Lowering??

Gt.Vert · **Lowering??**

I prob asked this before but now imm abt rdy to get it done....so i wann lower my car abt 1.6 in front and 1.5 in back....but i need to kno what all i need to do this my car is a 03 gt convertible.....i took it to this shop and the guy told me 1200 to do it....seems a bit too much to lower my car 1 in...??? so the parts i need and average cost to put them on?

**OsirisGuy** · **Re: Lowering??**

Check out the M.E. Article on the "How to" for lowering a car. You can do it real cheap.

All you should really need are new springs. Most aftermarket springs list the drop. H&R, Eibach, Ford are all brands to go with. You can also cut the stock springs if you are handy. Google is and there will be plenty on it.

There is some slight differences in springs. You'll see linear and progressive. Ford is mostly linear, H&R and Eibach are mostly progressive. What this means is that linear springs have a constant spring in them, that is no matter how hard you compress them the force is back will always be the same. Progressive springs are considered a bit better because they "self adjust" themselves to the force applied to them allowing for a bit smoother ride, that is the spring constant varies. You will want to get spring rates identical to the stock spring rates no matter what you decide to get.

While you are at it though it becomes a great opportunity to do some more upgrading/modding/preventive maintenance.

The first would be the spring isolators. Get some nice ones, I think this is where polyurethane is superior unless they offer derlin. Not really sure what material would be superior here. The next thing to upgrade would be are shocks and struts. The drop creates more stress on the stock shocks/struts. Even if you don't do it at the same time, it is advised to plan on changing them. Aftermarkets will be able to handle the load offer more ride comfort and better handling. Finally a new set of caster camber plates; you will only hear Maximum Motorsports, get them, they make aligning the car much easier.

Any other components you wish to change is up to you. None of this is necessary even for the lower stance but since you are in the area if you want to do a little more work. You can also upgrade the steering bushings and such, control arms if you want to get crazy. Maybe polish and paint your calipers or upgrade brake components to bigger rotors, cross/drilled, aftermarkets, whatever. Again this is getting pass the point of lowering, it's more of just an FYI.

Best part is this is all stuff you can do yourself. Bushings, caliper paint/polish are pretty cheap. So besides the parts you absolutely need and the parts you want to include (i.e. CC plates, struts/shocks) the only other money you will have to spend is for a new alignment - which you will need, and unless you can do that yourself this will be the only trip to the mechanic you should have to see.

Gt.Vert · **Re: Lowering??**

yepp looked at that article and loks like install the is a pain so whats the ballpark price for getting them install at a shop? and u said as of now just go with the springs??

**OsirisGuy** · **Re: Lowering??**

Yea if you want you can just go with springs. As for the price install as per shop I can not say. Do some shopping around and see how much it will cost them to install new springs and alignment. Go to the cheapest, most reputable shop.

Cobra GT · **Re: Lowering??**

if you lower it you will need the caster camber plates, it will wear the inside of the tires, idon't know about 02 but my 96 and 97 are not adjustable without the plates

+1 for the Maximum Motorsports

WhiteStang99 · **Re: Lowering??**

I had Maximum Motorsports CC plates on my 99 with a ~1.5" drop (Ford Racing C Springs, 1/2 coil cut in rear). I didn't personally install them, but a group of people on the site helped (@Brent, @SpectorV, @lowflyn and whoever I'm forgetting). It would have been a bit much for me alone, but SpectorV was a pro.

Moral of the story, Maximum Motorsports makes some awesome CC plates.

edross · **Re: Lowering??**

read the article by SpectorV and take your time, i installed springs and c/c plates, it took all day and a 12pack, it looks like a tough job but once your done its not that bad, i could probably do it in half time now

lowflyn · **Re: Lowering??**

Springs are not that hard to do. Drive down to Memphis and I'll install for a 12 pack.

outlawfrog · **Re: Lowering??**


Quote: Originally Posted by lowflyn Springs are not that hard to do. Drive down to Memphis and I'll install for a 12 pack.

how 'bout a case to lower AND wax? lol

**SpectorV** · **Re: Lowering??**

H&R Race/Eibach/Ford C springs - 160-250
MM 4 bolt CC plates - 180
Shocks/Struts - 250
Alignment - 60
Endlinks - 15
New isolators - 10-20
Installation - 250 (or free if you do it yourself)

How To: http://www.mustangevolution.com/articles/200716/

You dont need shocks/struts or endlinks. I would recommend them if you are into handling. If your car has higher miles (more than say 80k) I would probably do shocks/struts~ but you can always do it again later.

As far as installation its quite simple, you can do it if you have any mechanical ability and one very rare virtue (patience). Ive done many sets its not hard.