Front suspension to-do list - Input needed

[eacyde]

Once the snow melts, I am going to be installing my SHO Source Stage 3 Front brake upgrade including 95+ knuckles.

The car has 95,000 miles

While I am in there, I plan on installing the following:
- New SENSA TRAC struts since the originals are leaking.
- New Strut Rod bushings - Energy Suspension 4.7119 kit

Should I replace the springs?
is there anything else I should replace since I will have the whole front apart?

Thanks for the input.

 

[VortecGT]

I would put on some steel brake lines. Springs would be a good idea if yours are original. But if you are going to do the fronts might as well replace all 4 springs and struts. Also inspect anything for wear and replace if needed IE balljoints, tierods, and subframe bushings.

 

[kevinspann]

Replace all of it, that way you won't have to go back in there again

 

[NP SHO]

Replace all of it, that way you won't have to go back in there again

I'm in the process of doing this right now. Did the rear this weekend and doing the front next weekend. I'm doing SensaTrac struts, Intrax springs, Ingalls adjustable strut mounts up front/Monroe strut mounts in the rear, new strut rod bushings, swaybar endlinks, inner & outer tie rod ends...etc. I only want to do this once. FYI - If you live anywhere near the rust belt, plan on spending time heating and spraying the pinch bolts with WD40 or the likes. I spent over a day breaking loose my strut rod nuts and pinch bolts (part of which was drilling out the pinch bolt I snapped). HEAT IS YOUR FRIEND!!! Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

 

[eacyde]

I'm in the process of doing this right now. Did the rear this weekend and doing the front next weekend. I'm doing SensaTrac struts, Intrax springs, Ingalls adjustable strut mounts up front/Monroe strut mounts in the rear, new strut rod bushings, swaybar endlinks, inner & outer tie rod ends...etc. I only want to do this once. FYI - If you live anywhere near the rust belt, plan on spending time heating and spraying the pinch bolts with WD40 or the likes. I spent over a day breaking loose my strut rod nuts and pinch bolts (part of which was drilling out the pinch bolt I snapped). HEAT IS YOUR FRIEND!!! Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

Thanks for the heads up. I am pretty sure the whole front end is original and it has seen some pretty harsh winters in its 18 years.

 

[Brett]

Thanks for the heads up. I am pretty sure the whole front end is original and it has seen some pretty harsh winters in its 18 years.

dont forget strut mounts

 

[eacyde]

I would put on some steel brake lines. Springs would be a good idea if yours are original. But if you are going to do the fronts might as well replace all 4 springs and struts. Also inspect anything for wear and replace if needed IE balljoints, tierods, and subframe bushings.

I was going to upgrade the brake lines along with my 13" upgrade.

Is there a way to tell if my car has had the sub frame recall?

 

[91PDXmocha]

-struts, strut mounts, springs , wheel bearings , inspect axles.

-ball joints , tie rods, sway bar bushings & endlinks , strut rod bushings.

-11.6 or larger front brake upgrade , steel lines .

 

[LOUDSHO92]

I would do all 4 springs and struts.

 

[Bob Gervais]

Is there a way to tell if my car has had the sub frame recall?

Either take your VIN to your local Ford dealer, or www.ford.com. That'll tell you if there's any open recalls. However, to be 100% certain, I'd pull the front carpet back and have a look. Many dealers said they performed the recalls, but never did.

 

[SHORANGERBIRD]

However, to be 100% certain, I'd pull the front carpet back and have a look. Many dealers said they performed the recalls, but never did.

agreed, and if it has or hasn't, removing that much, i'd get a recall kit or two and put new bolts and nuts on it....

 

[eacyde]

What kind of drop can I expect from the Intrax Coils? Sho Source says 1.5" front and 1" rear.

Are those numbers realistic or is it actually more or less?

Thanks

 

[NP SHO]

I just put them on the rears last weekend, but my car had that damned saggy ass syndrome, so it actually sits a little higher right now. Doing the fronts this weekend hopefully. Once I get them all done and I can take it for a ride to settle the suspension a bit I'll post up some pics.

 

[eacyde]

am I going to need an alignment after replacing the struts?

 

[HotRodKid]

an alignment is never a bad idea. are your strut towers drilled out ?

 

[eacyde]

an alignment is never a bad idea. are your strut towers drilled out ?

I dont know if they are drilled out or not. The car still has the original Motorcraft struts in it.

 

[NP SHO]

If you're thinking about running the Intrax springs, you should consider getting the adjustable front strut mounts. It'll make getting the car aligned much easier afterwards.

 

[eacyde]

If you're thinking about running the Intrax springs, you should consider getting the adjustable front strut mounts. It'll make getting the car aligned much easier afterwards.

thanks for the tip.

 

[NP SHO]

No problem. Gotta post up some pics when you're done!

 

[eacyde]

What strut mounts should I get?
I will more than likely go with Intrax coils. I already have the Sensa Trac's. They went on sale buy 3 get one free yesterday.

I have strut rod bushings on the way.

What parts if any, can I re-use from my existing setup?
I was basically planning on building a complete strut setup so I can pop the old one out and put the new one in.

Thanks for all the help so far everyone.