SC suspension Gurus???

[RedFox]

Just came back from Ottawa with my old bird and I know the roads out there are in really bad shape at this time of year but my SC seems to ride a bit rough and on rough surfaces it seems that the rear end wants to kick out.

My suspension is 100% original. The shocks aren't bouncy. Amazingly the tied rods, ball joints and springs (not cracked) are in good condition.

I don't want to do a complete rebuild as this is my spare car but I would like to regain ride quality.

Even though the shocks aren't bouncy, could they be the source of the problem? Which Bilstein shocks are available for the SC?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Denis

[HoseHead]

Denis,
I think I bought the last of Ed's OEM adjustables last spring (a touch under $600 for the set of 4). They really made a difference on my '93 that already had a 1.5" drop. Rides and handles like it should now. The failure is so slow over time it's hard to tell unless your drive one that's correct. If your absorbers have more than 100,000 Km on them, I'm sure a fresh set would bring it back.

I've read other are using aftermarket non-adjustables, but I'm not sure of the brands and/or their individual shortcomings.

Bruce

[Toms-SC]

I'm personally interested in a set of Koni Yellows

[RedFox]

Has anyone done a comparison between healthy OEM's, Bilsteins and Koni?

How much are each of the choices and are there others?

Den

[xr7rocket]

I am fairly sure that Bilsteins are no long available for our cars. I am in the middle of rebuilding my rear supsension and I went with the Konis. at 105,000 miles I can tell you that my OEM ARC shocks are very worn out.

RedFox: As far as options, if you want to keep the ARC there are the Ford OEM,s which are the most expensive ($600ish?), if you can even get them. The only other electronically adjustable opion is the Tokico Ilumina II, also expensive and most agree the ride with these is bad.

If you want "the best", the manually, "infinitely" adjustable Konis are the consensus winner, but these cost almost as much as the ARC shocks. ($500-$530)

You have plenty of options for non-adjustable shocks. Basically just shop for them like you don't have a supercoupe, all the naturally aspirated birds and cougars come with standard shocks. I am sure you can find KYB, Monroe, Gabriel, and probably many others, in the $200-$300 range for a set of 4.

[RedFox]

I am fairly sure that Bilsteins are no long available for our cars. I am in the middle of rebuilding my rear supsension and I went with the Konis. at 105,000 miles I can tell you that my OEM ARC shocks are very worn out.

What are you doing to the rear suspension? Can you elaborate?

[xr7rocket]

What are you doing to the rear suspension? Can you elaborate?
Installing subframe that has additional welding and reinforcement vs stock, putting my trak lok diff in the aluminum housing from a mark 8, new diff mount bushings, mark 8 aluminum lower control arms, wheel bearings, springs, spring isolators, bushings in the control arms and knuckle, swaybar end links, new subframe to body isolator bushings, and shocks

[RedFox]

Installing subframe that has additional welding and reinforcement vs stock, putting my trak lok diff in the aluminum housing from a mark 8, new diff mount bushings, mark 8 aluminum lower control arms, wheel bearings, springs, spring isolators, bushings in the control arms and knuckle, swaybar end links, new subframe to body isolator bushings, and shocks

Excellent build-up. Take lots of pics for others to benefits from your project.

[fast Ed]

Denis, your current options for shocks would be OEM Tokicos from Ford, the Tokico Illumina 2 (these retain the ARC feature, but I would not recommend them), Koni Sports, or KYBs.

For the usage of your car, I'd suggest the KYB, probably the best value. If you prefer to retain the ARC, then the OEM Tokicos are the way to go. I'm sure that your original shocks have deteriorated so gradually, that you won't realize how bad they are, until you replace them.

I think that I have a set of the OEM shocks on the shelf at Fines. Send me a p.m. or email if you're interested in those. We can also order the KYB through Keystone Auto I believe.


cheers
Ed N.

[birds4us]

What do you mean the rear end wants to kick out? I remember driving a bird where one of the rear axle nuts had loosened, and boy was that a fun ride. You didn't notice it untill you swerved a bit.

[RedFox]

What do you mean the rear end wants to kick out? I remember driving a bird where one of the rear axle nuts had loosened, and boy was that a fun ride. You didn't notice it untill you swerved a bit.

I certainly hope that that's not my problem. This is on rough surfaces while cornering mostly. Shocks could be the problem.

Ed,
I will call you at Fines.

Den