Close



Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: 1985 Bilsteins

  1. #1

    Default 1985 Bilsteins

    I just purchased an 85 GT with 44k original miles. Previous owner installed B springs with stock struts and shocks.
    It rides rough and I do not like it at all. I see some people say they run Bilsteins with B springs and say they match very well.
    Problem is I can't figure out what model they are using exactly.....or is it that they switched to 87+ spindles?
    I need a high quality strut/shock I can use, what does everyone recommend?

    Has anyone used the Eibach struts and shock kit with "B" springs?
    If not then I will follow Trey's advisement and go with the Eibach pro kit. Thanks again Trey for your help.

    Also does anyone know where I can get a smaller diameter sway bar for front? Think that may also help ride a little.
    Last edited by Miami1985; 06-04-2017 at 03:39 PM.

  2. #2

    Default

    Anyone have any experience with Eibach struts and B springs?

  3. #3
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Grand Junction, CO/RR TX
    Posts
    14,206

    Default

    First I will admit that I was never a fan of the alphabet springs. I know others feel different and that is fine. I thought most of the springs either too stiff or lowered the Foxes too much. Anyway enough about that.

    First I would measure your strut or your mounting pad on the spindle to determine which spindles you currently have. The OEM 79-86 spindle and strut will measure @ 1" wide where the strut mounts to the spindle. The 87-93 V8 and 94-04 spindles will measure @ 3/4" wide at the same area. That is why you can't install the 87-04 spindles on the early cars as the mounting ears for the spindle are too narrow for the 79-86 spindles.

    If you have the 79-86 spindles, then most likely the Eibach struts will be your only readily available option for a performance strut. If you have the 87-93 spindle then you can use virtually any strut you like.

    In regards to Bilstein, they are great struts/shocks, but they are a performance unit so they do not provide an OEM "soft" ride IMHO. That is not to say they give a rough ride, but they are designed to improve performance and handling NOT ride like a Lincoln. I don't mind the mildly stiffer ride, but your butt may decided different.

    The 1 1/8" sway bar was available on earlier model Mustangs and Capri so that is your best option for finding one in the J/Y, otherwise you can post a WTB in the Classified section. I have a couple of them, but unfortunately we are over 2K miles apart!

    Front Stabilizer Bar Specifications:
    Grade of solid steel: SAE 1090 - 1979-93
    0.94" - 1980-93 base/non V8
    1.00" - 1979 base/non V8, 1980-82 GT/Handling/Heavy Duty suspension systems
    1.06" - 1979 GT/Handling/Heavy Duty, 1979 TRX
    1.125" - 1982-84 TRX, 1983-84 GT/Handling/Heavy Duty, 1985-87 base/non V8, 1993 SVT Cobra
    1.31" - 1984-93 GT/Handling/Heavy Duty, 1993 SVT Cobra "R"
    1.20" - 1984-86 SVO

    Rear Stabilizer Bar Specifications:
    Grade of solid steel: SAE 1090 - 1979-86, SAE 5160 - 1987-93
    N/A - 1979-93 base/non V8
    0.50" - 1979-early 1983 GT/Heavy Duty, 1980-81 TRX
    0.56" - 1979 TRX, 1980-81 TRX only w/ 2.3T, 1982-84 TRX
    0.67" - late 1983-early 1984 GT/Handling, 1984-86 SVO
    0.79" - late 1984 GT/Heavy Duty
    0.83" - late 1984-85 Special Handling and GT/Handling, 1986-93 GT and LX 5.0L Handling, 1993 SVT Cobra and Cobra "R"

    By 12/83 V8 cars were using the 1.31” front bar apparently
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  4. #4

    Default

    i just put bilsteins on my 86, had to upgrade the front spindles etc. rides like a new car now, not plush but far from harsh, would buy again without a doubt. saving up for h&r sports
    struts: bil part #35-041382
    shocks: part #24-064187

  5. #5
    FEP Member Mgino757's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Posts
    489

    Default

    I'll vouch for the KYB AGX struts. They are adjustable and are fantastic for a daily driver. I have it almost turned all the way down and they ride great. I find that they are very effective for dampening the factory springs. I imagine they'd work well for the B springs also, just on the next higher dampener setting. I ride around with them on a 2/4 setting, whereas the aftermarket springs may need a 3/4 or even 4/4.
    1985 Mustang GT conv. modified 4180C, Weiand Street Warrior intake, equal length headers, true dual exhaust, 3.55:1 8.8'' rear end, 2003 V6 T5, Ford Racing 10.5" clutch.

    1998 Mustang GT auto. PI swapped. Daily beater

  6. #6
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Nebraska
    Posts
    4,575

    Default

    Depends upon what you want. If you want a great driving and handling setup that rides nice and won't break the bank try a page from the 93 cobra design like I have.

    Running Monroe shocks and struts on mine. Low mileage stock GT front springs, 87-93 4 cyl LX rear springs. New quad shocks.

    It rides basically I dentical to a 93 Cobra- way less harsh than a stock 86 GT. It will also vastly outhandle and out brake its stock counterpart thanks to SN95 spindles having improved Ackerman, 99GT dual piston calipers, drilled/slotted rotors, performance friction pads, 95GT rear brakes, 95 tribar 17" rims, 245/45/17 tires, etc. X2 balljoints and caster/camber plates have dropped it 1.5" .....

    I find the stock 86 has way too much swaybar even at stock heights and mine is dropped. To address this I run the stock 86 GT front sway and no rear sway. This keeps the rear planted a lot better and eliminates quite a bit of suspension bind out back.

    My next mod will be installing my MM panhard bar.

    I greatly enjoy the way my car is setup. My main regret is not swapping the rear springs for softer ones and ditching the rear sway 25 years ago. After that it would have to be the brake upgrades and front geometry updates.

    You can stay 4 lug and add rear disc from a 93 cobra / Tbird setup and foxbody mustang trackwidth adapter brackets. IMO the SN95 parts bin is all around better, but you have to go to 5 lug.
    Last edited by erratic50; 06-09-2017 at 03:03 AM.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •