86 convertible suspension questions

[86MclarenCapri]

OK, so my 86 convertible drives like a truck. I think it may be the tires because the car may have sat for a long time and developed flat spots.

I would like to rebuild the entire suspension, too. I know these things ride much better than that.

So, I understand there were some suspension mods? I heard they lowered the car an inch and used beefier suspension?

I want to replace the springs and I think the spring isolators are toast. that should help a lot.

I want a good ride, I don't care about performance as much. So, I'm looking for rubber parts instead of polyeurothane.

Do I just go for 86 GT mustang suspension??

Is there a complete kit available?

[negusm]

They only changed the springs and tires.

You could just get 86 Mustang suspension parts to get your car back up in shape.

Depending on the springs you want, you could use the normal Ford springs to get a softer ride or get replacement Motorcraft lowering springs that asc used.

-Mike

[svo413]

The ASC cars came with Ford Motorsport springs which was a post factory upgrade for the GT. I believe it was the Motirsport B springs. The C springs would give a rough ride.

Back in the day, the 4 cylinder springs were often used post factory, to lower the v8 cars.

[86MclarenCapri]

Thanks for the info! I'm having trouble finding the Motorsport B springs--the Mustang bog box shops only want to sell the new performance stuff.

I hate to keep getting stuff on eBay, but I found these springs. Are they the B springs?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361213024660?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Also, since I have bad tires, I need to replace them but it would be a good time to upgrade to some larger rims. I'm not crazy about the rims that came on the car and I like the 17" Cobra style wheels. Does anyone know what size wheels will fit on the Capri? I had an 88 McLaren Mustang a while back and I got some 17s but they scrubbed on the inner fender covers.

[negusm]

Capri = Mustang

If they rub the Mustang they will rub the Capri.

In the later cars 89+, they used a rack limiter I think to reduce rubbing for the larger Cobra wheels.

-Mike

[86MclarenCapri]

Thanks- I see pictures of the Capris with Cobra wheels, is there a size that works??

[85asc239]

The original spring rate was set up by asc. Ford liked it and started selling it. Ford racing part is m-5300-b. They are still available from any ford racing dealer. If you need help finding a dealer let me know, i have a friend that is a dealer.

For wheels if you go 17 inch go no wider then 9 inch front and rear. 8 inch really fit better on front. You will want to run a 235/30 or 35 front tire. Rear you can go 275 but it is really tight i would go 255.

Jeremy

[svo413]

For the most part all that was done was the springs which ended up lowering the car about 1". Summit is a good source for the springs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Racing-Low ... XS&vxp=mtr

Some cars may have gotten Carrera shocks like in the rear. They would be silver in color. I don't think I have actually seen them. Not sure if my 88 has them but my 85 does not.

All cars should have the rack limiting spacers on the tie rod links. I think this may have started when Ford went to 15" wheels.

There were a number of front fender and wheel well changes on the 87-90 regular production cars to make room for the wheels/tires.