lowering an 88 Bird

[mrbillc]

I just got a 88 Bird for $150.00 It's a nice car no rust and good paint. The 3.8 has something wrong with it. I'm not sure yet, havent had time to look at it.

What I an looking for is to lower it at least 2 inches. I was told that Mustang lowering springs will work. If so what would I use springs from an 88 Stang?

Looking forward to spring to get to work on her.

[AdamA4LD]

You can either buy new springs from a manufacturer (like Eibach) or you can go junkyarding and get some too. Of course, junkyard springs won't get it 2 inches lower. If you use Mustang springs, I would think that anything from an '87-'93 V8 Mustang will work. The 4 cylinder springs will be too weak for the heavy T-bird. I hope this helps!

[TBird232ci]

mustand springs will work, but it will be too low, a friend used them on his cougar, they were meant to lower the mustang less than an inch and lowered his car about 2 inches, he scrapes on everything but fresh pavement

[mrbillc]

Ok, I think I wanted a 2" drop. Is that to much? She will be used in the summer only.

I been looking for a T-bird 2" drop but all I found is 1.5 drop. Is that enough?

This car stuff is new to me. I wanna use the car a lot but if it's to low it won't be much good. I have done it to my Ranger but the T-bird is new to me.

Thanks for all your help.
Mr.billc

[TBird232ci]

the 1.5 will probably be perfect for what you want

[347tbird]

I lowered my 88 bird (5.0) with a 1.5 lowering kit from H&R and it was plenty low. It actually sat a little to low in the front for my liking. Solution: I just used the rear springs from the kit and cut one round off of the stock front springs and it sits level now and looks great. The Tbird stock front springs allow you to do this and they will mount back up perfectly because of the coil design. Good luck!

[mustang_tbird]

M-5300-D is the number for the Ford Motorsport Lowering kit, which is what I have on my car. C springs for Mustang will not work as well as these will. Contact any Ford dealership and have them run that part number and they can have them shipped from anywhere.

[karnage]

I beg to differ on the 4 cylinder springs.They are actually stiffer than the V-8 springs.My friend put in a 472 caddie motor in his 88 turbocoupe and it sticks up in the front and doesn't budge when you push on it.They are progressive rate springs only specific to the turbocoupes.I cut a coil out of my 84 TC springs and brought it down about 1.5 inches.

[EAZRider]

Does anyone know what the spring rates are for the TC? I installed a 5.0 and now the front sets about .75" lower than with the 4 banger. Also does anyone know the spring rate for the rear of the '85 TC 'Bird?

[blackbird50]

Originally posted by mustang_tbird:
M-5300-D is the number for the Ford Motorsport Lowering kit, which is what I have on my car. C springs for Mustang will not work as well as these will. Contact any Ford dealership and have them run that part number and they can have them shipped from anywhere.

How much is that lowering kit?

[mustang_tbird]

they set me back about $180.00, not bad considering the exclusivity.