​Upgrading Your Mustang's Suspension: Tips and Tricks

When it comes to Mustang performance, upgrading your suspension system can make a huge difference in handling, ride quality, and overall driving experience. A good suspension system is essential for high-speed cornering, stability, and traction, and can make your Mustang feel more responsive and planted on the road. In this blog post, we'll provide tips and tricks for upgrading your Mustang's suspension system, including the factors to consider before upgrading, the different types of suspension upgrades available, choosing the right upgrades for your Mustang, installation tips, and maintenance and care.

Factors to Consider Before Upgrading

Before you start upgrading your Mustang's suspension system, it's important to know how it works and what factors you should consider. There are several factors to consider, such as your driving style, intended use, and budget.

First, consider your driving style. Do you primarily use your Mustang for daily driving, track racing, or a mix of both? Do you like to push your Mustang to its limits, or are you more concerned with comfort and ride quality? Knowing your driving style will help you determine what upgrades will be the most beneficial for your Mustang.

Next, consider your intended use. Are you planning to use your Mustang for autocross or road racing? Or are you just looking for a better daily driver? Depending on your intended use, you may need to prioritize different upgrades. For example, if you plan on using your Mustang for track racing, you may want to focus on upgrades that improve handling and cornering performance. If you just want a better daily driver, you may want to focus on upgrades that improve ride quality and comfort.

Finally, consider your budget. Suspension upgrades can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the type of upgrade and the quality of the parts. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping for upgrades, so you don't overspend or end up with subpar parts.

Types of Suspension Upgrades

Now that you know what factors to consider, let's discuss the different types of suspension upgrades available for Mustangs. There are several types of upgrades available, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Here are the most common types of suspension upgrades:

1. Lowering Springs: Lowering springs are one of the most popular suspension upgrades for Mustangs. They lower the ride height of your Mustang, which can improve handling and give your Mustang a more aggressive stance. Lowering springs are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, lowering your Mustang too much can cause clearance issues and may make your ride less comfortable.
2. Coilovers: Coilovers are similar to lowering springs but offer more adjustability. They allow you to adjust ride height, damping, and spring rate independently, which can help you fine-tune your suspension for your driving style and intended use. Coilovers are also more expensive than lowering springs and can be more difficult to install.
3. Sway Bars: Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, help reduce body roll during cornering. They connect the suspension on opposite sides of the car and transfer weight from one side to the other, which can improve handling and stability. Sway bars are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, installing sway bars that are too stiff can negatively impact ride quality.
4. Control Arms: Control arms help keep the wheels aligned and improve handling and traction. Upgraded control arms can help reduce wheel hop and improve launch performance. There are several types of control arms available, including adjustable control arms and control arms with bushing upgrades. Upgraded control arms are more expensive than sway bars and can be more difficult to install, but can have a significant impact on handling and performance.Shocks and Struts: Shocks and struts are an essential part of your Mustang's suspension system. They help absorb bumps and keep your wheels planted on the road. Upgraded shocks and struts can improve handling and ride quality, especially if your Mustang is lowered or has stiffer springs. There are several brands of shocks and struts available, including Koni, Bilstein, Ford Racing and Eibach.

Choosing the Right Upgrades

Now that you know the types of suspension upgrades available, it's important to choose the right upgrades for your Mustang. The upgrades you choose will depend on your driving style, intended use, and budget. If you're not sure which upgrades to choose, it's a good idea to consult with a suspension specialist or do some research on Mustang forums. When choosing upgrades, it's important to keep in mind that some upgrades may require other upgrades. For example, if you install lowering springs, you may need to upgrade your shocks and struts to accommodate the lower ride height. Similarly, if you install control arms, you may need to upgrade your sway bars to maintain proper balance.

Installation Tips

Once you've chosen your suspension upgrades, it's time to install them. If you're comfortable working on your Mustang, you can install many suspension upgrades yourself. However, some upgrades may require specialized tools or professional installation.
When installing suspension upgrades, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use proper torque settings. It's also a good idea to have an alignment done after installing new suspension components, as they can affect your Mustang's alignment.

Maintenance and Care

Finally, it's important to properly maintain and care for your Mustang's suspension system. Regularly inspect your suspension components for signs of wear and damage, and replace any worn or damaged components immediately. It's also a good idea to have your suspension system inspected by a professional every few years to ensure it's functioning properly.

Conclusion

Upgrading your Mustang's suspension system can greatly improve its handling, ride quality, and overall driving experience. By considering your driving style, intended use, and budget, you can choose the right upgrades for your Mustang. Whether you choose lowering springs, coilovers, sway bars, control arms, or shocks and struts, make sure to properly install and maintain your upgrades for optimal performance. And don't forget to check out Mustang Parts Unlimited for a wide selection of suspension upgrades, including brands like BMR Suspension, Koni, Bilstein, Eibach, Pedders, and Ford Racing.