The Best Mustang Suspension Upgrades: Elevate Your Ride with a New Kit

Date September 16, 2024
Category
Blog
The Best Mustang Suspension Upgrades: Elevate Your Ride with a New Kit

Alright, Mustang enthusiasts, let’s dive deep into the heart and soul of your pony car’s performance: the suspension system. Now, I know you love that rumbling V8 and sleek body, but without a solid suspension, your Mustang’s just a wild horse without a saddle.

Whether you’re carving corners on a winding road, hitting the track, or simply cruising down the highway, your suspension is what keeps your Mustang planted, stable, and in control. So, if you’re feeling a bit too much body roll, bouncing, or just a general lack of confidence in your car’s handling, it might be time for an upgrade.

In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Mustang suspension upgrades, from understanding the basics to choosing the perfect kit for your needs. We’ll share real-world examples, offer expert tips, and even guide you through the installation process. By the time we’re done, you’ll be ready to transform your Mustang’s handling and elevate your driving experience to a whole new level. And, of course, when you’re ready to take the plunge, remember, Premium Ford Parts is your trusted source for top-quality suspension components and expert advice.

Understanding the Basics: Mustang Suspension 101

Before we dive into upgrades, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what a suspension system actually does.

What Does a Suspension System Do?

Think of your suspension as the bridge between your Mustang’s body and its wheels. It’s responsible for absorbing shocks from the road, keeping your tires in contact with the pavement, and maintaining control and stability during cornering, braking, and acceleration.

The key components of a suspension system include:

  • Springs: These coiled wonders absorb shocks and support the weight of the car.
  • Shocks (or Struts): These are critical suspension parts for your Ford Mustang. They control the spring’s motion, preventing excessive bouncing and ensuring a smooth ride.
  • Control Arms: These connect the wheels to the chassis, allowing them to move up and down while maintaining proper alignment.
  • Sway Bars: These bars connect the left and right sides of the suspension, reducing body roll during cornering.

Signs Your Mustang Suspension Needs an Upgrade

So, how do you know if it’s time for a suspension upgrade? Here are a few telltale signs:

  • Poor Handling: Does your Mustang feel like it’s floating around corners or struggling to maintain traction? That’s a sign your suspension isn’t doing its job.
  • Uneven Tire Wear: If your tires are wearing unevenly, it could be a sign of misaligned suspension components or worn-out shocks and struts.
  • Excessive Bouncing: Does your Mustang keep bouncing after hitting a bump? That’s a clear sign that your shocks or struts are worn out and need to be replaced.
  • Nose Diving During Braking: A worn-out suspension can cause your Mustang’s front end to dive excessively during braking, making it harder to control the car.
  • Bottoming Out: If you feel your Mustang’s suspension bottoming out over bumps or dips, it’s a sign that your springs or shocks are too soft or worn out.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Mustang’s Suspension: A Smoother, More Exciting Ride

Alright, let’s talk about the good stuff. What are the benefits of upgrading your Mustang’s suspension?

Enhanced Handling and Stability

A performance suspension upgrade can transform the way your Mustang handles. You’ll experience:

  • Improved Cornering: Stiffer springs and upgraded shocks will reduce body roll and keep your tires planted, allowing you to carve through corners with more confidence and precision.
  • Sharper Steering Response: Upgraded suspension components can improve your Mustang’s steering feel, making it more responsive and predictable.
  • Increased Grip: With better control and stability, you’ll be able to put more power to the ground and experience improved traction in all conditions.

Improved Ride Comfort

Think a performance suspension upgrade means a harsh ride? Think again. Modern suspension systems are designed to provide both performance and comfort.

  • Smooth Sailing: Upgraded shocks and struts can absorb bumps and road imperfections more effectively, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride.
  • Reduced Noise and Vibration: A well-tuned suspension can also reduce noise and vibration transmitted from the road, making for a more pleasant driving experience.

Adjustable Suspension Settings

Some suspension upgrades, like coilovers, offer adjustable settings for ride height, damping, and even spring preload. This allows you to fine-tune your Mustang’s handling to your exact preferences and driving style.

  • Street vs. Track: You can set your suspension up for a comfortable ride on the street and then stiffen it up for maximum performance on the track.
  • Personalized Performance: Whether you prefer a sporty, aggressive feel or a more comfortable, luxurious ride, adjustable suspension settings give you the freedom to create the perfect driving experience.

Types of Mustang Suspension Upgrade (s): Choosing the Right Path

Now that you understand the benefits, let’s explore the different types of suspension upgrades available for your Mustang.

Front Suspension Upgrades

Your Mustang’s front suspension is responsible for steering, handling, and overall stability. Upgrading components like control arms, springs, and shocks can make a big difference in how your car feels and performs.

  • Popular Upgrades: Some popular front suspension upgrades for Mustangs include tubular control arms, coilover kits, and performance shocks and struts. These upgrades can improve steering response, reduce body roll, and enhance overall handling.

Rear Suspension Upgrades

The rear suspension plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and traction, especially during acceleration and cornering.

  • Improved Traction: Upgrading your rear suspension with components like lower control arms, springs, and shocks can improve traction and reduce wheel hop, allowing you to put more power to the ground.
  • Enhanced Stability: Upgraded rear suspension components can also improve stability during hard cornering and braking, giving you more confidence behind the wheel.

Lowering Springs and Ride Height Adjustments

Lowering springs are a popular and relatively affordable way to improve your Mustang’s handling and give it a more aggressive stance.

  • Lower Center of Gravity: Lowering your Mustang’s ride height lowers its center of gravity, which improves handling and reduces body roll.
  • Improved Aerodynamics: A lower ride height can also improve aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s be honest, a lowered Mustang just looks cool. It gives the Ford Mustang a more sporty and aggressive appearance.

Coilover Kits: The Ultimate Upgrade

For those who demand the ultimate in performance and adjustability, coilover kits are the way to go. These complete suspension systems replace your Mustang’s stock springs and shocks with high-performance, adjustable units.

  • Maximum Adjustability: Coilovers allow you to fine-tune your Mustang’s ride height, damping, and spring preload, giving you complete control over its handling characteristics.
  • Street and Track Performance: Whether you’re carving canyons on the weekend or hitting the track for some serious competition, coilovers can be adjusted to provide the perfect balance of comfort and performance.
  • Premium Quality: At Premium Ford Parts, we offer a wide selection of high-quality coilover kits from top brands like Bilstein, KW, and Eibach. These kits are built to last and deliver exceptional performance, so you can push your Mustang to its limits with confidence.

Best Mustang Suspension Upgrade (s) by Model Year

Not all Mustangs are created equal, and the best suspension upgrades will vary depending on your car’s model year and intended use.

1964-1973 Mustang Suspension Upgrade

Vintage Mustangs require special consideration when it comes to suspension upgrades. These cars were designed with different technology and driving styles in mind, so it’s important to choose components that are compatible and will enhance the car’s original character.

  • Front Suspension: Upgrading to a modern front suspension system, like the Mike Maier Inc. MOD 1 kit, can dramatically improve handling, ride quality, and even safety.
  • Rear Suspension: Upgrading the rear suspension with leaf springs, shocks, and a Panhard bar can also make a big difference in how your classic Mustang handles.

2015-2023 Mustang Suspension Kits

Modern Mustangs benefit from decades of suspension technology advancements. There are countless options available, from simple lowering springs to full coilover kits.

  • Performance Focus: If you’re looking to maximize performance, consider a coilover kit or a sport-tuned suspension system. These upgrades will give you the sharp handling and precise control you need to dominate the track or carve through your favorite backroads.
  • Comfort and Style: If you prioritize ride comfort and a lowered stance, lowering springs and upgraded shocks might be a better choice. They’ll give your Mustang a sportier look and improve handling without sacrificing ride quality.

Suspension Upgrades for EcoBoost and GT Models

Whether you’re driving an EcoBoost or a GT, there are suspension upgrades that can help you get the most out of your Mustang.

  • EcoBoost: The EcoBoost’s lighter engine can benefit from a slightly stiffer suspension setup to improve handling and reduce body roll.
  • GT: The Mustang GT, with its iconic 5.0L V8, is a prime candidate for suspension upgrades that enhance its already impressive handling and cornering capabilities. Upgraded springs, shocks, and sway bars can turn your GT into a corner-carving machine, while a coilover kit gives you the ultimate in adjustability and control. And don’t forget those grippy tires to put all that power to the pavement!

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Mustang Suspension Kit

Ready to give your Mustang the suspension upgrade it deserves? Great! Let’s break down the installation process.

Tools and Preparation

  • Essential Tools: You’ll need a good set of wrenches, sockets, a torque wrench, jack stands, and a spring compressor (if you’re replacing springs). And don’t forget those safety glasses and gloves!
  • Prep Work: Before you start wrenching, make sure you have a clean, well-lit workspace and all the necessary parts and instructions. It’s also a good idea to consult a service manual or online resources specific to your Mustang model year.

Installing Front Suspension Upgrades

  1. Secure the Car: Lift the front of your Mustang and securely support it with jack stands.
  2. Remove the Wheels: Take off the front wheels to access the suspension components.
  3. Disconnect the Sway Bar: If your kit includes a new sway bar, disconnect the old one from the lower control arms.
  4. Remove the Struts/Shocks: Disconnect the brake lines, sway bar end links, and any other components attached to the struts or shocks. Then, carefully remove the old units.
  5. Install New Struts/Shocks and Springs: Install the new struts or shocks and springs, following the instructions included with your kit. If you’re replacing the springs, use a spring compressor to safely compress them before installation.
  6. Reconnect Everything: Reconnect the brake lines, sway bar end links, and any other components you disconnected earlier.
  7. Reinstall the Wheels: Put the wheels back on and torque the lug nuts to the specified specs.

Installing Rear Suspension Upgrades

The process for installing rear suspension upgrades will vary depending on your Mustang’s model year and the specific components you’re replacing.

  • General Steps: In most cases, you’ll need to remove the rear wheels, disconnect the shocks or struts, and then replace them with the new units. You might also need to replace control arms, springs, or other components, depending on your kit.
  • Consult the Instructions: Always follow the instructions included with your suspension kit, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Premium Ford Parts if you have any questions.

Post-Installation Adjustments

Once you’ve installed your new suspension, it’s important to have your Mustang’s alignment checked and adjusted by a qualified mechanic. This will ensure that your wheels are pointing in the right direction and your tires are wearing evenly.

If you’ve installed coilovers or other adjustable suspension components, you’ll also need to fine-tune the settings to your liking. Start with the manufacturer’s recommended settings and then make adjustments based on your driving style and preferences.

Suspension Upgrade Maintenance and Tuning Tips

A performance suspension system is an investment, so it’s important to take care of it.

  • Regular Maintenance: Inspect your suspension components regularly for signs of wear and tear. Pay close attention to bushings, ball joints, and shock mounts. Replace any worn or damaged parts to prevent further damage and maintain optimal performance.
  • Fine-Tuning: If you have adjustable suspension components, experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance of comfort and performance for your driving style and the road conditions.

Cost of Upgrading Your Mustang’s Suspension

Now, let’s talk about the bottom line. Suspension upgrades can range in price from a few hundred dollars for simple lowering springs to several thousand dollars for a complete coilover kit. But trust me, the investment is worth it.

  • Cost Breakdown:
    • Springs: $200-$500
    • Shocks and Struts: $400-$1000
    • Coilover Kits: $1000-$3000
    • Full Suspension Kits: $1500-$5000+
  • Value Proposition: A suspension upgrade can dramatically improve your Mustang’s handling, ride quality, and overall performance. It’s an investment that will pay dividends every time you get behind the wheel. And remember, a well-maintained suspension system can also increase your car’s resale value down the road.

Additional Modifications: Taking it to the Next Level

A suspension upgrade is just the beginning. Here are a few additional modifications that can complement your new suspension and further enhance your Mustang’s performance.

  • Wheels and Tires: Wider, stickier tires can provide even more grip and improve handling, especially when paired with a performance suspension.
  • Brake Upgrades: With improved handling and cornering capabilities, you’ll want to make sure your brakes can keep up. Upgraded brake pads, rotors, and calipers will give you the stopping power you need to stay in control.
  • Sway Bars and Control Arms: These components further reduce body roll and improve stability, allowing you to push your Mustang harder through corners.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Mustang’s Performance

A suspension upgrade is one of the most impactful modifications you can make to your Mustang. It’ll transform the way your car handles, improve ride quality, and give you the confidence to push it to its limits.

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Premium Ford Parts and explore our wide selection of Mustang suspension upgrades. We’ve got everything you need to elevate your ride, from springs and shocks to complete coilover kits and everything in between. Our team of experts is always ready to help you choose the perfect components for your Mustang and your driving style.

Don’t settle for a mediocre driving experience. Unleash your Mustang’s full potential with a suspension upgrade from Premium Ford Parts. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!