• Required: Selecting items below in Steps 1-3.
• Options: Steps 4-6 described on Options tab.

Step 1
Select the series and valving: Street-ST1, Sport-SP1, Race-RA2, or Race-RA3.

• For best performance and ride quality, shocks are matched to the rear spring rate and usually have the same base valving as the struts.
• See the Spring Rates tab for a list of rates and spring locations best matching third-generation MM shocks.
• Need help choosing? Contact an MM Tech Associate.

Street series

• ST1 valved shocks are the perfect choice for high performance Mustangs driven on the street, and occasional road course events.
• Designed to control direct-replacement springs as well as mild coil-over spring rates.
• Provides good ride quality.

Sport series

• SP1 valved shocks are best for Mustangs driven on the street that are also open-tracked or autocrossed.
• Designed to control moderate coil-over spring rates.
• Provides firm but not overly harsh ride quality.

Race series

• RA2 valved shocks are for street Mustangs used for serious open-tracking, and racecars driven on bumpy tracks.
• Designed to control the softer end of the road course spring rate range.

Race series

• RA3 valved shocks are for competitive road racing.
• Designed to control the stiffer end of the road course spring rate range.

Step 2
Select the lower eyelet type.

Urethane bushings: Best for street-driven Mustangs because urethane provides noise isolation.

Spherical bearing: Best for track and competition use because even the small amount of deflection urethane allows is eliminated, thereby improving damper function.

Notes

• Spherical bearings are preinstalled.
• The user installs urethane bushings.
• MM offers conversion kits to change between a bushing and a bearing.

Step 3
Select the Upper Shock Mount Kit.

Choose which upper mount to include with your shock:

Non-coil-over mount

• For use with conventional stock-location springs.
• Includes all upper end parts required to install one MM shock.
• See MMSM-20 for details.

Standard coil-over/upper mount

• Excellent for street and track applications.
• Includes all coil-over conversion parts except the spring, in addition to all upper end parts required to install one MM shock.
• See MMCO-22 for details.
• Order 2-1/4" coil-over springs separately.
• Note: Third-gen black shocks require MMCO-22. MMCO-20 ONLY fits second-gen yellow shocks.

Competition coil-over

• Excellent for racing and open-track applications.
• MUST install with MM Racing Upper Shock Mount (NOT INCLUDED): MMSM-1, MMSM-3, MMSM-5, or MMSM-12.
• Includes all coil-over conversion parts except the spring, in addition to all upper end parts required to install one MM shock, EXCEPT the Racing Upper Shock Mount.
• Need a Racing Shock Mount? Select the MMSM-12 option with the shock.
• See MMCO-23 for details.
• Order 2-1/4" coil-over springs separately.
• Note: Third-gen black shocks require MMCO-23. MMCO-21 ONLY fits second-gen yellow shocks.

Selecting items described above in Steps 1-3 is required.

See Options tab for Steps 4-6.

The items listed below may be required for your particular installation.

Step 4
Do you need a Racing Upper Shock Mount?
If you selected the Competition Coil-over Kit (MMCO-23) and you do not already have the MMSM-1, MMSM-3, or MMSM-5, add the MMSM-12 Racing Shock Mount

Note
One MMSM-12 is required per shock. 2 required per car.

Step 5
Are you getting coil-overs?
Coil-over installation requires a robust lower shock-to-axle mounting bracket.

• If you have an MM Panhard Bar, the axle mount does double duty as the lower shock mount for the driver side. Click here to order 1 shock-to-axle mounting bracket (MMSM-2) for the passenger side.
• If you don't have an MM Panhard Bar, click here to order 2 of the shock-to-axle mounting brackets (MMSM-2).

Step 6
Do you need a spanner wrench?
A spanner wrench is necessary to adjust ride height when using springs with a rate less than 250 lb/in. Springs with a higher rate rarely need a spanner wrench for adjustment.

• Click here to order 1 MMT-2 if your spring rate may require a spanner wrench.

Third-Generation MM Shocks: Better by Design

• MM designed damping curve of each series' valving (Street-ST1, Sport-SP1, Race-RA2, and Race-RA3) matches with appropriate springs; see the Spring Rate tab.
• More efficient operation because the over-sized shaft reduces deflection.
• Mono-tube design provides better heat dissipation than twin-tube dampers, keeping the damper's oil cooler and decreasing heat-induced damper fade.
• Nitrogen gas pressure prevents oil foaming and fading.
• Coil-over ready, with just the addition of an MM coil-over conversion and mount kit, no modifications needed.
• MM coil-over kits use 2-1/4" rear spring for improved tire clearance.
• Robust "off road"-style shaft seal increases longevity.
• Integral bumpstop upgrades Fox Mustang bumpstop to improved SN95 style.
• Option of spherical bearing with zero vertical deflection improves damper function

Third-Generation MM Shocks: Better by Design

• Black powder coat finish
• MM-designed damping curves for high performance driving
• Monotube design
• Nitrogen gas pressure
• Oversized 5/8" shaft
• "off road"-style shaft seal
• Integral cellular foam bumpstop
• Dust cover for non-coil-over applications
• Urethane or spherical bearing lower eyelet mount

Third-generation MM shocks Fit

• All 1986-2004 Mustang 8.8" solid axles.
• 1979-1985 Mustangs only when upgraded to OEM Ford or MM double-shear shock mounting brackets.
• 1979-1993 7.5" axles fitted with OEM Ford 8.8" axle double-shear lower shock mounting brackets or MM double-shear brackets.
• All 1994-2004 7.5" solid axles.
• 1984-1985 7.5" axles equipped with quad shocks, as those axles have the correct double-shear lower shock mounting brackets.
• MM Lower Shock Mount brackets, MMSM-2.

Does NOT fit

• Any MM rear coil-over kits other than those listed here as options.
• IRS equipped Mustang.
• Thunderbirds.

Required for all applications

• Upper Shock Mount kit; choose from the listed options

Required for Non-coil-over installation

• If your Mustang does not have the OEM Ford double-shear style lower shock mounting brackets, you will need to get either a pair of OEM brackets, or two of MM Lower Shock Mount(MMSM-2); one if your Mustang has the MM Panhard Bar.
• MMSM-20 for non-coil-over installation does NOT fit MM Racing Upper Shock Mounts

Required for Coil-over installation

• If you have an MM Panhard Bar, the Axle Mount does double duty as the lower shock mount for the driver side, and therefore 1 MMSM-2 is required, for the passenger side. If you do not have an MM Panhard Bar, you will need 2 of the MMSM-2 shock-to-axle mounting brackets.

Note
MMSM-2 does not include the lower shock mount bolt (12mm by 70mm, grade 10.9) and matching nut.

Why is the warranty only three years?
The warranty is not against parts wearing out. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in the manufacturing of the damper kits. If there was a problem in manufacturing it will become apparent within three years.

Each of the third-generation MM shocks works with spring rates in a particular range. Choose your springs first, and then the shock choice falls into place.

How do I choose which springs to use?
Decide whether you want direct replacement rear springs that fit in the stock location, or a coil-over conversion.

In general, choose springs that provide the handling characteristics and ride quality you want from your Mustang. To determine that:

• Decide on the performance goal for your Mustang.
• Consider how you'll use your Mustang most of the time; you want to optimize it for that type of driving.
• Consider what level of ride quality you want, and then decide what (if any) compromises you'll make to achieve your performance goal.

For help choosing springs, See the MM Guide to Choosing Spring Rates and Dampers.

Which MM dampers go with which springs?
Choose your springs first. That choice dictates the damper series selection.

See the MM Guide to Choosing Spring Rates and Dampers.

Quick Reference
Some springs are listed for more than one shock series. For a Mustang primarily driven on the street, choose the lower series spring. For a Mustang autocrossed or open-tracked, choose the higher series spring.

You can read Maximum Motorsports' highly detailed MMD-RC1xxxx shock installation instructions before purchase.

Read StangTV's article about the new MM shocks.

3-year limited warranty
Maximum Motorsports provides a limited warranty to the original purchaser of third-generation MM shocks for a period of three years from the date of purchase. If any of the covered items fail in use, we will replace that component. This is not a warranty against items wearing out from use, but for the failure of any of the specific components listed. This warranty applies only to the original retail purchaser of third-generation MM shocks.

If at any time during the warranty period the shock malfunctions and Maximum Motorsports, Inc. determines it to be defective, we will either replace it or repair it, at our discretion. Maximum Motorsports' liability for a defective shock is limited to replacement of the shock with a new or reconditioned Maximum Motorsports shock. Mounting hardware, installation labor charges, and shipping costs are not covered by the warranty. Proof of purchase from either an authorized Maximum Motorsports dealer or directly from Maximum Motorsports is required to process a warranty claim.

Covered

• Loss of gas pressure
• Significant fluid leakage
• Spherical bearing failure: Defined as the inner spherical bearing ball having axial movement of 0.005" or more, relative to the outer race.
• Spherical bearing failure: If the inner bearing ball cannot be moved relative to the outer race, when using a 12" screwdriver for leverage to cause angular and rotational movement.
• Spherical bearing installation failure: If the outer bearing race moves relative to the eyelet the bearing was pressed into.
• Shock eyelet urethane failure

Not covered

• Any damage caused during a vehicle crash.
• Any failure when the shock shaft is bent, which indicates improper installation or crash damage.
• Spherical bearing inner ball that cannot be moved (rotated or angularity changed) by hand. It is normal that leverage is required to make the inner ball move.
• Any spherical bearing failure if lubrication had ever been applied to it.
• Any spherical bearing failure if a bumpstop was not properly installed.
• Crossthreading, breakage, or stripping of any threaded fastener.
• Degradation of plating or powdercoat finish due to age, or the application of fluids such as brake fluid or cleaners.
• Any failure when the part has been modified.
• Shock that exhibits normal wear.
• Shock submitted for warranty by other than the original retail purchaser.

This warranty is non-transferable and does not cover any other loss, liability or damage resulting from improper installation, handling, shipping, alteration, disassembly, service, repair, or use of this product. Should this product fail as a result of a defect in materials or workmanship within the warranty period, contact Maximum Motorsports by telephone at (805) 544-8748 for repair or replacement at manufacturer's option. All warranty returns must be shipped directly to Maximum Motorsports, regardless of where the product was originally purchased.

Returns are not accepted without a Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number. To obtain an RGA number contact Maximum Motorsports by telephone, email, or mail.

Repair or replacement as provided by this warranty is the customer's sole and exclusive remedy in the event of a product failure. Manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, or other damages resulting from the disassembly, handling, installation, service, repair, or use of this product.

Warranty Claims

1. Contact Maximum Motorsports.
2. We will assist you in evaluating the problem to determine if it is a candidate for possible warranty coverage. We may ask you to send us photos.
3. If warranty coverage is a possibility, you will be given an RGA number to return the item to us. Items sent to us with no RGA number will be returned to the sender.
4. You will then ship the damaged item to us (to the address on the Contact Us page), prepaid.
5. Upon receipt we will evaluate the item.
6. If your warranty claim is approved, we will ship the replacement component to you at no charge.