I need shocks that keep a 28" height clearance, any suggestions?

[MEAN66]

I know the stock height of the rear is 26" but I like 28". My tires are 60/245. My car is currently sitting at the height I want it too, but they are air shocks. I want to get rid of them.

[MustangChuck]

Shocks should not set ride height. That's the job of the springs. The shocks should only dampen the bumps from the road. You should be able to remove all four shocks and the ride height should not change. You can try replacing the rear springs with new, regular eye springs (maybe 4.5 or 5 leaves). That should raise the back (if your current springs are sagging any).

Chuck

[MEAN66]

OH good to know! Ok sounds good. I was just worried because with the air shocks the back would raise really high when you add air so I guess I can let all the air out and check where the ride height is.

[Klutch]

To prevent damage to your Mustang, you should nix those air shocks soon. The upper shock mount area on the car is simply not designed to handle the extra stress imposed by air shocks. Air shocks can actually punch through the sheet metal which creates a mess difficult to repair.

There are many very good performance street shocks on the market. Bilstein are often recommended and reasonably priced. Of course, you must first have good springs.

[cmefly]

I thought we already went over this? Get rid of those air shocks and replace the leaf springs. You can get springs that will raise the ride height over stock and you can buy a 1" Shackle lift if you want to go higher to achieve the Hillbilly race car look. Do not install a shackle kit that is over 1" from stock. Your car is not going to handle very well set up like this but it will clear the oversize tires you have.

[wheelsup351]

Originally Posted by cmefly

I thought we already went over this? Get rid of those air shocks and replace the leaf springs. You can get springs that will raise the ride height over stock and you can buy a 1" Shackle lift if you want to go higher to achieve the Hillbilly race car look. Do not install a shackle kit that is over 1" from stock. Your car is not going to handle very well set up like this but it will clear the oversize tires you have.

Rear Suspension. Need advice!

[wheelsup351]

Air shocks are like strap-on dildos. No man should own them.

[cmefly]

Originally Posted by wheelsup351

Rear Suspension. Need advice!

That's the one

[MEAN66]

Yeah my springs are sagging bad. The height clearance right now is 27 inches. Every time I hit a bump I can hear my tires rub. I definitely need to replace them. I guess I should get the 4.5 leaf springs. That should bring it up to 28" right?

[cmefly]

Originally Posted by MEAN66

Yeah my springs are sagging bad. The height clearance right now is 27 inches. Every time I hit a bump I can hear my tires rub. I definitely need to replace them. I guess I should get the 4.5 leaf springs. That should bring it up to 28" right?

Your tires are rubbing because they are too tall for a 66 mustang and you have the wrong backspacing on your wheels. The tires should not stick out past the wheel well. If you want the car jacked up this is what I would do. I would buy the stock height 4.5 leaf springs and buy the 1" shackle kit from CJpony parts and some generic gas charged shocks. If I remember you are using a 245-60-15, I would go with a 235-60-15 on the rear with a 8" wheel using as close to 5" of backspacing as you can get. That will solve your problem and your car will look and drive better. The 64-66 Mustang is a small car, you do not need a tall tire like a 245-60-15. If you want a 245 tire step up to a 16" or 17" rim and go with a 245-50-16 or 245-45-17 Those will fit better on the rear.

[Lukesportsman]

cmefly, don't sugar coat it.....just tell me how you really feel. LOL