspension system
p-s-t.com has a lot of front-end components for your ride. http://www.p-s-t.com/ford.aspx There's a couple more too. Somebody will chime in with other options.
I'd just pick up a whole rebuild kit from Mustangs Unlimited or one of the other Mustang places. All brand new stuff that comes nicely painted and everything. Then just get new tie rod ends and stuff and you have a whole new front suspension. What ever you do, don't use poly bushings on the damn strut rods. This is the kid I bought from Mustangs Unlimited: http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=CA68K+01 Everything is great except those damn strut rod bushings. Next time I am going to see if they will substitute them for rubber ones or just subtract the cost for them and I'll go buy my own.
Man, this all sounds "high-dollar" to me... I paid something like $100 for 4-leaf rear springs from JC Whitney. Still needed to cut my springs in the front to rake it down. The rear springs did not raise it much, if at all.
I would cut down the front coils and have the rear rearched. Very cheap way to go. I do not like the PST stuff. I threw some of it away in favor for Moog parts. The only way to go in my book. 15" wheels max is my choice. Also I think powder coating is crap and way over rated, especially if your planning on driving this a lot. Rustoleum gloss paint in spray cans will way out last it, easy to touch up, and much cheaper. JMO
I got a complete front end kit, with assembled upper and lower control arms, from American Pony. I love how fast and easy it went in, and it handles great. I did keep the 6 cy springs and I also ended up using MOOG rubber strut rob bushings as the american pony ones cracked (heard the same is common with poly). EDIT, here's the bushing kit alone http://www.americanpony.com/store/s...ode=SF&Product_Code=400150-151&Category_Code= And the complete kit http://www.americanpony.com/store/store.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SF&Product_Code=400020-24 Both are midolyne bushings. Kind of between rubber and poly.
Yeah, stick with the rubber strut rod bushings. I had the midolyne bushings from American Pony and they cracked very fast. American Pony sent me another set that was 'redesigned' or something, but they cracked as well. Went back to the rubber and haven't had a problem since.
Check any and all mustang houses for the best price on 1972 mustang components, buy them seperately if nessisary. Rubber,rubber ,rubber, urethane on the sway bar only, Moog strutt rod bushings from Rock auto are what I used,the other stuff from a mustang house. Upper- lowers complete,Isolaters, 620# springs cut 1-1/2 coil, etc...etc... do a search on {complete front end} in the {search this forum box} upper right corner of the page. This will help you decide what's rite for you.
thanks guys....$300 is low budget enough for me. Remember, this car is a 100% ground up strip down resto, so I'm going to have to spend some money, and I'll have to come up with whatever I don't have. THis is perfect for suspension components, and I'm going to go the suggested route. just a couple of more questions though. I'm not too familiar with re-arcing. Does re-arcing make them look good too?? If not, how do I make the old leafs look brand new again?? I want something a lot more durable than paint. also, doesn't the aftermarket offer springs that are already lowering springs?? I'm not finding any, and I'm not a huge fan of "cutting". I will if I have to, but jeez!!, NOTHING?
i haven't seen any springs that are aftermarket that you can use. might be a spring with a softer rate but you're still going to be guessing.
Poly bushings are too stiff, and they cause the suspension to bind, leading to strut rods turning themselves into multiple pieces.
fox body mustang front springs fit and work in the front of the maverick. Now get just a front pair is hard to do. They have all kinds of spring rates avaible for them. Im another victim of urithane bushings causing front end failure. Only use them on the sway bar.
lol, that's convienant...I'm the fox body God. wonder how a stock mav spring compares to a stock 5.0 fox spring in height. I'll have to compare.. I've got a set of bbk lowering springs laying around.
