Does anyone know if it's possible to lower just the rear of a 2008 GT500? I really like the look of the car except I think it sits just a little too high in the back. I am thinking it would be no big deal to install new springs in the rear only without any adverse affects. I just want to bring it down about an inch and a half. Am I missing something here or is this a no-brainer? Thanks, Chip
Re: GT500 suspension question First, welcome Chip. It really is a no brainer. Springs will do the trick. You may opt for Eibach to even the front and rear. If you check Shelby Performance parts web site they will have many ideas to give you the ride you are looking for. All of the Shelby Super Snakes run the Eibach suspension. Hope this helps. Roger
Re: GT500 suspension question Another way to achieve this is tires,I installed 305/35/18 nitto drag radials and got the same result and tons more traction and control-Also added lower control arms-Took about 20 minutes to install.Very happy with the results
Re: GT500 suspension question Its not quite that simple. Because the rear suspension is held parallel to the car with a panhard rod when you lower it the rod becomes too long making the suspension favor one side. Its a fairly easy fix using an adjustible panhard rod. Now you've changed the pinion angle by lowering it as well and that combined with the "wonderful" two piece driveshaft will probably result in a clunk on accelaration, This can be corrected with an adjustible upper control arm. Now that you've done all that you might as well change the lower control arms to get rid of the factory mush bushings and your wheel hop will be gone as well. Hope this helps.
Re: GT500 suspension question I was thinking op just wanted 1/2 of an inch,I see now he is looking at 11/2 inches which is alot.The tires leveled my car very well-I would think 1/2 lower than stock.Seems like my rearend wasnt centered before any mods when measured.I use a fishing sinker tied to a string,Hold it against the quarter panel directly above the top center of the tire and check the difference side to side-Real high tech.The adjustable panhard bar makes it simple to correct which I have as well.I have not changed the upper control arm yet and dont know if I should,I also have changed the driveshaft to a 1 piece alloy.
Re: GT500 suspension question Thanks everyone for the information. I did a little more digging around and discovered what TLEA was talking about with the rear end needing to be centered with an adustable panhard bar. Still, with the exception of the UCA, since I haven't taken a look at it, this doesn't appear to be that difficult. At this point my only concern is if I will upset anytihng in the handling of the car by lowering just the rear. Chip
Re: GT500 suspension question Chip, Back to balance. If you use springs to lower, which is what you would do unless you do just tires, I would strongly recommend a matched set for the front. Material and mfg. methods differ from aftermarket to OEM. Just something to consider.
Re: GT500 suspension question Thanks, it looks like the FRRP lowering kit with BMR control arms and adjustable panhard rod is the way to go for now. I have to admit, I'm a little scared to start wrenching on a car that only has 200 miles on it. Just can't stand the 4x4 look. Chip
Re: GT500 suspension question You sound very fimilar with the rear suspension of the GT-500. If you were to lower the car 1.8" in the rear and 1.3" in the front what would determine the additional adjustments to the rear end suspension? Do you recommend the pinion angle to remain at stock degrees (90 degrees?) to the ground or tilt up towards the body a few degrees? What about the panhard bar?
Start off slow and "just" install the FRPP springs in the rear. It only takes about 2 hours with average tools. Go to SVTPerformance, GT500, How To, Tight Coils UP But I really like the look in using both front/rear pair of springs. And if you don't do alot of drag racing/auto crossing, "all" the other stuff is not really needed.
Sure if you don't care about the stock non adjustable panhard rod making the right wheel stick out further than the left and the annoying "clunk" from the driveshaft now that you've changed the pinion angle.
also something to consider.....if you lower the vehicle, you will have to put 275's on the rear wheels. according to shelby, 285's will rub on the inside of the wheel well. that is why the super snakes have 275's in the rear.
Thats very interesting,I have the FR3 suspension which lowered the car an inch and a half and have been running 305s on the rear with no rubbing at all on stock wheels,I did however have to install the upper control arm and have it adjusted as negative as it will go.I have the oe size on the front still.There seems to be variances car to car.
if 305's fit....that's awesome! i just purchased the 20" alcoa SS wheels and have the shelby/eibach pro-kit, (uninstalled). i spoke with shelby a few days ago...and they said that when you lower the car, (1.7" rear), the only tire size that will fit are the 275's. are you using the stock SVT wheels (18")? i want to throw some 305 nittos on them. let me know please.
Lots of us are running the 305 nittos on the rear,No problems whatsoever,I think with the 20s you may loose some sidewall height-You need some sidewall height for improved launches where the tire can flex a little for traction.
