Lowering the SHO?

[NoSloSHO]

What is possibly the best way to lower the SHO with out damaging the performance and spending the least amount of money? I currently have a 94 MTX with Eibach springs and KYB struts and the performance is great but the look is not what I want. ShoShop no longer sells their version and are now offering just the Intrax and the Eibach springs. I know that Shawn from IPT offers the coilovers for $900 but I really don't have that type of cash on hand. Anyone!?!

 

[ghostrider]

Unless you could find someone with a used set of Sho Shop linear springs then you already have the cheapest setup out there.

 

[jcostantino]

There is a way that is VERY untested, or at least not mainstream...

I can get you a detailed explination of how to do it but it basically involves cutting some locating tabs in the lower strut mount and moving the pinch bolt down. You can get about another .5 to 1 inch drop in the front.

Let me know if you want the details, I'll have to email for them.

Jeff

 

[SHO_POWER]

Buy Koni adjustable struts then goto Ground-Control buy their Coil-over kit for $419. They use Eibach springs, with any spring rates that you want.

Greg

 

[AutoXSHO]

And that's cheaper than the IPT setup in what way? Koni inserts are going to be around $100 or more each, so the difference really is negligable.

I think most people with the SHOshop linears found that they were pretty miserable on the street. The Intrax springs may get you more drop than the Eibachs, but the sure-fire way is to go with the coilovers.

John V

 

[NoSloSHO]

NoSloSHO:

SHO_POWER:
Buy Koni adjustable struts then goto Ground-Control buy their Coil-over kit for $419. They use Eibach springs, with any spring rates that you want.

Greg

They only supply mustang, probe, ****** and capri coilovers. Which one would fit the SHO exactly?

 

[Lance Cheney]

The IPT coilover kit doesn't come with struts, so if you could get a GC kit for $419, then it would be significantly cheaper. Either way you have to buy Konis.

Right?

-Lance

 

[sdpatt]

Any lower than the Eibach setup and you will be sacrificing ride, ground clearance and steering geometry. Or does that even matter?

Scott

 

[NJshofear]

How so, my 89 is much lower than the eibach setup and it has had no ill effects on handling and ride. infact my car handles tons better than it did b4 the coilovers. ill admit you sacrafice ground clearence but that is rarely an issue with someone who WANTs their car lower.

 

[SHO_POWER]

Yes Ground Control makes a kit for the SHO and regular Taurus. You have to phone em, and ask as I did. I learned that you have to use the stock spring perches, and bearing plates.

We had some info in an earlier post from Shawn at IPT as to why his were more expensive than GC's. I quote "the upper spring perch to the bearing plate and centering sleeves, and have the upper plates and bearing plates zinc chromated." are all custom made and come in Shawns (IPT) kit. Where as the GC kit uses the stock upper bearing plate and upper spring perch.

Lance Cheney - your right, no matter who’s kit you buy you gotta buy struts.

Greg

 

[Aspect]

SHO_POWER - but you also forgot to add that the OEM bearing plate wasn't designed for the load placed on them with coil over suspensions. That was also discussed by Shawn in the same thread that you quoted.

NoSloSHO - if the Eibach / Intrax springs aren't low enough for you and you are on a tight budget. You can do what alot of people do (although I DON'T recommend it) is cut the springs. CHEAP to do. BUT I STRESS IT AGAIN, I DON'T RECOMMEND IT.

IMO - Save your money and do it right.

If you don't want to wait - don't waste your time with the OEM plate. Either purchase IPT's kit or get the plates from IPT and get the coil over from Ground Control. Either way....don't use the OEM plate for coil over suspensions.

 

[NoSloSHO]

Won't cutting the springs really damage the handling? I've heard that with cut springs, there is a high chance that the spings can unperch themselves when you go around a corner to fast. eek! If I don't plan on autocrossing the car, will it really matter? How much lower can I expect from cutting the springs?

 

[RI-SHO]

sdpatt:
Any lower than the Eibach setup and you will be sacrificing ride, ground clearance and steering geometry. Or does that even matter?

Scott

1 & 2 I can live with, but what is this steering geometry that you speak of Scott? Anything specific? Because I have had to problems with my lower than "normal" drop .

 

[NoSloSHO]

RI-SHO - are your SS springs cut or is your car just looked slammed with those 18s. thumbs_u Whatever the case maybe you have no space at all between your tires and wheelwell, do they ever rub? squint

 

[RI-SHO]

NoSloSHO:
RI-SHO - are your SS springs cut or is your car just looked slammed with those 18s. thumbs_u Whatever the case maybe you have no space at all between your tires and wheelwell, do they ever rub? squint

I should actually be having a bigger gap than stock b/c my current tires have a 25.4" overall diameter and stock tires have a 26.2 diameter(almost an inch ). I did not cut my springs(i take offense; sometimes ), the rear is just all SS springs, the front suspension is a whole different "have to **** if i told" type of story . And no I NEVA rub must be for the fact that my SS springs are freak stiff springs, it'll even hold one of the rear tires in the air when i go up an incline at an angle very slowly(it just barly gets off the ground which i think is pretty coo lol). But scraping my front bumper and bottom of tips on muffs is a given dont matta how slow i go most of time I just scrape like ****.

 

[SHOTYM2]

I am interested in the method of lowering by cutting the tabs. I am looking to lower a '93 without different springs/struts. I also read some time ago there was a gentleman that had heated and recurved the stock springs to lower the car. Now before everybody starts ******** about how bad this, I have been doing this type of thing on Mustang springs for years. After cutting the desired coil amount off, the rear springs require heating and bending to get the "tail" flat so the spring will fit properlly. I have NEVER had any problems with failure and have done this to countless cars (Mustangs). My theory is this: If I decide on an amount to lower the car, say 1.5", place something under the car that will keep it from going past the 1.5" lowering point. Slowly heat the springs and let the car lower onto the stop block, or whatever is used. Then let the springs cool down gradually/naturally over time. My question is what will the ride be like? Any ideas? I know it will be stiffer but how much? I am not suggesting lowering the thing any more than 1.75" so it won't be in the weeds and screwing up the geometry. If there is a more scientific way of doing this please let me know it. I haven't done this yet and am looking for input. I realize there is possibility for disaster but what the ****.

Thanks.....Jon

 

[Milo]

When a sho is lowered 1.5-2 inches how much suspension travel is left? Some cars are almost on the bumpers at that point but of course you can always cut the bumper down. I cant say as I enjoy a car that bumpsteers down the road but I want the max lowering I can get. How do shos do with this?

 

[SHO_2_ENVY]

I CUTB MY STOCK SPRING AND AM ON THE FRONT SNUB AND CLOSE TO THE REAR SNUB BUT THE CAR LOOKS VERY GOOD AND RIDES GOOD IF YOU CANT STAND THE RIDE DONT LOWER THE CAR.

REAL MEN GO DOWN!!!!!!!! thumbs_u

 

[SHO T1ME]

RI-SHO:

sdpatt:
Any lower than the Eibach setup and you will be sacrificing ride, ground clearance and steering geometry. Or does that even matter?

Scott

1 & 2 I can live with, but what is this steering geometry that you speak of Scott? Anything specific? Because I have had to problems with my lower than "normal" drop .

Ok you HAVE to email me buddy, I absolutely love the look of your car with it lowered and the 18's -- looks killer! I was checking out your site and must say im quiet impressed!

 

[SHOTIME]

SHO T1ME
[QB]QB]

Ok, who are you and how did you get my name..

Even with the 1, this is gonna get confusing..