How-To: BC Racing Coilovers Setup

I noticed that this kit is highly recommended for our platform on both CEG and here, but there lacks any out-of-the-box setup details. I'm not sure if this changed on BC's end in the past year, but based on a ton of videos for installs for other vehicles these seem to have come ready to install at some point.

BC provides no install support because the Cougar wasn't tested so the only paperwork I had in my set was how to raise and lower the height and setting preload. This isn't a full suspension remove/install guide as that exists here already, but how to assemble the coil overs to get them installed.

I will update this post with any new info after test driving.

Recommended tools/parts:
New upper strut mounts and/or endlinks
Digital caliper for easier measuring
Line clamps to secure brake lines
Speed nuts to secure brake line clamps on strut

Preload settings per BC Racing:
The thickness of the included adjustment tools is ~4mm and 1-2 turns of the collar gets you ~1mm.
Fronts: 5mm
Rears: 7-10mm
Supposedly these come set when ordering, but in order for me to install the upper mounts I needed to undo that and reset it after install.

Dampening settings (daily/street):
Rear: 16 clicks from soft
Front: 10 clicks from soft

I don't think our cars have the room to used the extension adapters so you can adjust firmness easily from the trunk. You could try leaving the adjustment knob in there and access it (barely) by pulling back trim in the trunk. They're too tall to try and drop in after the fact. From my Koni days I had it set up slightly firmer in the rear so I'm starting there. My goal is to have something that rides comfortably but ready for occasional spirited mountain drives with firming of the front.

Quick Note: There's a how-to on FB from CEG'r Thomas LaPrade, but it seems some steps don't apply to the Cougar and I'll call them out here (these are photos from that how-to). Do not raise/lower the height using the lock rings if possible, always turn the adjustment cylinder.

Rear Setup
The rear strut assembly has no tabs to secure brake lines so you'll want to use the clamps and a splash shield bolt to keep it secured.


Step 1: Loosen the lock ring for the spring and lower it down so you have plenty of thread above.


Step 2: Add the coupling with the plastic washer


Step 3: Add the top cone piece and use the rubber washer



Step 4: Add the tall metal spacer


Step 5: Add the upper strut mount

Note: In the original photos, there was an additional cap also on top of the mount but I don't have that on mine so I ommitted it.

From here you may need to adjust the spring height so you can install the washer and nut fully. The nylon nut should be tightened down so it is flush with the top of the threads and torqued to spec. From here you can now raise the spring (not the ride height) so it sits hand-tight inside the upper strut mount, spin the locking collar up so it's against the springs and proceed to set your preload according to the video above. Once that is done you can loosen the bottom locking collar and set the ride height and repeat for the other side.