suspension

I want to improve my suspension. I am thinking of going with a kit. My question
Should I upgrade springs to 600# and lowered
1"on the front (do these ride pretty rough?)
Should I buy new upper and lower control arms. or just rebuild them? Are the KYB
gas shocks good?(i have no experience with
KYB but they are part of alot of kits)

The 600's are very rough. I'd look at 420 regulars or 500~ progressive rates. A 1" front and MAYBE a small (like 1/2) rear bar should do well. Actually, no rear can work to. Doing the Shelby mod (1" control arm drop) to the front is recommneded - this does NOT lower the car. Unless you're flush, rebuilding the stock arms is the way to go. If you intende to drive really hard, boxing the lower arms is a good idea. Stay away from poly strut rod bushings as these are getting a rep for breaking the rods. With the Shelby mod, rebuilt arms and a 1" front bar mounted in poly, just about any good gas shock will work well. The KYB's are a top end shock. Also, do a good front alignment, using 2+ degrees of caster to help the car track good. Go find the March 2003 issue of Mustang's and Fords - lots of info in that one.
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what is the shelby mod for the control arm
is that done on both the upper and lower?

Upper only. It involves lowering the upper control arm mounting holes 1". The Boss 302 handling book has details. Someone on the board may have a pattern available.

yeah if someone has the pattern please
provide. Does it really make a big diff
in handling?

Go to www.themustangshop.com they hae a template and a writeup under how to's

If you want to put some stiff springs on for cornering grip, check out ProMotorsports. I put a set of their progressive 450/600 springs on my small block equipped Falcon wagon. They aren't harsh around town, but the car has very little body roll. Just a thought.
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Thanks for the link..I was thinking the
progressive rate springs might be the
ticket..I wont be racing but I do want a
good handling machine..built from a budget
standpoint nothing to fancy just smart upgrades..thanks again