The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its power, speed, and aggressive styling. However, while it excels in straight-line performance, handling can sometimes be a challenge, especially with stock suspension setups. If you want to transform your Mustang into a well-balanced machine that grips the road, improves cornering, and provides a smoother ride, upgrading its suspension and handling components is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how you can enhance your Mustang’s suspension and handling. Whether you own a classic first-generation Mustang or the latest S650 model, this article will provide valuable insights into suspension upgrades, components, and tuning for the best driving experience.
Understanding Mustang Suspension
The Mustang has evolved significantly since its inception in 1964, with multiple suspension configurations used across different generations. Understanding your Mustang’s suspension layout is crucial before making upgrades.
Front Suspension
Most classic Mustangs (1964-1973) were equipped with an independent front suspension (IFS) using coil springs and control arms. Later models, including the Fox-body (1979-1993) and SN95 (1994-2004), retained this setup but introduced improved geometry. The S197 (2005-2014) and newer Mustangs (S550 and S650) feature a modern MacPherson strut front suspension, enhancing steering precision and ride quality.
Rear Suspension
Older Mustangs relied on a solid rear axle, which provided durability and straight-line stability but compromised handling and ride comfort. It wasn’t until the introduction of the S550 (2015-present) that the Mustang received an independent rear suspension (IRS), significantly improving cornering grip and ride smoothness.
Key Suspension Upgrades
To enhance your Mustang’s handling characteristics, consider upgrading the following components:
1. Performance Shocks and Struts
Stock shocks and struts are designed for comfort rather than performance. Upgrading to high-performance dampers, such as adjustable coilovers or sport-tuned shocks, can dramatically improve ride quality and handling response.
Recommended Options:
- Bilstein B6 Performance Struts
- Koni Yellow Adjustable Shocks
- Ford Performance Track Shocks
- KW Variant 3 Coilovers
2. Lowering Springs or Coilovers
Lowering your Mustang’s ride height reduces body roll, improves aerodynamics, and enhances its stance. Lowering springs offer a simple, cost-effective way to achieve this, while coilovers provide adjustable height and damping for fine-tuned performance.
Recommended Options:
- Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Springs
- H&R Sport Springs
- Steeda Adjustable Coilovers
- Viking Berserker Coilover System
3. Sway Bars (Anti-Roll Bars)
Sway bars reduce body roll and improve stability during cornering. A thicker, stiffer sway bar will keep your Mustang flatter through turns, enhancing overall control.
Recommended Options:
- Whiteline Adjustable Sway Bars
- Eibach Anti-Roll Kit
- BMR Suspension Sway Bar Upgrade
4. Control Arms and Bushings
Upgrading control arms and replacing rubber bushings with polyurethane or spherical joints enhances precision and eliminates unwanted flex.
Recommended Options:
- BMR Adjustable Rear Control Arms
- Maximum Motorsports Tubular Control Arms
- Energy Suspension Polyurethane Bushings
5. Strut Tower and Chassis Bracing
Adding strut tower braces and subframe connectors reduces chassis flex and improves handling precision. This is especially beneficial for older Mustangs with weaker unibody structures.
Recommended Options:
- Ford Performance Strut Tower Brace
- Steeda Subframe Connectors
- Maximum Motorsports K-Member Brace
6. Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) Upgrades
For S550 Mustangs, IRS bushings and differential braces help reduce wheel hop and improve power delivery.
Recommended Options:
- BMR IRS Cradle Lockout Kit
- Steeda IRS Subframe Bushing Support
- Ford Performance Toe Link Kit
Suspension Tuning Tips
Once you’ve upgraded your Mustang’s suspension components, proper tuning ensures you get the best performance.
1. Alignment Settings
A proper alignment setup improves tire wear and handling. Recommended settings for a performance-oriented Mustang:
- Front Camber: -1.5 to -2.0 degrees
- Front Toe: 0 to slight toe-out for sharper turn-in
- Rear Camber: -1.0 to -1.5 degrees
- Rear Toe: Slight toe-in for stability
2. Corner Balancing
Corner balancing adjusts weight distribution across all four wheels, enhancing grip and handling consistency, especially for track use.
3. Tire Selection
High-performance tires are crucial for maximizing handling. Stickier tires improve grip, reducing understeer and oversteer tendencies.
Recommended Options:
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS
- Nitto NT05
- Toyo Proxes R888R
4. Adjusting Dampers
If using adjustable shocks, start with a medium setting and fine-tune based on driving feedback. Softer settings improve comfort, while firmer settings enhance cornering stability.
5. Weight Reduction
Reducing unnecessary weight improves handling by lowering the car’s center of gravity and reducing body roll. Components such as lightweight wheels, carbon fiber body panels, and removing excess interior trim can make a noticeable difference.
6. Brake Upgrades
Braking performance plays a crucial role in handling. Upgrading to larger rotors, multi-piston calipers, and high-performance brake pads will help control your Mustang under aggressive driving conditions.
Recommended Options:
- Brembo Big Brake Kit
- Wilwood Superlite Brake Kit
- StopTech Slotted Rotors
- Hawk Performance Brake Pads
7. Aerodynamic Enhancements
Adding a front splitter, rear wing, and underbody panels can improve high-speed stability and cornering grip by increasing downforce and reducing lift.
Recommended Options:
- APR Performance Carbon Fiber Splitter
- Anderson Composites Rear Wing
- Verus Engineering Underbody Panels
Suspension Upgrades for Different Driving Styles
Your Mustang’s ideal suspension setup depends on how you use it:
Street Performance
- Lowering springs or mild coilovers
- Upgraded shocks and struts
- Moderate sway bars
- Polyurethane bushings
Track & Autocross
- Fully adjustable coilovers
- Stiff sway bars
- IRS upgrades
- Aggressive alignment settings
Drag Racing
- Soft rear shocks for weight transfer
- Adjustable control arms
- Lightweight suspension components
Daily Driver/Comfort
- Progressive-rate lowering springs
- Softer adjustable dampers
- Comfort-focused tires
Upgrading your Mustang’s suspension transforms it from a straight-line bruiser into a well-balanced performance machine. Whether you're hitting the track, carving canyons, or cruising the streets, a well-tuned suspension setup enhances driving confidence and enjoyment.
By carefully selecting and tuning suspension components, you can achieve the perfect balance between ride comfort and high-performance handling, ensuring that your Mustang performs at its best under all conditions.
With the right combination of parts and proper tuning, your Mustang can become a handling masterpiece, capable of tackling any road or track with precision and confidence.
