Harsh frontend Ford based vehicles

[Rob Baker]

I always thought my Ford based Mustang II was truck like in the suspension since it uses the cut down coil springs from the much heavier Mustang II.  I resolved this issue last week by installing these springs from Summit Racing (HDT-MP-007-275).

They are the lightest I could find and I think they are going to be great.  They are made by Heidts and the key value is they are 275 lb springs.

To get the right height I had to cut 1 and 1/4 turn off these springs to lower the front end

Went for two rides with this setup and think it’s a great modification for our Ford based cars.

 Replacing the springs is an effort in which you will need a good internal spring compressor.  I got mine spring compressor from AutoZone for free, tool rental program.  Used a cut off wheel to trim the 1 1/4 turn off the springs.

[DonsMG]

I’m nearing completion of a Ford based Fiberfab kit and find that the front end is sitting a bit low. I measure 7″ frame to floor at the front and 8″ at the rear. There is only about 1″ clearance between top of front tire and outer edge of the front fender. So I was planning to do something about raising the front end and I like the idea of improving the ride at the same time.

The kit I bought had a mostly complete rolling chassis and the coil springs had been cut down removing 2 turns leaving 5 turns as indicated in the assembly manual page 17 figure 9. I have a copy of an Addendum A dated February 12, 1987 that says to cut off only one full coil which would leave 6 full coils. I would probably have enough clearance with the longer “Adendum A” springs.

I feel better about going through the effort of changing springs knowing that I will improve the ride while raising the front end to get the needed clearance.

Don

 

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

[Rob Baker]

Don,
I bet your ford will be rather stiff with those cut springs.  Remember the more you take off a spring the stiffer it gets.  I’m still happy with what I posted above.

[DonsMG]

Rob,

I’ve decided to replace my cut Ford springs with the 275 lb springs as you posted above. I have all winter to get the springs changed, top installed and the finishing touches completed. If on schedule I’ll be able to report on the clearance and ride in the spring. Thanks for the timely input.

Did you install uncut springs before deciding to shorten them by 1 1/4 turns?

Don

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

[Rob Baker]

Did you install uncut springs before deciding to shorten them by 1 1/4 turns?

Yes I did and the front end was too tall.
If I had to do it over again maybe I would take off another 1/4 but I’m happy with what I have.  The ride is far more pleasant.  I’d be interested in your thoughts when you get this step done.

[DonsMG]

Stay tuned. I’ll let you know in the spring. No pun intended.

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

[billnparts]

Alden America makes an adjustable coil over that is a direct bolt in replacement for the original Mustang II shock. The coil springs can be custom tailored for whatever ride you desire. I use a 500# springfor auto-crossing. At it’s highest setting she corners flat. On it’s softest setting it’s actually a rather mushy ride. Ride height is also fully adjustable.

http://www.aldeneagle.com

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[DonsMG]

Link to Alden didn’t work but I found them at  http://www.dannysrods.com/aa_coilovers.html. At $379 they are a bit pricey compared to $99 per pair for the Heidts from Summit Racing.

Thanks for the input. However, for my rather docile street cruising that I’m looking forward to, I think i’ll try the Heidts first.

Don

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

[ray10]

Here is a nother option

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MONROE-Coil-Assist-REAR-SHOCKS-1979- 1993-MUSTANG-/300632555327?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accesso ries&fits=Make%3AChevrolet%7CModel%3AChevette&vxp=mt r&hash=item45ff18bf3f

Aldan eagle shocks web site ,look under products/price list.

http://www.aldaneagle.com/street.html

TDREPLICA Map

http://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=7f9174ad614e43b680deba085b0abf48

[Rob Baker]

Ray,
I’m not sure those monroe shocks would work.  It doesn’t appear the springs are adjustable on the shock.  Your mg may ride to high.

[DonsMG]

Rob,

I installed the 275 lb springs as you described in the first post above. It raised the front end at the wheels about 2″. It now looks good and level with adequate clearance between tire and fender.

I found the original shocks (Monroe-Matic 32118) are a bit short. Did you replace your shocks? If so, do you know the make and part number?

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

[Rob Baker]

Don,
I did not replace the shocks that came with the car when I purchased it.  Why do you feel the shocks are two short?

[Marc Lipsius]

Do any of you know of adjustable coil over shocks like that for the front of VW based kits without making the ride so hard it would be unbearable ( and maybe less safe?).  I still need to raise the front of my car an inch or two for tire clearance and have been reluctant because of cost to go with an adjustable beam.

[john barry]

This probably isn’t the answere you want..

  but   I removed” one “of the weights in the front end and this brought up  my front end and also  helped with the shocks bottoming out..(for  now) when I hit  the dips here  on Oak Island

also lowereing my tire pressure helped smooth the ride some…

again I only  drive my TD on short errands or around town and treat her like an ol lady   that she is.

[edward ericson]

If you have weight in the front, definitely take that out first.

The adjustable beam/lower spring rate is really, really the way to make these cars “right.” You can lift them with coil-overs but you will stiffen the ride. If you don’t do the same in the back the handling will be unbalanced and you’ll tend to understeer way too much, and the car will also want to lock the front wheels and plow in an emergency.

I can’t emphasize enough the difference in handling safety with the leaf spring reduction and tire pressure reduction over the cut beam/full spring original. My car was really, really dangerous when I got it. Now it’s only really dangerous.

Beam adjusters can be had pretty cheap, although welding them in just right takes a bit of skill (or a jig). To me it was $300 well spent.

[DonsMG]

I did not replace the shocks that came with the car when I purchased it.  Why do you feel the shocks are two short?

With shocks removed, car sitting normal, the length between tops and  bottom shock mount is 11″ left side and 10.5″ right. The original shocks, Monroe 32118, are 11″ at full extension allowing for no upward movement or bounce and are 8.375″ compressed.

The Monroe 32067 I installed is 13.370″ extended and 8.680″ compressed which puts the shock at about mid stroke with the car at rest.

I’ll report how it rides when I finally get it finished and on the road.

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

[Rob Baker]

Don,
Sorry I didn’t respond earlier and thanks for the information.  I’ll have to investigate my installed shocks to see how much travel up and down they have from the at rest position.

I’ll take a look this weekend.
Rob

[billnparts]

http://www.aldaneagle.com/shocks.html

 

#653A….12″ extended, 9.2″ compressed

Spring rate was recommended by sales at Aldan.

Excellent ride with rebound fully adjusted.

Ride height also fully adjustable.

I know I posted this earlier, but what a difference the correct

spelling makes.

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[DonsMG]

I’ve put about 35  miles on my (Ford) MGTD and am very pleased, so far. with the ride and handling provided by the new 275 lb front coils and new shocks. I don’t have a good basis for comparison because the car is new and I haven’t driven any other similar cars.

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

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