H&R Sport springs will:
- Lower your Mustang, improving appearance
- Reduce body roll when cornering and nose-dive when braking, because the spring rate is higher than stock springs
- Quicken steering response because the spring rate is higher
- Lower the center of gravity, improving handling
- Progressive spring rate
- Made of premium-quality high-tensile alloy spring wire
- Powder-coated for long-lasting protection and great looks
Fits
- 2005-2009 Mustang hardtop with V8
- 2005-2009 Mustang convertible with V8
- 2005-2009 Mustang 6-cyl., hardtop and convertible
Recommended
Install MM short bumpstops to improve handling and ride quality.
Installing aftermarket springs involves more than just the spring installation itself. To get the full benefit from your spring purchase, there are several related factors to consider:
Alignment
Lowering a Mustang will change the front alignment. The relative lack of adjustment features can sometimes make it difficult to restore the vehicle to Ford camber specifications without using an aftermarket solution. MM Caster Camber Plates greatly extend the range of camber and caster adjustment, allowing alignment to factory specs.
Struts and Shocks
Ford matched the valving in the original struts and shocks to the original stock spring rates. Most aftermarket springs are stiffer than the stock springs--enough to cause an underdamped situation, meaning that the struts and shocks (the dampers) can't control the springs. That makes the car feel floaty, disconnected from the road, and harder to control. The solution is to install dampers matched to the new, higher spring rates. MM offers a wide variety of quality high-performance dampers. If you'd like help choosing the most appropriate damper for your Mustang, please contact us.
Do I need to do an alignment after I install springs?
You should always check the alignment after changing your Mustang's ride height. For the stock alignment specs, see your Mustang's factory service manual. For high-performance alignment specs, see the MM caster camber plate instructions, or contact an MM Tech Associate.
Do I need to modify the bumpstops?
Shorter bumpstops will increase suspension travel slightly, which is a help with a lowered Mustang. Modifying the stock bumpstops doesn't work well because it alters the progressive-rate design. MM has shorter bumpstops that retain the proper progressive increase in rate:
Do springs ever wear out?
The term "wear out" isn't accurate when applied to springs. The spring rate will never change over time because rate is determined by the spring wire diameter and the length of the wire before it is wound into a coil. The rate cannot change without physically changing either the wire diameter or its length.
On the other hand, "spring sag" may occur. This means that the spring's free length has changed because its coils are closer together than they were when manufactured. However, this is very unusual with the newest spring steel alloys and modern manufacturing processes used by reputable spring manufacturers. Spring sag has no effect on spring rate, because sag (change in free length) does not change the dimensions of the wire itself. However, the reduced ride height can adversely affect the suspension geometry, and cause the suspension to bottom out more frequently.
The majority of ride-height reduction over time is caused by degradation of the spring isolators located at each end of the spring, not from spring sag.
Springs can also break. This is usually due to stress risers on the spring wire, such as pitting caused by corrosion. This is one reason to use spring isolators, as they protect the springs' coating from corrosion.
Will the ride height change if I remove the spring isolators?
Yes.
Are H&R springs progressive?
All H&R springs are progressive when the application allows it.
How do I know the amount that H&R springs lowered my Mustang?
Measure your Mustang's ride height before and after installation.
There are several ways to measure ride height. One procedure is in the "Lowering Measurements" section in the H&R Technical Information sheet that came with your H&R springs (the bright orange paper).
The most important thing is to be consistent in your technique. Have the same amount of fuel on board. At MM we always fill up the tank immediately before measuring ride height and check the tires' air pressure. Park your Mustang in the same level spot. Always measure between the same two points, such as from the ground to the top of the fender opening, or from the wheel lip to the top of the fender opening. Counting how many of your fingers fit into the gap between the top of the tire and the fender lip does not qualify as measuring.
Do I need to get new isolators and tubing?
All aftermarket springs for Mustangs are designed to reuse factory tubing and isolators to prevent premature wear and excessive noise. Notice any protective tubing on the factory springs and take note of its location for reinstallation.
Why aren't the H&R part numbers on the spring box the same as what's on the springs?
The product part number on the box is the actual part number for the complete set of springs. The number on the springs themselves is a component part number. If you want to verify these, please call H&R at (888) 827-8881. Please provide the year, make, and model of your vehicle, the individual spring component part numbers, and the box's product part number.
If the H&R springs are red, does it mean they're race springs?
No. Color has no relation to which springs you've bought. The part numbers on the springs and/or the box indicate whether you have a race spring kit or otherwise. If you're unsure which springs you have, please call H&R at (888) 827-8881.
General Notes
- Measure your Mustang's ride height before and after installation. The most important thing is to be consistent in your technique. Have the same amount of fuel on board and check the tire pressures. Park your Mustang in the same level spot. Always measure between the same two points. We suggest measuring from the wheel lip to the top of the fender opening. Counting how many of your fingers fit into the gap between the top of the tire and the fender lip is not measuring.
- With rubber control arm bushings it is important to pre-load the suspension before tightening the suspension pivot bolts. The easiest way to do this is by allowing the full weight of the vehicle to rest on its tires on an alignment rack or ramps. You can also use a lift or jack stands, lifting each suspension corner and tightening all pivot bolts. Correct suspension preload while tightening pivot bolts will result in more consistent lowering, and will greatly extend the life of the rubber pivot bushings. Unlike rubber bushings that twist rather than rotate, urethane bushings and spherical bearings do rotate, and so don't require preloading the suspension while tightening the pivot bolts.
- Use the proper spring compressor to remove springs from your car or when disassembling a coil-over strut. Springs store a lot of energy, and can cause serious injury and/or damage if suddenly released.
- Take note of the routing and mounting positions of all brake lines, wires, and cables before modifying your suspension. Failing to reinstall the lines in the factory position can cause damage or brake failure.
- Before removing springs, label every component from top to bottom with sequential numbers. This will help you reassemble the new and existing parts in their correct order.
- Before taking the strut assembly apart, use a marker to draw a vertical line across each component to indicate its original factory orientation. This will help you reinstall all the OE parts correctly.
- Mark the position of all alignment-related mounting bolts, to provide a good starting point for the post-installation alignment.
- Work on one corner of the car at a time. Strut assemblies have parts that must be assembled exactly in factory order. If you make a mistake or lose track, you can refer to the other assembly.
- Reinstall all bolts in the same orientation (i.e., up or down) as they originally were installed.
- All aftermarket replacement springs for Mustangs are designed to reuse factory tubing and isolators to prevent premature wear and excessive noise. Notice any protective tubing on the factory springs and take note of its location.
- Don't let the spindle or brake caliper hang from the brake line, as it can damage the line and cause premature wear or even failure.
- To help prevent spring noise on rough roads, leave a ¼" - ½" space between the end of the coil and the end of the spring seat pocket.
- To isolate the passenger compartment from road noise, spring isolators are used. Age alone will deteriorate rubber isolators as much or more than mileage does. Replace the isolators whenever installing new springs. All new springs for Mustangs are designed for use with new isolator pads. Using worn pads could cause increased noise and improper ride height.
- Always use a torque wrench for final tightening to factory specs. Never use an impact gun for final tightening of any bolts or nuts, as they tend to over-tighten small bolts and under-tighten large bolts.
- After the first 500 miles on new springs, and after each track event, re-torque all mounting bolts.