I have to agree with you when it comes to poly verses rubber bushings. I have a '64 Fairlane and back in 05 when I got my car one of the first projects was to replace broken springs and replace all the worn bushings with ploy. We run a lot of long distance trips now and during the last few years I have told anyone who will listen that I am tired of the harder ride that I achieved. Keep up the great work on your shows and stay healthy.

Jeff, you forgot the most beneficial low buck change. The Shelby drop. I loved the description you did back in the episode where you and Vinny did it on the '67 Mustang. No need to go with the big drop and wedged ball joint for strictly street driving.

I have a 1966 Mercury Comet, good to know about the roller spring swing perch. Keep up with the great info!

1st, always good videos packed with helpful information

Hi! I just wanted to leave a comment to say thanks for all your videos. I used to own a '67 Mustang coupe years ago, and I miss the ride. I live in NYC now, where owning a classic is tough. But when I decide to move, I'm now really contemplating getting back into the hobby based on the really great videos you guys have put together on all the various tips and tricks of upgrading and restoring these cars. I've spent hours watching you guys work and I just love the effort you guys put into it. Thanks again!

Great video. Thanks Jeff.

As for spring perches, you can find the pattern online to lower the perch and back (look at mustang sites) and it changes the geometry slightly and it makes handling a lot better. I did it on my 64 Comet and it made a huge difference. Also on the early falcons, I used a later mustang idler arm and it corrected the binding and smoothed it out

Thank you for another great video! Being able to correct engineering deficiencies with shims which is what GM always did is Great idea. Hopefully that should help with center feel for the steering.

Another great video, this was just the information I was looking for

Great info. I have a 70 mustang and never knew that gas shocks were not ideal. Time for another upgrade.

Learned a lot on this video . Thank you.

Thanks, Jeff!

Just went to "GT" springs from Eaton Detroit, Monroe shocks, and a 7/8" sway bar on my 69 Mustang convertible, can't wait to get it on the road to see how it works. Previously had a "performance" suspension kit on it that had the KYB gas shocks, large sway bars, and high rate springs and it was horrible.

Can’t love this video enough.

Great channel, excellent advice, tune to your 90 percent.

Great episode again! The best investment in my car ever has been the Koni classic adjustable shock absorbers. Previously, the car had Kyb gas shock absorbers. The difference is amazing! And I agree, cruising car does not need polyurethane bushings. In my experience, this era of Ford on normal road conditions, camber should keep close to 0 degrees. A larger negative camper makes the car restless. Track driving is then a completely different matter.

I love that you avoid the aftermarket suspension. The prices are literally insane. Who can afford 5000 for a TCP coil over system? That’s more than the cost of my cars. Keep up the great videos. Subscribed

Right now I'm feeling pretty good about the choices I made when selecting components for my 69 Mustang. I bought roller spring perches and didn't go overboard on the sway bar. My shock towers were in good shape so I added the Shelby drop and some gussets to strengthen them. Looks like my only "mistake" was to go KYB shocks - something I can easily update.

Really like the teaching video's.

This is exactly what I needed at the moment. I’ve been looking at QA1 and other suspensions but that’s just not in the budget and I was getting frustrated. After this I may just do drop springs front and rear along with a Shelby drop and block. Maybe some traction bars and see how she eats.

Like your advice on building for "90%". Too often, we're told that "more is better, and too much is barely enough. Ditto for the remarks on gas shocks; I had seen a great improvement when using them on my Ranger pickup, and would have been tempted to repeat that on my Metal Cat (Cougar). Would not have thought about roller spring perches, but will now consider them.

i have a 66 mustang that has a full street or track suspension. about 5 years of daily driving and dozens of track weekends. very compliant and trouble free.

Most comments ever! People must be staying home. Very interesting video very informative I’ve been looking into updating my 66 fairlane GT 390 4spd .

Lots of great advice in here! Question? I have a 67 Cougar with a 390. I just installed JBK tri y headers. It calls for the removal of power steering assembly. Obviously with a 390. Even though ive shed about 90 pounds in the engine bay. I need power steering. What are your thoughts on power rack n pinion?

Calvert Racing sells good non gas shock for these cars. I'm running them in my 62 Falcon ,302 engine V8 suspension.

I have a 1965 Mustang that has upper and lower tubular control arms the upper have the Shelby drop I have also installed adjustable strut rods roller spring perches lowering springs bump steer outer tierod ends and I'm currently looking at the Shelby pitman arm and roller bearing idler arm

If you are looking for a 1" bar I would think one for an Australian Falcon / Fairlane would work. White line or Selby would make a 1" bar. So you would look for one that fits an XY Falcon perhaps.

The early Falcons through '62 had bronze bushed spring perches. I had a set but lost them in a move.

Thanks for the info. I did not know that about gas shocks. I have a ‘63 falcon convertible and the front does look a bit high and I never knew why. Also, do you think a 1” front sway bar would be worth doing over stock on a weekend cruiser?

Nice job on the video!!

Would like to hear your opinion on roller control arms. Particularly the ones Opentracker offers. Also your thoughts on modifying the lower control arm pivot for adjustable camber on the early cars.

Thanks for some excellent ideas you've given me for my 65 fairlane.

Great video - thanks. 1. What about Viking front coil over shocks? And, getting rid of the death coils? 2. Where can I source a rear sway bar for my 66 wagon? 3. After installing the caster shims, do you need to have it realigned. I recently had mine done and would prefer to not have that expense again. 4. Borgeson (sp) power steering? Thanks, again. Can't wait for the next suspension video.

I think 351 C large dot are open chamber, Small dot are closed chamber. Beside the dots will be a 4, except BOSS.

Which is better upgraded rubber or the original metal upper A arm bushings? I see AutoKrafters sells both.

I am having so much trouble getting info on the early falcon 60-62 ( some 63 ). looking to put a 302 in the falcon w/ T5 w/ explorer rear axle. I know it will fit, but the front ends are running for 6 cylinders. But what UCA,LCA, spring, and any mods that are needed is there a video for this for V8 upgrades I did see the tube for the engine support w/ratchet straps love it.

Jeff, 1. What are the parts numbers for the QA 1 REAR shocks for Fairlane. Can only find "universal" shocks?? 2. Have you seen noticable benefit of using subframe connectors? 3. Another way to strengthen the front shock towers is to weld the front crossmember braces to the tower where they turn up and overlap the tower. When I swapped in the 460 into my 68 Torino, I had to make that weld all the way around to ensure it could handle the weight. Apparently, big block cars have this extended weld from the factory. 4. I hope to see a Godzilla motor in the wagon SOON!

Great video. Lots of good information. Thanks. I have purchased some urethane bushings for my leaf spring eyes. This is my '62 F100....not a performance build. Is this going to make my ride too harsh?

Great vid but I’ve looked at the vid with mike on leaf springs and can’t get a straight answer at DES on how to measure leaf springs so I don’t alter ride height. Maybe you can do a vid on how to measure existing leg springs to maintained present ride height... thumbs up in this video!!!!

Thanks for this episode. I actually have the gas shocks on the front of my mustang (69) and the front end is high. The previous owner installed the V8 springs which I don't like as well. My plan is to replace all the components on the front because I also have the popping sound when I turn. Are the 250 L6 springs bigger or smaller than the small block springs? I have the 250 L6.

Does the 3/8 shim trick for castor apply to a 64 fairlane. Love your channel

Apologies for reviving an old thread where not a lot of people will probably see it, but this seems like a pretty good place. What makes a better-driving Mustang for mixing in modern traffic and leaning it into the back roads hard enough to have a little fun, the pre-1974 car of the Fox body? I legitimately can't get enough decent information on this from the internet. EVERYONE loves the first-gen Mustang and there's huge suspension support for it. As for the Fox body, "the internet" agrees their handling is trash compared to the S550 or S197 cars. Well, duh. That's sort of a no brainer. If you're buying a 30-35 year old car you should expect that. To me that's the wrong comparison. The right comparison should be to other cars which can qualify for "classic car" or "antique" plates where available.

Thank you Jeff. Any opinion on quality between the QA1 and Viking? On the Shelby drop question does it really help the 1967 up cars?

Would like to see your opinion on the kits that delete the shock towers

What episode did you cover the wheel and tire combo in the Fairlane?

u didnt put alignment specs in the description like u said u would! , i cant believe u didnt mention the shelby drop modification. But this video is most helpful and thank you for sharing

Thanks... I hope you go further with the f100

Depending on the application. A rear sway bar isn't going to help you for a DD. A LOT of auto x cars driven on the street will remove an end-link in the rear. A rear sway bar makes the car more predictable on where/when it's going to break lose. Agree 100% on running rubber in most cases. I know all about trying to run a set of KYB shocks and a 620 coil on a 67 fastback. With a 302 and 5spd. It bounced all over the place.

I enjoy the video, would like to see more on a 63 Merc. Comet rag top. Since my wife bought one. It has 170 C.I. & 3 SPD.. THANKS LOU.M. RETIED F.D.N.Y. AUTO.MECH.

Galaxie too please !!! Seriously want to buy a rack n pinion for the 68

Good luck on your subs Jeffro. My family added to your quest. Do you remember how much money 💰 you paid for the B&B power steering. I have a manual 1968 Mustang. Thanks Bubba. Steve

I just want to point out that gas shocks don’t add spring rate. They add a lifting force. A gas shock is contributing the same lifting force regardless of how much you compress it. In contrast, a 500# spring compressed one inch has 500# of force. Compressed 2 inches it’s 1000#. A gas shock may have 50# of lifting force, but that stays the same whether it’s compressing 1/4” or 3”. So yes, it will make the ride firmer and yes it will raise the ride height. But it will not affect handling balance the way a stiffer spring will.

Hey Jeff I have a 1970 cougar convert with air I'd like to make a few changes ex: roller spring perches shelby drop, adj strut rods , and I'd like lower the front 1.5 inches. it currently has rebuilt stock suspension with gas shocks do you think going back to hydraulic shocks will give me the desired effect or will I need to change the springs ..lastly if I go hydraulic shocks in the front can I leave the gas in the rear or ? thanks I watch way too many of your videos however they are great....I'm thinking the shocks may allow the car to sit down as the front is a tad high .....the suspension has been in plenty long to allow it to settle...BLAH BLAH ...Thanks

I want my 1970 Ford Torino GT to handle performance driving as in a driving course at Barbers Motorsport or Roebling Roads. What Suspencion kit do you recommend for a Torino that can handle corners. Thanks

Hi. I have been going over the steering, and front suspension on my 68 Mustang coupe recently and decided to swap out my lower control arms with Scott Drake premium units. I am dismayed to find that they will not accept grease via the fitted zirk fittings. It just spews out of the ball joint mounting flange under the arm, with none going into the rubber boot. My supplier tells me that they are greased from the factory but that doesn’t answer they are fitted with a grease nipple that won’t supply grease to the joint! I wonder if you have struck this problem, or am I missing something here?

But the 10% cams sound so cool lol.

Great info Jeff, THANK YOU!! So Ford less better idea, 1963/64 Galaxies front suspension. I have been looking for a cure to my 1964 Galaxie offset bushings. Have you heard, scene know of anything to replace, upgrade that horribly handling mess other than removing it all together and replacing with, I think you called expensive jewelry.... But my 1966 Mustang thanks you for the info, I will be looking forward to next weeks discussion, QA1 has a new affordable coil over option I really like.

Caster and toe mentioned at 11:05 is not in the description.

My wife inherited her dads 65 mustang and there are 215 70 14 tires on american racing wheels and I am having trouble with tire rubbing the fender, so I bought the KYB gas a shocks and the leaf springs are on adjustable shackles and I raised the rear end. I still need to install the rear shocks but replaced the fronts as they were shot and the rear already has new leafs and hydraulic kyb's. I have noticed that the ps rear that is rubbing the fender has a ride height that is a 1/2 in lower than ds. Can the shock/leaf spring mount cause this? I did buy some new konig 15x7 in wheels and was planning to go with a 195 tire to hopefully provide a solution..what are your thoughts? Thanks and I am enjoying the channel.

Always interesting even though I'll probably never have an old car to work on. I have to admit for a few minutes there I was mainly focused on trying to read the sign on the refrigerator.

And Cougars!

I called eton springs the lady on the phone said they don't make front springs for 64-66 thunderbird but didn't know why! By any chance do you know if their is something odd about ford thunderbird? How ever they do make everything for the rear of the thunderbird!

How do you feel about “modified” stock like Opentracker racing?

The suspension of a ford ltd 79 will be in a falcon 68?

Does this info apply to 64, 65, 66 TBirds? Thanks for the info.

I'm planning on changing my steering box on my 67 The steering box is long shaft If I switch the steering box to rag joint Style would I be able to use a 68 or 69 steering column?

Would you do this for the full size like the Galaxie and LTD?

Can you do a Shelby drop in a 1970 Maverick

What about the Shelby drop mod?

You didn’t talk about camber. Wouldn’t the shims change camber not caster?

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE STARLINER? SEE......! GOT YA!

What happened to the Torino future project?

biggest issue i keep hearing not just with ford is people buy a classic car with drum brakes convert it to disc for "safety" then oversize wheels on to fit the caliper. drivability goes out the window not to mention putting radials on cars engineered for soft polyester. had a classmate torched out the shock towers '67 mustang coupe to fit a 460 with headers, car made wide turns and parallel parking was a no go

Have any Torino episodes been posted? Thank you

Caster and toe? Alignment specs?

Herb Adams said soft springs and big bars. As for the Ford strut rod suspension... It's an abomination of a suspension with no caster lots of unsprung weight and massive geometry issues. There are so many aftermarket units to choose from that it takes allot to compare them. My favorite for price and geometry fixing balance is the CPP lower control arm kit. It gives you a real lower control arm and fixes the caster change issue. Not the fanciest but fixes several issues for a somewhat fair price.

I was gonna get a coke out of the fridge but it's not Saturday.😖

No mention of Cougars

For a old Fairlane with original saggy springs, probably 1 1/2" low, gas shocks are great. I've had a set of uhhh(three letter brand) on my '69 Cobra since '92-ish? Anyway not once in this time have I said "ugghh should have bought something else". Admittedly after almost 30 years the gas may be long gone, still they show no signs of leakage. I like the stance so I ain't messin' with them..

and the f100?

Really making sure no one drinks those cokes.

Cougar???

I’m glad that you finally mentioned what the problem is with gas shocks. But isn’t that more a problem with shock selection than the fact it’s gas? Saying Ford didn’t design it for gas shocks is pretty weak. Following that logic, better lose those big wheel low profile radials, Ford didn’t design for those either. Break out the wide ovals baby!