Suspension upgrades for convertible

[BigMacNebraska]

I am new to modern Mustangs (just got a 2021 GT/CS convertible. I am wanting to progressively upgrade my suspension. I am finding out that what fits on the Fastback doesn't work on a convertible. This will be a daily driver with a few "spirited" activities once in a while. What has been the best upgrades for the convertible? Thanks...Mac

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[Evolvd]

The springs are the same but the vert tends to drop a little more in the rear on the same spring vs a coupe. Streeda makes spacers to offset the extra drop and even it out.

 

[CVCashmere]

If you upgrade your springs, be sure to upgrade your shocks to match so the suspension changes remain balanced.

Consider upgrading your sway bars and your rear lateral and vertical stabilizer bars.

CVCashmere

 

[Sigster]

I recommend the front Steeda G Trac 2-point brace and the rear subframe alignment and bushing upgrades. Those 2 items tighten things up significantly without ruining your ride quality. Then add the CDC lightbar for style and don't forget to get a wind blocker - very useful accessory.

 

[BigMacNebraska]

Just did a quick search and noticed a similar post....I really should do that first before I post....

I recommend the front Steeda G Trac 2-point brace and the rear subframe alignment and bushing upgrades. Those 2 items tighten things up significantly without ruining your ride quality. Then add the CDC lightbar for style and don't forget to get a wind blocker - very useful accessory.

Sigster: I had the Eibach Sportlines coils put on and the Steeda 4-point brace. I have been considering the bushings and subframe alignment. Been looking at a Kelltrac bushing set, but still doing the research on this. I have also purchased a Love to Drive wind blocker.

Mac

 

[Sigster]

Just did a quick search and noticed a similar post....I really should do that first before I post....


Sigster: I had the Eibach Sportlines coils put on and the Steeda 4-point brace. I have been considering the bushings and subframe alignment. Been looking at a Kelltrac bushing set, but still doing the research on this. I have also purchased a Love to Drive wind blocker.

Mac

Mac, good choice on the 4-point Steeda brace. I started with it, and it was great. But my convertible was lowered an inch all around, so I had to go to the 2 point to get a little extra ground clearance. It was not as good handling wise, but still a big upgrade from stock. The rear suspension parts I installed were the steeda subframe alignment support kit and the 10 piece bushing support system. They were great! If you do the rear, don't forget to do an alignment afterwards.

Sig

 

[BigMacNebraska]

Sig: I am a little concerned with ground clearance with the 4 point as the Sportlines lowered the car approximately 1.5 inches. Thanks for the Steeda subframe upgrades. This will be a work in progress. Again, thanks for your recommendations. Mac

 

[tj@steeda]

Happy to help - you can reach me at [email protected] - this is our list of upgrades for the convertible:

Our suspension expert - Rodney, has built two S550 Daily-driver convertible Mustangs for his wife & used this platform for all of his recommended suspension builds:

Both were equipped almost identically, but I tried a different spring on the new one, which I’ll get to in a moment.

Here is the parts list & understanding of the parts that fit the convertible:

1. Steeda Mustang Sport Lowering Springs - Progressive (2015-2024)
2. Steeda Mustang Billet Rear Spring Spacer 1/4" All (2015-2024)
3. Steeda Mustang Pro-Active Shocks and Struts Set (2015-2023)
4. Steeda Mustang Camber Plates All (2015-2024)
5. Steeda Mustang Pre-Cut Bump Stop/Jounce Bumper Kit (2015-2023)
6. Steeda Mustang Subframe Alignment and Support Kit (2015-2024)
7. Steeda Mustang Convertible Low-Profile Jacking Rails (2015-2023)
8. Steeda S550 Mustang Extreme G-Trac K-Member Brace (2015-2023)
9. Classic Design Concepts S550 Mustang Black Convertible Lightbar - No Light (2015-2023)

The wheels are Velgen Wheels VF5 Gloss Gunmetal Wheel - 20x10 (2015-2023) with 275/35ZR20 Nitto NT555 G2 Ultra High Performance Tire

The difference between the shocks/struts that I use on my convertible - the Steeda Pro-Action Mustang Shocks and Struts - Non-Adjustable (2015-2024) and Rodneys Mustang are Steeda Mustang Pro-Active Shocks and Struts Set (2015-2023). The Pro-Active Shocks have patented frequency selective damping technology. Compared to the Pro Action, which offers firmer dampening, these units provide more control on rough surfaces by maintaining constant tire contact with the road surface. (The valving in the shock is constantly adjusting itself automatically depending on the frequency of the impact)

So, with the Pro Active, you get excellent handling and great ride quality.

Now, on to springs. Our Steeda Mustang Sport Lowering Springs - Progressive (2015-2024) is our most popular spring. It has excellent ride quality due to the progressive design, but once it compresses about 3/8”, you are into the much higher working range that keeps the car cornering flat and reduces nose-dive under braking.

However, the convertible Mustang is much heavier than the coupe version. It’s so heavy that when using this spring in the rear, you need to use our Steeda Mustang Billet Rear Spring Spacer 1/4" All (2015-2024) to lift up the rear of the car, otherwise it will sit too low.

You can see from the pictures of Rodney's car just how low it sits by looking at the lack of gap between the top of the rear tire and the fender.

So on Rodney's 2022, he did the same package, but instead of Sport Spring Progressive, he did the Steeda Mustang Minimum Drop Lowering Springs - Linear (2015-2024) made his 2022 GT convertible about ½ “ higher than the 2018.

It has the same size wheels/tires, but you can see more gaps between the tire and fenders.
The ride is still very good with the linear spring, and it is much better than stock.

The camber plates and precut bump stops are mandatory on any lowered Mustang.

The Subframe alignment and support kit helps to eliminate the deflection in the IRS that is such a problem on the S550 Mustang and is our #1 IRS modification for the convertible

The Extreme g-trac brace and jacking rails will help to eliminate a lot of the cowel flex in the convertible and then adding the CDC light bar with its 1 7/8” steel tubing helps to tighen up the door jams and still allows full access to the rear seat.

 

[BigMacNebraska]

Thanks.....it really helps knowing what actually fits on the convertibles. I have put on the Extreme K Brace on and had a set of Eibach Sportlines put on. As this was the first time I ever lowered a car I relied on the recommendation of someone who had a lowered car. I am somewhat nervous about how low it actually ended up and wish I knew about a spacer....

I will be doing more as funds become available to include upgrades to the IRS

Thanks again....Mac

 

[Evolvd]

Happy to help - you can reach me at [email protected] - this is our list of upgrades for the convertible:

Our suspension expert - Rodney, has built two S550 Daily-driver convertible Mustangs for his wife & used this platform for all of his recommended suspension builds:

Both were equipped almost identically, but I tried a different spring on the new one, which I’ll get to in a moment.

Here is the parts list & understanding of the parts that fit the convertible:

1. Steeda Mustang Sport Lowering Springs - Progressive (2015-2024)
2. Steeda Mustang Billet Rear Spring Spacer 1/4" All (2015-2024)
3. Steeda Mustang Pro-Active Shocks and Struts Set (2015-2023)
4. Steeda Mustang Camber Plates All (2015-2024)
5. Steeda Mustang Pre-Cut Bump Stop/Jounce Bumper Kit (2015-2023)
6. Steeda Mustang Subframe Alignment and Support Kit (2015-2024)
7. Steeda Mustang Convertible Low-Profile Jacking Rails (2015-2023)
8. Steeda S550 Mustang Extreme G-Trac K-Member Brace (2015-2023)
9. Classic Design Concepts S550 Mustang Black Convertible Lightbar - No Light (2015-2023)

The wheels are Velgen Wheels VF5 Gloss Gunmetal Wheel - 20x10 (2015-2023) with 275/35ZR20 Nitto NT555 G2 Ultra High Performance Tire

The difference between the shocks/struts that I use on my convertible - the Steeda Pro-Action Mustang Shocks and Struts - Non-Adjustable (2015-2024) and Rodneys Mustang are Steeda Mustang Pro-Active Shocks and Struts Set (2015-2023). The Pro-Active Shocks have patented frequency selective damping technology. Compared to the Pro Action, which offers firmer dampening, these units provide more control on rough surfaces by maintaining constant tire contact with the road surface. (The valving in the shock is constantly adjusting itself automatically depending on the frequency of the impact)

So, with the Pro Active, you get excellent handling and great ride quality.

Now, on to springs. Our Steeda Mustang Sport Lowering Springs - Progressive (2015-2024) is our most popular spring. It has excellent ride quality due to the progressive design, but once it compresses about 3/8”, you are into the much higher working range that keeps the car cornering flat and reduces nose-dive under braking.

However, the convertible Mustang is much heavier than the coupe version. It’s so heavy that when using this spring in the rear, you need to use our Steeda Mustang Billet Rear Spring Spacer 1/4" All (2015-2024) to lift up the rear of the car, otherwise it will sit too low.

You can see from the pictures of Rodney's car just how low it sits by looking at the lack of gap between the top of the rear tire and the fender.

So on Rodney's 2022, he did the same package, but instead of Sport Spring Progressive, he did the Steeda Mustang Minimum Drop Lowering Springs - Linear (2015-2024) made his 2022 GT convertible about ½ “ higher than the 2018.

It has the same size wheels/tires, but you can see more gaps between the tire and fenders.
The ride is still very good with the linear spring, and it is much better than stock.

The camber plates and precut bump stops are mandatory on any lowered Mustang.

The Subframe alignment and support kit helps to eliminate the deflection in the IRS that is such a problem on the S550 Mustang and is our #1 IRS modification for the convertible

The Extreme g-trac brace and jacking rails will help to eliminate a lot of the cowel flex in the convertible and then adding the CDC light bar with its 1 7/8” steel tubing helps to tighen up the door jams and still allows full access to the rear seat.

Do you offer the DIFM kit with these strut/spring recommendations?

 

[tj@steeda]

I would have to confirm with our team ... I don't want to give incorrect information. Send me your contact info & I can confirm with you cc'd.

Best - [email protected]

 

[S550HPP]

For your use nearly all the products sold as "upgrades" are downgrades for convertible especially in your use.

If you are safety conscious use only Ford OEM crash tested HPP /PP body bracing that are stamped and made with AHSS vs tubular products are there quite primitive and not crash test certified. These are the first upgrade if don't have some or all.

Koni Active struts, B6 or Koni Active shocks, Eibach front sway bar and rear vertical poly links (any vendor) will deliver more sporty handling while retaining comfort and stability.

A wind blocker is a must have IMO.

 

[BigMacNebraska]

I have been thinking about Koni Actives and the possibility of different sway bars. I did get a Love your Ride wind blocker.

So you don't think the IRS centering parts are effective?

 

[S550HPP]

If you are super aggressive launching IRS stuff seems to be needed i would start with OE chassis bracing first with vertical links..

 

[tj@steeda]

We do have an option & it is CARB Certified as an option if you are still reviewing CAIs:



https://www.steeda.com/steeda-profl...rOoTEqWw9sZ26WX0CGcV-MKzONMMHdDWTrhUFWSi6ggRI

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