Getting Old: Seeking a Softer Suspension

[BmacIL]

Ok, I'm fairly settled on trying an experimental setup: retaining my ProAction fronts and swapping the rears for the B6 shocks. If the Bilsteins feel as good as advertised, then I'll pop for the struts and perhaps a lower rate spring. I recall seeing that the Steeda shock mounts won't fit the B6s; any aftermarket units that will? Otherwise, it's back to the OEM mounts.

Option 2 is to get the Steeda adjustable shocks to see how those feel. If they, after some trial and error with settings, work well, then I’ll consider popping for the struts too.

In either case, keeping the Ultralites would be awesome if I can improve the rough reaction to the poor roads around here. I love the look and they handle incredibly on curvy roads.

Thanks.

I believe the BMR mount would work perfectly for you given the condition seen with the Steeda mount + B6 shock. Would also give you some well-needed shock travel. @Tuxedomouse uses them and is happy.

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[GregO]

keeping the Ultralites would be awesome if I can improve the rough reaction to the poor roads around here

How many miles are on your existing strut bearings and mounts, front struts, rear shocks, jounce stops, etc.?
Honestly for the money and parts received in the kit below you just cant go wrong for a DD. Install it, forget about it and drive the wheels off it. Then again I calculated the full travel on the Ford Racing track kit and cut the bump stops shorter than provided in the kit.
BMR is onto something with their newest S550 rear shock mount, there's magic in moving the shock rod attachment point higher or having the stones to trim the Ford Performance rear jounce stop close to the black plastic band.

https://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/p-2015-2016-mustang-track-strut-and-shock-kit-m18000f

 

[Roadway 5.0]

How many miles are on your existing strut bearings and mounts, front struts, rear shocks, jounce stops, etc.?
Honestly for the money and parts received in the kit below you just cant go wrong for a DD. Install it, forget about it and drive the wheels off it. Then again I calculated the full travel on the Ford Racing track kit and cut the bump stops shorter than provided in the kit.
Hint; BMR is onto something with their newest S550 rear shock mount, there's magic in moving the shock rod attachment point higher or having the stones to trim the Ford Performance rear jounce stop close to the black plastic band.

https://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/p-2015-2016-mustang-track-strut-and-shock-kit-m18000f

I have about 12K miles on my springs, dampers, and bumpstops (Steeda poly bits). These FRPP dampers are for sure a candidate...a damn good value. Thanks for the link

 

[BmacIL]

I have about 12K miles on my springs, dampers, and bumpstops (Steeda poly bits). These FRPP dampers are for sure a candidate...a damn good value. Thanks for the link

As much as I like the FP track dampers (I'm a pretty strong proponent, as you've seen), in your case, I'd spring for the extra ~$150 for these below. Either way I think you'll be happier.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/362504237218
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/153294953441

 

[BmacIL]

Interesting, Bilstein's are Monotube.
"Parts Container" is legit, I've purchased a lot of Euro parts from them over the years.

As are the FP track as you know. Kelly tried both with the SP083 springs and said that the ride was just that much better. Both very good, Bilstein better, with no compromise in handling. Again, it wouldn't be worth it to change for anyone who has the FP track already, but if getting new ones or replacing worn...

 

[Roadway 5.0]

As are the FP track as you know. Kelly tried both with the SP083 springs and said that the ride was just that much better. Both very good, Bilstein better, with no compromise in handling. Again, it wouldn't be worth it to change for anyone who has the FP track already, but if getting new ones or replacing worn...

That’s good to hear. My fear was that the Bilsteins would be under-damped for my 880lb/in rear springs. If they’re good at 980 then they are some straight competitors.

 

[Bluemustang]

That’s good to hear. My fear was that the Bilsteins would be under-damped for my 880lb/in rear springs. If they’re good at 980 then they are some straight competitors.

Yep. And if anything, the Ford track monotubes are a "tad" underdamped imo for handling purposes (for the SP083 rear) but not for ride quality. That's how it feels on my car. At 880 I think they would match perfectly with your spring. In another year or two I will probably pick up these Bilsteins to replace the Ford track dampers. But the Ford track dampers are really good imo. They did well on bumpy sections of track even when pushing it very hard in those instances. They stick to the road but not in a crashy way.

 

[Roadway 5.0]

After more and more thought, I’m now leaning towards the Steeda adjustable rears as my primary choice for a starting point in my experiment.

I suspect any fixed route I go with I will yearn for a slight tweak, and frankly my fixed now aren’t bad— just too much for me on local roads. The negative would be me missing out on the super fast reaction times from the Bilsteins.

Tough choices ahead.

 

[SteedaTech]

After more and more thought, I’m now leaning towards the Steeda adjustable rears as my primary choice for a starting point in my experiment.

I suspect any fixed route I go with I will yearn for a slight tweak, and frankly my fixed now aren’t bad— just too much for me on local roads. The negative would be me missing out on the super fast reaction times from the Bilsteins.

Tough choices ahead.

Plus, have Steeda add the softer bump stops. Contact Matt H for a great package price.
Thanks,
Steeda Tech

 

[GregO]

and frankly my fixed now aren’t bad— just too much for me on local roads.

Not knowing your exact rear setup, do you think there’s merit in giving the BMR rear shock mounts a try along with shortened jounce bump stops before switching out your current setup ?
Just a thought.

 

[Roadway 5.0]

Not knowing your exact rear setup, do you think there’s merit in giving the BMR rear shock mounts a try along with shortened jounce bump stops before switching out your current setup ?
Just a thought.

Honestly, it wouldn’t hurt. An inexpensive test for sure. In my sporadic analysis, a BMW M235i has surfaced in my potential courses of action. We’ll see where the chips fall.

 

[BmacIL]

Honestly, it wouldn’t hurt. An inexpensive test for sure. In my sporadic analysis, a BMW M235i has surfaced in my potential courses of action. We’ll see where the chips fall.

Open diff. Ew.

 

[Roadway 5.0]

Open diff. Ew.

Ha, yes most of them. If I pull the trigger I’ll look for a factory optioned LSD (unicorn).

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