** The front/rear rating on my '94 is 2363/2072 GAWR. Am I correct to assume
** that the lighter rating will result in a smaller drop not that that is an
** issue? Like you said I should be looking for a matched suspension system
** specific to my car. I understand that the M5400A kit gives me this but I'm
** bothered by the fact that FRPP shows a different spring for the convertible.
** Should it not follow that there should be matched shocks/struts/swaybars for
** the convertible springs? If I understand you, the M5400A is the matched set
** for both coupes and convertibles. Hmmm. Hadn't thought about it in these
** terms before.
**
** Richard
It sounds as though your vert is a little lighter by about 100 lbs per side. (The GVWR is actually a combination of spring and tire capacities.) This isn't enough to cause any concern, and will translate into 1/12 - 1/16" ride height higher than mine. My front and back dropped 7/8" inch; your ride height will be nearly identical to mine.
You see, this kit doesn't use progressive springs, as you have now. Progressive springs are very weight sensitive, because it is easier to compress the first inch or two of travel, than it is the last inch. Because your convertible's front/rear weight balance is different than others, and it is equipped with OEM progressive springs (400-500 lb. front, 165-265 lb. rear for future reference), Ford will show a different set of springs for 1994 coupes and 1994 convertibles.
Linear rate springs are a whole different animal. They compress at a fixed rate, regardless of ride height. In this case, 600 lbs. front, 275 lbs. rear. This means that if you place a 1200 lb. load on the front of the car (600 lb. per spring X 2 sides), the front end will drop down 1.00" inch. Same analogy for the back. 100 lbs. one way or the other isn't going to make any appreciable difference at all.
Fear not: go with the Bullitt setup. Be warned: these are not the baby-ass soft springs you're used to. This kit is a dramatic step-up in handling. This kit will give you very firm handling and impressive road manners, but will still offer you a very decent, comfortable 'around town' ride as well. And I guarantee you: you WILL be impressed. Ask around. Dozens here have installed this set with very good results.
Take a look at Charlene to get a better idea of how your ride height will be:
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7/8" inch may not seem like a whole lot of drop to you, but it was dramatic to me. It isn't too much, and not too little. It's just enough that you can tell
*something* was done to it, but you're not really quite sure
*what*. It doesn't screw up your steering geometry or keep you away from speed bumps. It still looks pretty-much stock to those who don't know what they're looking at, but the proof's in the driving. You'll spend hours trying to wipe the silly smile off your face after the first time you zip around the block. Car ramps will still work fine, the front end won't drag on the driveway lip, and speed bumps or car wash rails have never been a problem for me.
-JD
________________________________________________________ | | | 1998 Laser Red GT RAMFM Member Since 1998 | | M-5400-A Suspension http:/207.13.104.8/users/jdadams || Subframe Connectors & Seat Bracing, Strut Tower Brace || 4-point K-frame Brace, Tremec T-45 & OEM 3.27:1 Gears ||________________________________________________________|