The only regrets we had with this install was the fact that we didn't install a set of shocks and struts along with the springs and suspension components. In calling the Hotchkis tech line, the recommendation was to throw in a set of Bilstein shocks, which, according to Winter, would further enhance handling. "I think the Bilsteins are the best shock when it comes to a handling application, and if we had the chance to put them in, you would really feel the difference between the stock stuff and the new components," he says. In addition, Hotchkis says that the only other components that he would have added to the car would have been "upgraded steering and braking systems." We might just have to do that soon. In the meantime, we show you how we installed the Hotchkis suspension system on Project Yo Ken, and stay tuned. We might just have to throw some power at this Pony to really test the suspension's limits.
Once Both lower trailing arms...
Once Both lower trailing arms were in, it came time to swap out the stock upper trailing arms. Once again, we did one side at a time. The only pain of the upper swap was that we had to drill the factory rubber bushings out of the top of the rearend housing.
With The stock bushings out...
With The stock bushings out of the way, we put in the new polyurethane bushings Hotchkis supplied, and then installed the upper trailing arms.
Next, We put in the new 3.73...
Next, We put in the new 3.73 gears, which replaced the automatic transmission-equipped Mustang's factory 3.27s. The new gears will allow the car to accelerate quicker both out of the corner as well as on the dragstrip upon launch.
With The rearend all sealed...
With The rearend all sealed up, it came time to install the new Hotchkis rear sway bar. To do so, though, some accommodations had to be made to the fuel line outlet on the fuel tank.
To Hook up the sway bar, we...
To Hook up the sway bar, we had to install mounts that wrap around the axletubes, as well as the endlinks that mate to the framerails alongside of the gas tank. On the passenger-side of the gas tank is where we ran into a problem, as we had to lower the tank and reroute the fuel line so it would not contact the endlink.
Here Is what the rearend with...
Here Is what the rearend with the new Hotchkis suspension components looks like when all was said and done. With the hind end swapped over, we made our way to the front end.
We Lowered the car on the...
We Lowered the car on the lift, opened the hood, and installed the Hotchkis caster/camber plates. This was a simple install that required basic hand tools. Be advised, though, that after installing the caster/camber plates, an alignment is needed.
Once We had the caster/camber...
Once We had the caster/camber plates on, we went back underneath the Mustang and removed the factory sway bar. Here you can see the difference between the wimpy stock bar (top) and the beefy Hotchkis bar (bottom). Combined with the Hotchkis rear sway bar, the Stang will now have diminished body roll.
With The sway bar out of the...
With The sway bar out of the way, we swapped out the stock front springs for the new FRPP lowering springs.
The Before photo. While the...
The Before photo. While the Mustang has a nice looking stock stance with the 17-inch rims, we were looking for better handling performance, as well as looks, from the SN-95.
Here Is the after photo. As...
Here Is the after photo. As you can see, the FRPP springs dropped the nose 1 1/8 inches, and the rear 3/4-inch. Throw in the killer good looks of the 18x9 front and 18x10 rear American Muscle deep-dish, black center Bullitt rims, and we are definitely styling. For added performance, we threw on a set of Nitto 555 hoops.