Suspension Upgrades
Home | Intake | CMDP | UDP | Exhaust | Suspension | Interior | Aerodynamics | Parts | Dyno | Bolt Ons | Engine | Coyote SwapFord corrected many of the shortcomings of the 4-link rear suspension in the 1994-2004 SN95 Mustang by fitting the 2005-2009 S197 model with a 3-link rear suspension which consisted of two lower control arms to locate the rear axle fore-and-aft, an upper 3rd link to control pinion angle, and a Panhard bar to locate the axle laterally. It's a vastly improved set-up but unfortunately the factory lower control arms are made from stamped steel and have rubber bushings – great for reduction of noise and harshness but not so good for dragstrip launches. After I upgraded the performance of my 2006 GT, wheelspin from a mere 1500rpm launch even with the traction control system (TCS) switched on had become a real issue. A popular entry level rear suspension upgrade is to replace the stock lower control arms with stronger tubular control arms that have polyurethane bushings to prevent the flex that causes wheel hop.
Rear Lower Control Arms
I chose the BMR control arms together with relocation brackets that allow the axle end of the control arms to sit lower than stock. The brackets have three different positions for mounting the control arms and since I retained the stock springs (and ride height), I used the top bolt holes as recommended by the experts.
Traction from a standing start was certainly improved and I could now launch by dumping the clutch at 2500rpm with only a mere chirp from the rear tires and no wheel hop. Result!
Rear Upper Control Arm
Since the ride height remains stock, I elected to retain the OEM rear upper control arm but refurbished it with a Prothane rear differential carrier bushing.
Panhard Bar
The OEM item was refurbished with new Energy Suspension rear track bar bushings.
Anti-Sway Bar Bushings
The 2005-2009 S197 GT was fitted as standard with a 34mm front anti-sway bar and a 20mm rear anti-sway bar to reduce body roll when cornering. Unfortunately they also included squishy rubber bushings that perish with age and become ineffective in performing their intended function. The original bushings on my car were still in very good condition but there was nevertheless room for improvement.
The solution was to replace them with a set of Energy Suspension 4-5193R front and Prothane 6-1162 rear sway bar bushings. The rear bushing kit also includes bushings for the stock end links, making it great value for money. These polyurethane units provide superior performance over the stock rubber versions and will last the lifetime of the car.
Front Control Arms
The OEM items were refurbished with new Moog ball joints and Energy Suspension front control arm bushings. Steering response became noticeably sharper with crisper turn in.
Ford Performance part no. M-18183-C
These strut mounts were original equipment on the 2011-14 Mustang Shelby GT500 and feature a higher durometer material for improved durability and performance. The original GT strut mounts started to clunk and required replacement so this was a good opportunity to upgrade them. The struts, coil spring isolators, and bump stops were also replaced at the same time with OEM items.