Ford Lowering Springs and such

[JSIL1]

Maybe I am just blind, but I did a search and could not find the post concering the FORD lowering springs. I vaguely remember a post saying that they were OEM but have the LO designation on them. I was curious what people, if any know, the + and - of them, I need to completely redo my suspension and i figure, if I have to replace all the struts, I'll just do the springs as well.

Also, I have Hawk pads on the front of my car. I put them on there <6 mos ago, and according to my Ford dealership buddy, I need new ones.

Also, anyone with an after market warranty might enjoy this, I am 2 yrs 10mo and 85k mi into my 4yr 100k total mile warranty, and they just cut me off because I have reached the purchase price in repairs, including the warranty that is 12K in repairs. Anyone think I can get another warranty??? (I don't)

P.S. almost forgot the important question. Is there anyone in CO I can barter with, to help me replace my suspension when all the parts get in???

TIA

-Josh

 

[RStalveyARFF]

I have never heard of a Ford produced lowering spring, I'm sure if they did, everyone would be using them instead of frantically searching for the discontinued Roush springs. As far as warranties, I don't see you getting another one with an almost 7 model year old car. I can't begin to imagine how you racked up 12k in repairs...

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Paul Nimz (SHOZ123) did a write-up a few weeks ago on the spring rates, heights, etc. of the various Gen 3 Taurus (SLO and SHO) springs. If there isn't a copy here, I'm almost positive there is one over at http://www.v8sho.com

Understand that the Ford factory springs aren't lowering springs per se, but the ones with the lower heights can provide similar results to lower, although at a sacrifice of spring rate.

 

[JSIL1]

thank you both, and I will post the repairs when I get my vehicle repair history from the dealer. Also, If anyone had to pair the Eibach's with a strut what would be the nicest match. I understand the write up I suppose i just don't understand the application.

 

[SHOZ123]

Using the Ford OEM SLO springs to lower the car is all SHOW and not GO. They are too weak and will bottom out. The Eibach SLO springs are tolerable in the front with new SARC struts too.

 

[JSIL1]

I have a 99, so I don't really have the SARC option...aside from finding a brain and sensors and the such, I was trying to put together the best lowered spring strut combo I could, firm yet tolerable

 

[SHOZ123]

I run the SARC struts without any control with the Eibachs which means they are in firm mode all the time. Anything else and it will pogo.

You can put SARC struts in the '99 but it's a very firm ride.

 

[JSIL1]

Thanks, I think that I am leaning towrads the KYB G2 and the Eibachs.

 

[wild01ride]

Thanks, I think that I am leaning towrads the KYB G2 and the Eibachs.

This is what I'm running with good results, a fairly decent ride and great handling. (I also have 24/26mm sway bars & poly bushings)
My SARC struts would let the subframe bottom out on the freeway over good size dollups. No problems now with Eibach's/GR2's (granted I have 18's with 40?? aspect ratio tires and think that they are very slightly oversized)
Nevertheless, I would recommend the setup if you're going to replace your susp.
Good luck. Sorry, I'm not in your area or I would help!

 

[JSIL1]

what do the 24mm/26 run? Is it a good investment for the price?

I could use a little better handling.


TIA

 

[SHOZ123]

If you want better handling then you should go this route.

1. Better and wider tires and wheels
2. Sub frame connectors
3. New aluminum or ford rear Sub frame Bushings
4. FSTB
5. New TPR bushings
6. Then the bigger sway bars

 

[JSIL1]

where can I pick up a set of subframe connectors?

Thanks

 

[JSIL1]

I went on tire rack to pick up the springs and struts, and they have the black pro kit Eibachs, do I use those instead of the orange ones I've seen, and do I really need all the extra crap that they are selling with it, boots, mounting places...

here's a link Tire Rack

 

[SHOZ123]

I would want to put in new mounts when I put in new struts.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

I would want to put in new mounts when I put in new struts.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

You wouldn't believe how many people are too cheap to buy new strut mounts, and end up paying twice for R&R labor when they realize their original "strut" noise was at least partially due to a bad mount.

 

[JSIL1]

fair enough, new everything...well not EVERYTHING but suspension...yeah

EDIT the price on tire rack is EACH. $180 just for brackets seems steep. I mean it makes sense to go all new and that was my original plan. but DAAAAAANG .

 

[stephen newberg]

If you want better handling then you should go this route.

1. Better and wider tires and wheels
2. Sub frame connectors
3. New aluminum or ford rear Sub frame Bushings
4. FSTB
5. New TPR bushings
6. Then the bigger sway bars

Paul, in complete agreement with all of that except #5, since I am not sure what they are. I have noticed that some times I use older names for things and need to be updated. What are TPR bushings, please?

pax, smn

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Paul, in complete agreement with all of that except #5, since I am not sure what they are. I have noticed that some times I use older names for things and need to be updated. What are TPR bushings, please?

pax, smn

Thermoplastic rubber.

 

[stephen newberg]

You have changed your name.

Thanks. That helps, so now, I guess, I just need to know which bushings, to be made of TPR, Paul was talking about.

pax, smn

 

[SHOZ123]

They are the Moog blue bushings.

GO HERE
To find the part numbers. Then order them at www.rockauto.com.