Updating Your 1967 Mustang Suspension is Easier Than You Think
Mustang and Suspension Overview
Easily one of the most iconic model years of the first generation line up, the 1967 Mustang cemented itself in popular culture as instantly recognizable, from the Pony on the grill to the split tail lights, under the hood a windsor v8. Like the rest of the vehicle the suspension is undeniably late sixties. In the front a bottom wishbone and a tall shock tower at the top for support. The rear is a very typical ford leaf spring, prone to loose and uncomfortable ride after the last forty-five or so years. Let’s talk about how to go about installing a full suspension on a 1967 Mustang for ultimate handling.
Addressing the Front
Working from front to back is an easy way to see results.
This process is easy enough that a pair of high school aged enthusiasts can do it! The first thing that is noticeable is the tin cover over the shock absorbers that is not only for style tucking away and out of view when aftermarket wheels are applied but can keep road hazards away from the suspension.
Please note the stock ride height before removing the front wheels, as this can help to determine the desired drop height. Once removed the simple wishbone system is very user friendly.
At the top situated next to the fender is an upper shock mount with three legs connected to the top of the shock, the most difficult step of the whole removal process is compressing the stock spring for removal. This is a dangerous process if not taking proper safety steps. You may need specialty tools to safely compress it, such as buying a spring compressor set like this the one pictured below. (These can also be rented from any local auto parts store).
The shock will lift straight down, and out. Note quite sure how to do this? This video that may help guide you through the process of prep and install for both front and rear:
It is advised to clean the lower wishbone so as to not get unnecessary dirt into the new coilover shock absorber system. Alden American produces a replacement top bracket that is designed to be reinforced to better support the Mustang then the forty five year old stock bracket.
Reinstallation is a matter of installing the new spring on the shock, bolting the shock to the bottom wishbone. Installing the top bracket is just a matter of aligning the holes, the shock should be compressed 2/3rds of the travel at ride height to allow for adequate travel without bottoming or topping out the shock. It is also advised to get an alignment after changing any suspension related part.
Leaf Springs and Shock absorber
Due to a combination of the lack of a mounting point and the weight in the rear of a stock mustang attempting to convert to a coilover shock absorber system isn’t possible without major modification. In the modern age acquiring a pair of new leaf springs can be sourced for a number of reputable online retailers, such as Performance Online and match great with a pair of Alden American rear stock replacement shock absorbers. Like with the front replacing the shock absorbers is very simple, with the hardest part picking out the desired length to have the shock compressed at 2/3rds of travel at ride height.
What should you take away from this?
The 1967 Mustang is not only a fun car to drive but the suspension is really easy to improve and update. Having such a strong aftermarket following makes it really easy to source parts. Lastly, that technology has advanced in the last 45 years, that can make your pony run like new. With the right tools changing out your Mustang’s front and rear shock absorbers can be done as a weekend project.