How much can this 1994 GT be lowered?

[anker]

Hi everyone,

Recently I got this car. Currently it has 17 inch wheels: 225/45 and 235/45.

I am about to replace them with 18 inch: front 255x40, rear 275x35.

The previous owner offers me springs that would lower the car ~1.75 inches.
Do you think it will be ok with those new 18 inch wheels?



This is what this car used to look like a few years ago, when it was lowered. Not sure about the wheel size back then, I guess these are R17.

 

[07GtS197]

You’ll be fine as long as you keep the tires the same height as stock. Also why are the rear tires you’re getting smaller/shorter than the fronts? If you have abs it won’t work.

 

[ttocs]

all the way.

now ya would not want to drive it this way. I have air ride and this is aired out, I can also go back to almost full factory mode at the push of a button.

 

[Warhorse Racing]

Because production tolerances for SN95 Mustangs weren't as tight as they could have been, no two SN95 Mustangs are exactly the same. Several companies offer SN95-specific rim & tire kits that SHOULD fit. But, because there are lots of different rims out there, and tires that are sold as the same size can vary in size by brand, it's hard to say with 100% certainty that your new rims and tires will fit when you lower the car. We don't know all the specs on the tires & rims you plan to use.

You can check Tire Rack to find the overall tire diameter & width for your specific tires. You can also check www.willtheyfit.com to see how your new setup will fit compared to your existing setup.

If this is for a performance driving application, it's worth noting that a staggered setup will ADD understeer to a car that came from the factory with a tendency to understeer. If you don't have other mods installed to compensate for the added understeer, your car will handle worse when you push it. Also, lowering the car 1.75" will limit your suspension travel, making the car more likely to understeer/oversteer when driven hard. Springs that lower the car that much are often very stiff. A super-stiff, super-low SN95 Mustang with a staggered setup will look cool, but it won't be the best handling car.

 

[Daryl]

Trust in Warhorse! That is sage advice!

I used to run a 275/40x17 fronts with 315/35x17 rears staggered setup and would bring the ass-end around in hard acceleration out of a turn and ripping thru S’s. Especially with a stroked motor and 3:55 rear gears.Granted, it looked bad-ass, but the greater the offset… the greater the loss of handling.

On Warhorse’s recommendation I went to same size x4 and the stability and grip is night and day.

Pictures: 315 rears; all 4 same

 

[joemomma]

Aye, can confirm staggered setup will get hairy in a heartbeat, even at stock power levels and stock gearing.

As to your question "will it be OK?" - probably. But we can't answer that for sure. Even if you lower it the "right" way - GOOD springs/shocks/struts/CC plates, it will still ride pretty harsh. I had Eibach Sportlines (approximately 1.5" drop) with KYB shocks and struts, and the ride was pretty dang firm. It didn't bother me, but the wife wouldn't ride in it.