Suspension question

[RideThePony2004]

Hey guys,

I have the Ford C springs on my 2004 mustang and this weekend I am going to install tokico shocks and struts, inner tie rods, bumpsteer kit, steeda x2 ball joints, and prothane rack & pinion bushings.

Now my question is...

1. Do i need to replace my strut bushings too?
( i am going with prothane from AM)
2. Do I need to replace my rear shock bushings as well?

Thank you.

 

[loustang]

Hey you could use the old one if there in good condition but since ur changing all the other bushing why short change these if you can change them too good luck with that

 

[Realspeeddan]

You are talking about the upper strut bushings?

I cant see any reason why you would do all that work to the rest of the suspension and not put in a good set of caster camber plates too, which would eliminate the upper strut bushing.

Having said that, yes, polyurethane upper strut bushings will reduce deflection and control the front alignment angles better during corners and also hold the strut in place better to dampen suspension movement.

 

[RideThePony2004]

I don't have enough money for a good set of plates right now lol.

But I do plan on putting aftermarket plates in the future...should I go ahead and change the bushings to the prothane ones? or just keep the stock ones?

 

[SilverSpy0]

Forget the ball joints and bump steer kit for now (unless they are broken) until you can afford them, too, of course with another alignment. Get the MM c/c plates, they are the best mod per dollar of those 3. You don't need them right away. Ask for -.5 camber, and +5 caster.

 

[RideThePony2004]

what do those -camber and positive caster settings do?

 

[Realspeeddan]

what do those -camber and positive caster settings do?

OK, basics:
-You want the wheel tilted in at the top (negative-CAMBER) for good cornering ability and less tire wear during hard corners.
- You want the wheel straight up (no camber) for good tire wear in a straight line, more grip for braking, and less rolling resistance.

These goals above are working in opposite directions. You have to compromise.

This is where posative-CASTER really helps. When you add a lot of posative caster, it has the effect of tilting the wheel when the whell is turned, and then bringing it back upright when the wheel is straighened out. This helps you get the best ob both worlds. You can run only a little bit of negative camber for good straight line and braking performance, and the when you turn hard into a corner the wheel tilts inward with more negative-camber, for better cornering performance.

Posative-caster also helps straighten out the steering wheel as the car rolls down the road coming out of a corner, so the car wants to go straight when you let go of the wheel (not that you should do that).


--------------------
The X2 balljoints help a lot, but I agree with the person above. If you don't have the money to do the balljoints, bumpsteer and caster camber plates, skip the balljoint and bumpsteer kit and do the camber platrs. The are more important.

 

[On Edge]

what do those -camber and positive caster settings do?

you really should do the caster / camber plates with the suspension work you are doing.
i didnt have the same advice and i learned the hard way ....
i wanted to do it later, like you are contemplating ..and it costed me more
because my front tires got chewed up ( $$ tires ) and i had to pay full price to install the c/c plates ....
you might save $ if you get it done together because the car will be apart anyways...

dan of realspeed did a great job with my c/c and wheel alignment

 

[RideThePony2004]

what kind of cc plates do you guys recommend for my set up?

 

[On Edge]

what kind of cc plates do you guys recommend for my set up?

i used steeda 4 bolt .... adjustable and polished aluminum

 

[RideThePony2004]

are they just bolt on? so il ask for -.5 camber, and +5 caster.