I have an 1988 5.0 LX Convertible

grant66 · 08-16-2002, 04:29 AM

The car needs new springs, shocks, Caster camber plates and bushings. What would your recommendations?

lxfiveoh · 08-16-2002, 12:04 PM

Have you already stiffened up your chassis?
Convertibles could use all the stiffening they can get!

I suggest:

1) Weld-in subframe connectors
2) Maximum Motorsports strut tower brace
3) Lower chassis brace ("G-load brace" or Kmember brace)

Springs/shocks/struts

You can't go wrong with Maximum Motorsports stuff.
Try their caster/camber plates, some H&R springs, and Koni or Bilstein struts/shocks.

In connection with the chassis stiffening, you should notice a huge difference!

Good luck!

blue00gt · 08-16-2002, 12:19 PM

I would have to agree with lxfiveoh's recommendations 100%.

drudis · 08-16-2002, 12:50 PM

Just before you buy, contact MM and ask specifically for CONVERTIBLE...
Some of the braces _may_ (?) not be compatible with the convertible braces already on the car.

grant66 · 08-16-2002, 11:15 PM

I think I will start with knew suspensions stuff before welding any thing on. Only if I had a million dollars. Can you imagine what you would buy. All cars and car parts.

lxfiveoh · 08-16-2002, 11:38 PM

If the current shocks/struts need replacing because they are worn/damaged, then by all means replace them.

However, before buying more suspension parts, you should make your 'chassis' as rigid as possible, otherwise, the only thing the stiffer springs/struts/shocks will be doing is flexing your chassis more.

Especially with a convertible, weld-in subframes are a MUST!
A strut-tower brace & lower frame brace are also very beneficial.

After you have done this, the $$ you spend on the other suspension parts will give you the best return.

I bet you'll notice a difference simply by stiffening the chassis without buying any new parts!

Good luck,

grant66 · 08-17-2002, 03:57 AM

The shocks, struts, springs and especially the bushings are very worn. Regarding the lacking of stiffness in the frame. Especially noticed the weakness in the body when I bought new tires.

08-16-2002, 04:29 AM	#1
grant66 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Avon, CO, USA Posts: 63	I have an 1988 5.0 LX Convertible The car needs new springs, shocks, Caster camber plates and bushings. What would your recommendations? __________________ If it isn't broke you are not trying.

08-16-2002, 12:04 PM	#2
lxfiveoh Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 54	Have you already stiffened up your chassis? Convertibles could use all the stiffening they can get! I suggest: 1) Weld-in subframe connectors 2) Maximum Motorsports strut tower brace 3) Lower chassis brace ("G-load brace" or Kmember brace) Springs/shocks/struts You can't go wrong with Maximum Motorsports stuff. Try their caster/camber plates, some H&R springs, and Koni or Bilstein struts/shocks. In connection with the chassis stiffening, you should notice a huge difference! Good luck! __________________ Nelson 1990 Mustang LX 5.0 http://fiveoh.homestead.com

08-16-2002, 12:19 PM	#3
blue00gt Mustang Addict Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 1,294	I would have to agree with lxfiveoh's recommendations 100%. __________________ Strike down the unroadworthy! 2000 GT Atl. Blue: '03 Cobra motor - 465rwhp/473rwtq, T-56 6-speed, full MM TA/PH & tubular K-member suspension, Saleen body, 17" Torq-Thrust II's, M/T ET Street radials, and lots more '94 Rio Red Cobra: All the bolt-ons, 3.73s

08-16-2002, 12:50 PM	#4
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	Just before you buy, contact MM and ask specifically for CONVERTIBLE... Some of the braces _may_ (?) not be compatible with the convertible braces already on the car. __________________ Darius Rudis, Moderator Corner Carvers Delight 1989 Mustang LX - Open Track Car http://www.dariusrudis.com

08-16-2002, 11:15 PM	#5
grant66 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Avon, CO, USA Posts: 63	I appreciate your recommendation I think I will start with knew suspensions stuff before welding any thing on. Only if I had a million dollars. Can you imagine what you would buy. All cars and car parts. __________________ If it isn't broke you are not trying.

08-16-2002, 11:38 PM	#6
lxfiveoh Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 54	If the current shocks/struts need replacing because they are worn/damaged, then by all means replace them. However, before buying more suspension parts, you should make your 'chassis' as rigid as possible, otherwise, the only thing the stiffer springs/struts/shocks will be doing is flexing your chassis more. Especially with a convertible, weld-in subframes are a MUST! A strut-tower brace & lower frame brace are also very beneficial. After you have done this, the $$ you spend on the other suspension parts will give you the best return. I bet you'll notice a difference simply by stiffening the chassis without buying any new parts! Good luck, __________________ Nelson 1990 Mustang LX 5.0 http://fiveoh.homestead.com

08-17-2002, 03:57 AM	#7
grant66 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Avon, CO, USA Posts: 63	suspension parts are original. The shocks, struts, springs and especially the bushings are very worn. Regarding the lacking of stiffness in the frame. Especially noticed the weakness in the body when I bought new tires. __________________ If it isn't broke you are not trying.

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