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9/03/2024 5:52 PM  #26


Re: New Rear Leaf Springs Installed

kardad wrote:

This almost comical as I just received my Summit order today with a set of Monroe-Matics to replace the KYB’s on the car. I realized that after all of the high dollar shocks I’ve tried that I was happier with a base gas shock like the old Monroe’s

 
Let us know how it rides after you install them.

 

9/04/2024 6:18 PM  #27


Re: New Rear Leaf Springs Installed

Steve69

It's always hard to give an opinion on ride quality or sound levels, everyone has a different benchmark or basis, but with that said. I like to drive my 66 what some may call spiritly on some curvy two-lane roads down around Ky River. I think the Monroes are the perfect compromise for a light weight first gen Mustang, especially on the rear. The KYB's were stiff enough that the back end would want to hop and skid, and now the suspension moves just enough to let things settle in. I like the forgiveness on the front end when driving on poorly maintained roads.

I do think the Monroes would be too soft on the front for a heavier car or a car with a big block, but I feel they work fine for the small block.

I guess the next question will be how long they will last, but at $30 I can afford to replace them.

I can tell that I'm getting older, the 68 has 17" wheels and 45/40 series tires and KYB's. The 66 has 15" wheels, 60 series tires and Monroes. Guess which one get driven the most.

 

9/04/2024 10:49 PM  #28


Re: New Rear Leaf Springs Installed

kardad wrote:

Steve69

It's always hard to give an opinion on ride quality or sound levels, everyone has a different benchmark or basis, but with that said. I like to drive my 66 what some may call spiritly on some curvy two-lane roads down around Ky River. I think the Monroes are the perfect compromise for a light weight first gen Mustang, especially on the rear. The KYB's were stiff enough that the back end would want to hop and skid, and now the suspension moves just enough to let things settle in. I like the forgiveness on the front end when driving on poorly maintained roads.

I do think the Monroes would be too soft on the front for a heavier car or a car with a big block, but I feel they work fine for the small block.

I guess the next question will be how long they will last, but at $30 I can afford to replace them.

I can tell that I'm getting older, the 68 has 17" wheels and 45/40 series tires and KYB's. The 66 has 15" wheels, 60 series tires and Monroes. Guess which one get driven the most.

Great minds think alike - my 68 has 17" 245/45/17 in back, 235/45/17 in front, and  KYB's -also 1" front sway bar, 3/4" rear sway bar, 620 lb front springs, 5 leaf rear springs, and the Shelby drop.  The 65 has 215/60/15 and non-KYB shocks (have to look to see what they are) - stock suspension and springs. I do drive the 65 more currently.
 

Last edited by Ron68 (9/04/2024 10:51 PM)


68 coupe - 351W, 4R70W, 9" 3.25 -- 65 convertible - 289 4v, C4, 8" 3.00
 

9/05/2024 11:49 AM  #29


Re: New Rear Leaf Springs Installed

I've posted previously (many times!)...Since I ain't rac'in this puppy I want it to ride smoooth. Monroe matics are what I use. Like was said....these are light weight cars and I like a softer ride when I cruise. BITD.....big HP factory cars...Fairlanes...Chevelles...Cudas...we had Monroe matics because that was 'pretty-much' what was available.
Old dog....new trick philosphy .......maybe.
6sal6


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

9/06/2024 5:07 AM  #30


Re: New Rear Leaf Springs Installed

Ron68 wrote:

… the 68 has 17" wheels and 45/40 series tires and KYB's…my 68 has 17" 245/45/17 in back, 235/45/17 in front, and  KYB's -also 1" front sway bar, 3/4" rear sway bar, 620 lb front springs, 5 leaf rear springs, and the Shelby drop. 

 
Ron, almost exactly same setup with suspension 620 springs, 5 leaf mid-eyes, KYB Gas-a-Just shocks, 1-1/8” front, 3/4” rear, 235/40/18 (x4).

After a discussion with RPM at the 2019 Bash about oversteer, I disconnected the rear sway bar and test drove it for a while.  Ride harshness significantly reduced and my oversteer reduced as well…the back would easily brake loose.

The rear sway bar was removed and sold.

I also performed a short test drive with front shocks removed prior to the 2019 Bash to see if the harsh ride was from springs or shocks…it was the Gas-a-Just shocks not the 620 springs.

Double adjustable coil over shocks with 350# springs were installed during my suspension refresh in spring of 2020.
I wanted to be able to adjust ride height without the harsh ride.

Have put a few road trips on it since the change and truly enjoy the ride.

Rear Gas-a-Just are next change item.  Too firm for the lunar surfaces in Upper Michigan.

Last edited by Nos681 (9/06/2024 5:09 AM)

 

9/06/2024 3:45 PM  #31


Re: New Rear Leaf Springs Installed

Nos681 wrote:

Ron68 wrote:

… the 68 has 17" wheels and 45/40 series tires and KYB's…my 68 has 17" 245/45/17 in back, 235/45/17 in front, and  KYB's -also 1" front sway bar, 3/4" rear sway bar, 620 lb front springs, 5 leaf rear springs, and the Shelby drop. 

 
Ron, almost exactly same setup with suspension 620 springs, 5 leaf mid-eyes, KYB Gas-a-Just shocks, 1-1/8” front, 3/4” rear, 235/40/18 (x4).

After a discussion with RPM at the 2019 Bash about oversteer, I disconnected the rear sway bar and test drove it for a while. Ride harshness significantly reduced and my oversteer reduced as well…the back would easily brake loose.

The rear sway bar was removed and sold.

I also performed a short test drive with front shocks removed prior to the 2019 Bash to see if the harsh ride was from springs or shocks…it was the Gas-a-Just shocks not the 620 springs.

Double adjustable coil over shocks with 350# springs were installed during my suspension refresh in spring of 2020.
I wanted to be able to adjust ride height without the harsh ride.

Have put a few road trips on it since the change and truly enjoy the ride.

Rear Gas-a-Just are next change item. Too firm for the lunar surfaces in Upper Michigan.

Interesting about removing the rear sway bar. May be something to try in the future. My KBY's are 24 years old, but still are working okay. I've never really driven the car without that suspension setup. I do like the way it holds the road in corners when I drive a little heavy. Probably the Shelby drop. Who knows - I might get some old (new) Monroes and remove the rear bar, and it'll be like a new car (new to me).
 


68 coupe - 351W, 4R70W, 9" 3.25 -- 65 convertible - 289 4v, C4, 8" 3.00
 

9/08/2024 7:30 AM  #32


Re: New Rear Leaf Springs Installed

I had purchased a rear sway bar for my 65 Mustang years ago and was advised by several poeple not to install it as "you won't like the ride", so I didn't install it (and I'm OK with the ride as-is). 
If anyone interested in it, let me know.  I'm sure we can work something out. 


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     Thread Starter
 

9/08/2024 1:05 PM  #33


Re: New Rear Leaf Springs Installed

I installed my rear sway bar (3/4" AADCO) many years ago. I wouldn't be without it.  I don't race.  Just canyon carve.    Keeps me much flatter in the curves.  I've talked to racers who have totally removed theirs, but they have a specific reason for doing it.  I don't remember exactly why, but it affects cornering only at race speeds.


Original owner - 351w,T-5, 4whl disks, power R&P
 

Board footera


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