What rear suspension works well?

**George** · 12-22-2008, 11:00 PM

I am a new user and have a 90 LX with a 306, Brodix heads, a custom cam from Buddy Rawls, and a RPM II intake. The 306 gets some help from a Vortech S-Trim as well. The suspension in the rear is stone stock. What's out there that's proven as far as upper and lower control arms? I have been driving this thing on the street more than the track lately. BUT, next season I want to concentrate more on the track and less on street driving. Say 75% track and 25% street. And how about a recommendation on some shocks/rim width/ and tire for the car. And it's no trailer queen either.

**biminiLX** · 12-22-2008, 11:56 PM

I'd look at TeamZmotorsports.net website, Dave did my whole car and knows his stuff, give him a call.
For more street stuff, I liked my Tokico drag adjustable struts/shocks, a quality set of upper/lower rear control arms, factory rear sway bar, 8-10" rear wheel and tires depend on gear or DR vs. ET Street bias ply.
-J

**wick** · 12-23-2008, 12:09 AM

Alot of folks swear by the baselines rear set up. Not sure how it works for the street but its killer on the track. Very reasonable too.

**Balaska347** · 12-23-2008, 12:28 AM

I agree with both of the above. Basically any good set of shocks, springs and upper and lower control arms. I just bought Strange adjustable shocks and moroso drag springs. I don't recommend this but its what I was using LMM lowering springs and the original '88 ford shocks with UPR upper and lowers

and they worked. 1.46 60 ft

**lib88stang** · 12-23-2008, 08:49 AM

I'd suggest torque box reinforcements before you start.

**Martin0660** · 12-23-2008, 02:47 PM

A combo of the above.

Put in the upper torque box kits and weld them as an absolute minimum. I would recomend doing the lower too, but you can get by. In mine are the kits LMM sells, and I'm happy with them.

Pick you poison on lower arms. If you are going to go with the baseline stuff (next point) talk to Kevin before you buy as he would like you to have adjustable lowers. I run CHE lowers on mine as I like their theories on bushings. Stay away from Gantelli whatever you do.

I absolutely love the Baseline Suspension street upper set up. Maybe someone else that also drives their car with the set-up can comment further, but I swear my car rides BETTER with that than it did with CHE uppers (or stock). The whole theory is it removes bind from the suspension, moves the instant center, and removes squat built into the geometry. I would buy it again at twice the price for what it do for me at the track, and didnt hurt the streetability, that's no BS. The ability to dial in good geometry is great.

I run Eibach launch springs all around, but Kevin at baseline would tell you 4 cylinder or stock type springs. His goal is to get you lower arms level to the ground, so you either need ot cut springs or have adjustable lowers (mines NOT level, but still works okay).

Shocks are a tough call. I've had both Strange 10 way adjustables and cheap part store shocks. All the strange shocks buy me is a little bit of tuning on a greasy track in addition to the air bag.

For wheels, I run a 15 x 8, 5.5 BS weld, they fit real well on a fox although you might get a little tight on the quads (can be flipped or chucked with good parts).

I run a taller tire (27-10.50 Hoosier QTP) but it's a gearing thing for me. 26-10.50 is pretty typical and will hook okay. I didnt see you mention your tranny, but assuming it's a 5 speed stick with a ET Street or Quick Time Pro biased tire to take the hit. Radials arent your friend on a fox stick car. I drive arounf on my hoosiers in good weather all the time.

**biminiLX** · 12-23-2008, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by lib88stang

I'd suggest torque box reinforcements before you start.

yep and good subframe connectors

-J

**SK@StreetLethal** · 12-23-2008, 08:56 PM

Another vote for baseline suspension.
http://www.baselinesuspensions.com
That's what is going on my own personal car too. Craig's mach has his stuff on there and he hooks up great!

**gmkillr** · 12-23-2008, 09:20 PM

I run Baseline Suspension and Kevin is great to deal with.
Team Z is also great!

**George** · 12-24-2008, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by gmkillr

I run Baseline Suspension and Kevin is great to deal with.
Team Z is also great!

I was looking at some formulas online about how to calculate e.t. from mph. It looks like with a 127.95 mph like you have that should equate to mid 10's. Are you sure that Baseline stuff is worth it?

**Sonic03snake** · 12-24-2008, 01:08 AM

Ive had great luck with my steeda stuff. Ive cut 1.40 60 fts in my car with their hardcore setup.

**biminiLX** · 12-24-2008, 01:10 AM

So what do you run?
And he's doing better than me, I went 11.20 @ 132 :)
Of course Tremec could be somewhat to blame, but having the right parts and using them correctly are two different things. Practice/seat time is the key, but you have to have quality parts and that is what's been suggested.
-J

**gmkillr** · 12-24-2008, 01:48 AM

Originally Posted by George

I was looking at some formulas online about how to calculate e.t. from mph. It looks like with a 127.95 mph like you have that should equate to mid 10's. Are you sure that Baseline stuff is worth it?

My car dead hooks with a 6k launch off of the 2-step building 12lbs. of boost during launch.
I have major clutch issues that relate to my subpar e.t. and also some rusty driving....

**Pure Stock** · 12-24-2008, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by biminiLX

So what do you run?
And he's doing better than me, I went 11.20 @ 132 :)
Of course Tremec could be somewhat to blame, but having the right parts and using them correctly are two different things. Practice/seat time is the key, but you have to have quality parts and that is what's been suggested.
-J

wow!

**biminiLX** · 12-25-2008, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by Pure Stock

wow!

Definitely plan on fixing that now that the trans has been fixed by Promotion

-J

pudster · 02-12-2009, 02:53 PM

i can help you guys out- im currently a wolfe and team z dealer and installer- plus a paid advertiser on this site

**Silverhatch** · 02-18-2009, 07:36 PM

Soooo are you guys going with uppers and lowers that all four ends are poly/rubber? Planned on going with lowers, both spherical heims and uppers with one spherical end the other rubber/poly. Car is gonna be a weekend cruiser minor track duty. Are these way to harsh on the welded up torque boxes for the street? Car is stock in the back right now save for some 1.5 drop springs. Planned on the above control arms, 50/50s and the above springs.