The '05-'11 S197Mustang is the best ever produced in this legendary nameplate's 46-year history. Aside from good looks and a fun-to-drive demeanor, the S197 is also the easiest to work on, even with its high-tech architecture. The exhaust system can be changed out in your home garage. Engine modifications like throttle bodies and cold air induction can be performed without high-tech diagnostic equipment. Now we've learned via Marlon Mitchell of Marlo's Frame & Alignment/Fly Ford Racing that suspension upgrades are just as easy and can also be performed in your garage as long as you have the front end alignment checked afterward.
For one thing, there's not much to a front-end alignment aside from toe adjustment on the new Mustangs. Camber and caster adjustments are pretty much a thing of the past with the S197, although it can be accomplished via the Eibach camber adjustment bolts available from Late Model Restoration Supply (#EIB-581260K). Some lowering kits mandate this camber adjustment kit. For the most part, front-end alignment, aside from toe, doesn't require adjustment.
1. Rear spring replacement...
1. Rear spring replacement on the S197 Mustang is easy. Support the body with heavy-duty jackstands, then use a floor jack to support and manipulate the rear axle.
However, the S197 Mustangs sit high from the factory and can also stand an improvement in handling. This is where Summit Racing Equipment and Ford Racing Performance Parts can help with a variety of options. We're going to install the Ford Racing M-5300-K spring kit from Summit Racing Equipment on a '10 V-6 Mustang coupe to both lower ride height and improve handling. There are assorted handling options from Summit aside from this Ford Racing spring kit. The Handling Pack from Ford Racing costs more, but it includes the entire handling package along with ease of installation because struts and springs are already assembled. Replacing a strut assembly is easy and can be performed in your home garage.
When replacing springs, it is advisable to replace the M-18183-A upper strut mount and M-5570-A jounce bumper kit, along with the M-18000-A shock and strut kit. It is also advisable to get the M-5490-A sway bar kit as well. This makes your suspension upgrade complete and cohesive. Another issue to keep in mind is fasteners. Ford suggests replacement of some fasteners whenever you replace suspension components. A front-end alignment is suggested.
2. Marlon Mitchell has the...
2. Marlon Mitchell has the body supported. This pneumatic bottle jack is being used to raise and lower the rear axle.
3. Rear sway bar links are...
3. Rear sway bar links are disconnected as shown with the vehicle and rear axle supported. You will find one of these links on each side.
4. Both rear shocks are disconnected...
4. Both rear shocks are disconnected at the axle. You may have to adjust the axle up or down. Just make sure it remains supported.
5. The Panhard bar is disconnected...
5. The Panhard bar is disconnected at the left end, which frees the axle.
6. Marlon has lowered the...
6. Marlon has lowered the rear axle, which frees up both springs. The original springs will be put away for safekeeping.
7. Here's a comparison of...
7. Here's a comparison of the stock and Ford Racing M-5300-K springs. On top is the stock rear coil spring. On the bottom is our new Ford Racing spring, which will improve handling and lower ride height by approximately 1.5 inches. Notice the progressive rate nature of the Ford Racing coil.
8. Marlon installs both rear...
8. Marlon installs both rear coils, then slowly jacks the rear axle up for a snug fit while keeping vehicle weight on support jacks.
9. The shocks are reconnected...
9. The shocks are reconnected as shown, using the jack to adjust the axle up or down.
10. Sway bar links are reconnected...
10. Sway bar links are reconnected using the axle jack for positioning.
11. Finally, the Panhard bar...
11. Finally, the Panhard bar is reconnected and the rear is done.
12. There's nothing really...
12. There's nothing really new about the S197 front suspension-MacPherson strut with coil springs tied to rack-and-pinion steering. Not much different from the '79-'04 Fox-body Mustangs, but easier to work with.
13. As with the rear suspension,...
13. As with the rear suspension, Marlon has safely supported the body. The front suspension is supported and moved with a hydraulic jack.
14. With the strut supported...
14. With the strut supported with a hydraulic jack, Marlon removes four nuts to disconnect the strut from the tower. This frees up the strut.
15. Down below, with the strut...
15. Down below, with the strut and spindle supported, Marlon disconnects the strut via the removal of these three bolts-two at the spindle and one at the base of the spring.
16. If you're replacing just...
16. If you're replacing just the springs, you'll need a spring compressor to remove both the spring and upper strut mount. If you're going with one of the Handling Packs, you won't need a spring compressor. With the spring compressed, the top mount nut is removed to release the spring. We cannot stress enough how important safety is here. A compressed spring suddenly uncontained can hurt you.
17. The spring insulator is...
17. The spring insulator is transferred from the factory spring to the Ford Racing spring as shown. Because it is glued to the factory spring, be gentle with removal.
18. This is the dust shield,...
18. This is the dust shield, which protects the strut and jounce stops. Although there are dust shields included in the M-5300-K kit, we like the factory dust shields and are staying with them.
19. Remove the factory jounce...
19. Remove the factory jounce stops because the suspension can bottom out with the lowering spring. Put the stops away for safekeeping. If you're installing the complete Handling Pack kit, revised jounce stops are included in the kit.
20. The Ford Racing lowering...
20. The Ford Racing lowering spring is installed next along with the top strut mount.
Run the nut down as far as...
Run the nut down as far as it will go.
21. Marlon reinstalls the...
21. Marlon reinstalls the strut assemblies, first anchoring the top mounts (four fasteners), then the bottom spindle bolts.
22. What amazes us about this...
22. What amazes us about this spring swap is how easy it was. There's so much on these S197 Mustangs you can do yourself and this spring swap is yet another example.
23. Before: This side profile...
23. Before: This side profile of our '10 Mustang V-6 coupe demonstrates how high these cars ride. Lowered ride height coupled with stiffer springs in the M-5300-K kit will improve center of gravity and handling.
24. After: Side profile shows...
24. After: Side profile shows our Mustang sitting 1-2 inches lower, which improves looks and handling.