Suspension FAQ (Read This First)

[kevxr2002]

are the eibach springs the same for either the cougar or contour?

[20COUG00]

Originally Posted by kevxr2002

are the eibach springs the same for either the cougar or contour?

at the eibach page they only say 98-2000

[gamiller]

i'd like to see some mention of other suspension parts with a description, list of manufacturers, and comparison:

* strut tower braces
* rear strut tower braces
* subframe connectors
* boxed/tubular control arms

[atlas]

Originally Posted by gamiller

i'd like to see some mention of other suspension parts with a description, list of manufacturers, and comparison:

* strut tower braces
* rear strut tower braces
* subframe connectors
* boxed/tubular control arms

ditto. I've been out of the suspension loop for the last couple years... I've heard of these, but know very little about them.

[kevxr2002]

Originally Posted by 20COUG00

at the eibach page they only say 98-2000

yeah i believe the only thing you have to change on the 01-02 cougars are the rear strut mounts to get that to work.

[jaged]

REAR STRUT TOWER BRACE (RSTB)
- there are a couple braces out there,
-ST200, designed by Ford, The ST200 has an added "X" brace that adds stiffness. made of aluminum
-Mirko, aluminum bar from tower to tower.
-Jaged, made by me is a steel bar that goes from tower to tower.
-Fast Track, made by ov3n and Cougar GT(iirc) is a smaller bar that goes from tower to tower

The purpose of the RSTB is to stiffen the body in cornering so the back of the car will track better. A lot of people have also reported that it eliminates creeking in the trunk lid.

FRONT STRUT BRACE
Made by OMP, Sparco, and Freedom Design. they are all adjustable bars that goe from front strut tower to strut tower. The affectiveness of these bars is widely debateable, but every little bit helps. The OMP and Sparco are steel tubalar designs, while the Freedom Design is a flat aluminum piece

SUBFRAME CONNECTORS
the only ones that I know of as of now are from the group buys on CEG. they weld/bolt (welding preferred) to the bottom of the car. it adds stiffness from the front to the back of the car, helping to transfer weight to the corners of the car while cornering. This often results in lifting a wheel off of the ground. While this makes the car a fun ride, it does make it a considerably rougher ride

BOXED/TUBULAR CONTROL ARMS
-boxed/tubular control arms add some stiffness to the rear suspension. I havent noticed a huge difference on either of my cars with the boxed arms. But it makes them stronger and will hold up better

TUBULAR TOE ARMS
- Stock toe arms are prone to bending. (esp when the shop jacks the car up by them) The double adjustable arms make setting the toe much easier and allows for a wider range of adjustment.

[20cougar01]

Did the part numbers change on the upper strut mounts and spring seats from 99-00 to 01-01?

[papatedroach]

Originally Posted by 20cougar01

Did the part numbers change on the upper strut mounts and spring seats from 99-00 to 01-01?

for the rear yes, thats why all susention kits are made for 99-00 cougars,you need to get the 99-00 mounts to lower a 01-02 cougar, these can be had at any ford dealer or Team Ford Parts Online

99-00 Upper Mount
99-00 Rear spring seat
Rear Suspention Layout

[papatedroach]

Another additon to this, you do in fact need a chamber caster kit to properly align a cougar with BG's. I have the aligment sheet and will post it soon, the factory adjustments for chamber and caster are unable to compensate for the drop. Mine are adjusted as far as they can possibly go and still dont meet spec. You get dam close but will never have an in spec alignment. They get close enough to not cause any real problems, but you will have a very slight vibration at highway speeds.

[MaverickFlyer]

Originally Posted by jaged

REAR STRUT TOWER BRACE (RSTB)
- there are a couple braces out there,
-ST200, designed by Ford, The ST200 has an added "X" brace that adds stiffness. made of aluminum
-Mirko, aluminum bar from tower to tower.
-Jaged, made by me is a steel bar that goes from tower to tower.
-Fast Track, made by ov3n and Cougar GT(iirc) is a smaller bar that goes from tower to tower

The purpose of the RSTB is to stiffen the body in cornering so the back of the car will track better. A lot of people have also reported that it eliminates creeking in the trunk lid.

FRONT STRUT BRACE
Made by OMP, Sparco, and Freedom Design. they are all adjustable bars that goe from front strut tower to strut tower. The affectiveness of these bars is widely debateable, but every little bit helps. The OMP and Sparco are steel tubalar designs, while the Freedom Design is a flat aluminum piece

SUBFRAME CONNECTORS
the only ones that I know of as of now are from the group buys on CEG. they weld/bolt (welding preferred) to the bottom of the car. it adds stiffness from the front to the back of the car, helping to transfer weight to the corners of the car while cornering. This often results in lifting a wheel off of the ground. While this makes the car a fun ride, it does make it a considerably rougher ride

BOXED/TUBULAR CONTROL ARMS
-boxed/tubular control arms add some stiffness to the rear suspension. I havent noticed a huge difference on either of my cars with the boxed arms. But it makes them stronger and will hold up better

TUBULAR TOE ARMS
- Stock toe arms are prone to bending. (esp when the shop jacks the car up by them) The double adjustable arms make setting the toe much easier and allows for a wider range of adjustment.

Just so that everyone knows, both the ST200 and Mirko bars are not made anymore. You can only buy them used. (I actually have both but can't decide which one to part with. )