A suspension buyer's guide for the 2005-2007 S197 Ford Mustang
Choosing suspension upgrades can be a confusing and time consuming process. Luckily, many manufacturers have put together suspension packages using components that were specifically designed to work together. With the proper setup, these suspension packages will increase handling capability, provide more direct steering and better turn-in, improve rigidity and traction, and reduce your vehicle’s center of gravity, all while maintaining ride quality. Listed here are some of the suspension packages available for the S197 Mustang.
Eibach
Eibach Pro System Plus Kit
Long known for their high quality sport springs, Eibach has developed other suspension components and combined them to create the Pro-System Plus Suspension Kit that is available at a discounted price compared to purchasing the components seperately. Starting with their Pro-Kit Sport Springs, Eibach adds their high performance struts and shocks and matches them to the characteristics of the springs. Eibach also includes their anti-roll kit, adding front and rear sway bars. The result is better turn-in response, reduced understeer, and less body roll without a sacrifice in handling. The Pro-System Plus Kit is priced at $1,093.
Ford Racing
Ford Racing Handling Pack
Ford Racing has compiled many of their suspension products available for the 2005-2007 Mustang to create the Ford Racing Handling Pack. The kit includes the Ford Racing lowering springs, front and rear sway bars, dampers, and strut tower brace. The components are designed to work together as a package, and lowers the vehicle approximately 1.5 inches. Best of all, the kit comes with a limited warranty. The Handling Pack has a suggested retail price of $1,335.00.
Granatelli Motorsports
Granatelli 1G Suspension System
Granatelli Motorsports has developed a wide range of chassis stiffening products for both V8 and V6 S197 Mustangs. Their 1G Suspension System combines some of their best suspension components to reduce chassis flex and provide flatter, more stable handling at higher speeds, and will yield 1.0g of lateral grip on a 200 foot skid pad. The kit includes progressive rate springs and Tokico shocks, billet camber adjusters, double strut tower brace, rear shock tower brace, a-arm brace, sub-frame connectors, heavy duty motor mounts, driveshaft loop, front and rear sway bars, upper 3rd link, rear lower control arms, and a panhard rod. Each component is also available individually.
Roush
Roush Suspension Kit
Using parts from their catalog, Roush combines suspension components that were specifically designed to work together to create this complete suspension kit for the S197 Mustang GT. Front and rear springs increase performance and give the car a more aggressive look, while new front struts and rear shocks improve steering feel and drivability. Finally, a front and rear sway bar are added to eliminate flex and improve turn-in. The price for the Roush suspension kit is listed at $1,468.25.
Saleen
Saleen Suspension System
Saleen’s Racecraft suspension system for the S197 Mustang was developed using more than twenty years of experience. The kit includes Racecraft-tuned struts and shocks, springs, and tubular front sway bar. The system lowers the car approximately 1-1.25 inches. Saleen also offers “Extreme” upgrades including lower control arms and a panhard bar. The basic kits starts at $799.99.
Steeda
Steeda Stage 1 Club Racer Suspension Pak
Steeda offers a variety of suspension packages and components, including three stages of G-Trac suspension kits, two stages of handling packs, and a new Club Racer Pak that features specific suspension components to maximize handling capability. The Stage 1 Pak includes Steeda sport springs, front adjustable sway bar, rear sway bar, strut tower brace, front control arm relocation kit, non-adjustable struts and shocks, and rear lower trailing arms. Priced at $1,475, the Stage 1 Club Racer Pak is a cost-effective way to improve both lateral grip and control.
