Good video - thanks. One piece of information, according to my 1997 Mustang FSM, the torques are as follows for the rear shocks: Upper nut = 25-33 lb-ft, lower nut = 57-75 lb-ft and quad shock nut = 57-75 lb-ft.
I installed new rear struts on my 03 mustang and omg .its like a brand new car .finally no more bouncing all over the road and dangerous bose diving under braking.i installed fcs auto struts from rock auto and it feels like a brand new car. Hanldes like a dream . The brakes feel better and no more bouncing 20 times after each tint bump.and finally safe in the rain. My whole life I thought tires made the big difference but.. have bad shocks or struts is so much of the handling
3:03 I found it way easier to loosen the big strut nut with the front of the car on jackstands under the frame rails and the front wheels off the ground, with the struts still bolted to the steering knuckles. This has the weight of the wheels and control arms etc being held up by the strut. The rubber in the strut mount compresses from the weight and makes the nut way easier to loosen, or tighten, and the whole assembly less likely to rotate.
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage Yeah, one of mine came loose with the large screwdriver technique, but the other one was so stuck I ended up cutting the top end of the strut off. Only discovered the drooping suspension trick afterwards.
I did this the hard way i squeezed under the car and didnt jack it up. When installing the back struts i had my sister use black electric tape to keep the strut closed so i could install it with out struggling to compress the shock. But im so happy i put new struts in feels like a brand new car. I got them from rock auto they were oem quality and rides great. The exhaust in my face made it difficult but i luckily got it done
Just did this with my GT w/Koni oranges and installed an eibach pro kit. Didn’t lower it enough to need caster plates but I did install the caster bolts.
@@TurboTurdBurglar At first the handling was improved and comfort was slightly decreased. Biggest difference was the body roll being significantly reduced. Unfortunately my new spring isolators disintegrated within weeks and it’s a rough ride right now.
Ba P ahh gotcha. I really wana get the oranges because there affordable but i had bilsteins on my last mustang and it rode so nice so im not sure if i should spend the extra 300 on bilsteins again. Or just cheap out and oranges. Also i ran no isolators
Great video Danny this is a must for the cobra as the past owner put eibach pro springs but left factory shocks... only 57k miles but I’m sure the car will ride and handle better with shocks and struts
To take the strut bolts out you just use your impact with the socket on the head of the bolt and then use an open and wrench to hold the nuts in place just spin them right off. And then do the same thing to tighten them back up when you get the new strut on that would’ve saved you a lot of time.
Thank you for the video. I discovered I have a frozen right front strut that does not move. So it is over working the other 3 shocks. Do you like the Tokico shocks you bought?
It’s definitely good to have it checked. Mine seemed to drive about the same, but I’m planning on doing wheel bearings and tie rods in the future so I have older tires up front for now.
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage so that's a yes to my question I guess LOL? When I verify once the car is down I guess I can pretty much go ahead and put the back tires on ramps so I can verify
Also Danny so where you put your jack stand inside anywhere in that area and it can be placed anywhere in that area? I was always going a little further back on that what looks kind of like an arm where it's kind of like a l-shaped or kind of round L that looks very sturdy and secure and I was always putting it back there. But if anywhere in that area including where you put the jack is nice and secure as well that's definitely easier to not have to go all the way up a little higher just to get all the way back there too
Danny, would you happen to know where I can find a replacement bushing like the one you mentioned at 4:23? The one that is under the dust cover? I pulled off my OEM Saleen Racecraft Struts as they are toast and found that neither of my fronts have these. I'm going to assume my rears don't either. Any ideas? I'm keeping the stock Saleen Springs but pairing them with a set of KYB struts and shocks.
Here is a kit you can consider www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009DJVO5Y/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2004047-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B009DJVO5Y&linkId=e7b86da0f614bb4fdeb4f621441d6d7a
Great video! Could you make a detailed video of installing a SR Performance Strut Tower Brace on your GT? I’m about to take on installing one of those braces on my 2002 Mustang GT and could use a good video for reference.
For anybody out there that might have the same issue I did. I loosened that top nut as much as I could with my gun and a socket, but then the whole thing kept spinning. I tried using his technique here with the screwdriver and the wrench, but it would not work. Almost broke the tip of the screwdriver. Just took my grinder out with a cutting wheel and ended up just cutting the nut right off on both sides and then the whole thing fell out
Man i want to make my 2004 mustang higher. I live in a place with reaaaally big speed bumps (bus worthy) and a lot of dirt roads. So basically i when i drive my car hit underneath in most places if in not careful. I really need some advices in how to lift my car to be kinda off-road
I cannot for the life of me get that nut off I've used a screwdriver I've used an air gun and I cannot f****** get it off any suggestions? Talking about the nut for the front shock.
I am sure you figured it out by now, but I had the same problem. take off the 3 smaller nuts up top and you can remove the strut fully assembled. Then you can set it and orient it wherever you need it to get that damn nut off. Spray the crap out of it with penetrating oil.
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage ok nice does the v6 have the bolts for it I have a GT rear diff and I'm going to swap it or is all the bolts on the diff itself thanks.
Danny I have a 2003 Cobra and the driver rear shock bushing needs replacement as it bounces freely and taps on bumps Would the process be similar before I go tearing into it?
Yes, same process. It helps to gently push up on the strut to get it into place to put the bolt through the control arm as you’ll see ua-cam.com/video/1B5rPiFcBHc/v-deo.html
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage the lower “hat” on the shock on the underside of the wheel arch, is that supposed to be upwards like a bowl shape to hold the bushing (opposite of the trunk hat) ?
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage hey man its me again. Bought some Bilstien b6 performanc rear shocka for 2002 GT. the shocks came with their own bushing. A tan colored one. Should i use it? Or do i need the same style as the one already on the car?? Im doing this job for the first time tomorrow. Any tips help. Thanks
@@Fr3sh-Kush either should be fine. I’ve used stock ones if the new ones give me any kind of fitment problems. Just make sure bushings are slightly squished but not too tight on the rear. If you have an impact gun it’s best for the front top strut nuts. Soak them in advance with pb blaster or liquid wrench
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage also is the process for changing rear quad shocks the same on GT as it is on cobras? Cant find any tutorials on GT cars specifically. Big thanks thoough man. You and alot of youtubers have taught me alot.
Hey Danny how were these shocks and struts? If I can still get my hands on a set I’m going to install them. Any other shocks and struts brands you would suggest for a 97 vert gt? I’m staying away from koni strt and presently have Monroe sensatrac on it now and it floats over bumps. Feels like a jetski on rough roads
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage well I can’t find any hp’s or illumina shocks anywhere. I had to settle for koni strt :(. I had them in my lowered 03 And hated them. My 97 has stock springs so I’m hoping the konis will feel better with more of the travel than the 03.
I have a 95 v6 don't know if struts were ever changed. Broke 2 large screw drivers and a chisel on this terrible slotted design. Ended up cutting the nuts off with a grinder.
Good video - thanks. One piece of information, according to my 1997 Mustang FSM, the torques are as follows for the rear shocks: Upper nut = 25-33 lb-ft, lower nut = 57-75 lb-ft and quad shock nut = 57-75 lb-ft.
i gave you a instant thumbs up when you used the weight to loosen that bolt
I installed new rear struts on my 03 mustang and omg .its like a brand new car .finally no more bouncing all over the road and dangerous bose diving under braking.i installed fcs auto struts from
rock auto and it feels like a brand new car. Hanldes like a dream . The brakes feel better and no more bouncing 20 times after each tint bump.and finally safe in the rain. My whole life I thought tires made the big difference but.. have bad shocks or struts is so much of the handling
This video is better than the Haynes one... thanks man!
3:03 I found it way easier to loosen the big strut nut with the front of the car on jackstands under the frame rails and the front wheels off the ground, with the struts still bolted to the steering knuckles. This has the weight of the wheels and control arms etc being held up by the strut. The rubber in the strut mount compresses from the weight and makes the nut way easier to loosen, or tighten, and the whole assembly less likely to rotate.
I’ll have to try that next time
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage Yeah, one of mine came loose with the large screwdriver technique, but the other one was so stuck I ended up cutting the top end of the strut off. Only discovered the drooping suspension trick afterwards.
Good info
I did this the hard way i squeezed under the car and didnt jack it up. When installing the back struts i had my sister use black electric tape to keep the strut closed so i could install it with out struggling to compress the shock. But im so happy i put new struts in feels like a brand new car. I got them from
rock auto they were oem quality and rides great. The exhaust in my face made it difficult but i luckily got it done
Just had new bearings and tie rods installed on my V6. I'm going to try the struts and shocks myself. Thanks! Very informative video.
Great video.
This will help get this free mustang running smoother
Great video. Probably the most informative I’ve seen and I’ve seen several.
Thanks 🙏🏼
I did this on my 94 Cobra when installing the strange 10 way adjustables on the front / rear. Great video.
Awesome video, I think I’ll be doing this when I put in the lowering springs. Also I’ll be changing the brake pads and rotors.
now this is a good walkthrough
Your videos are easy to watch thank you
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoy them 🙏🏼
Awesome video man! I could watch these videos all day 😊
I’m glad you enjoy them!
Just did this with my GT w/Koni oranges and installed an eibach pro kit. Didn’t lower it enough to need caster plates but I did install the caster bolts.
Hows the ride quality with the oranges
@@TurboTurdBurglar At first the handling was improved and comfort was slightly decreased. Biggest difference was the body roll being significantly reduced. Unfortunately my new spring isolators disintegrated within weeks and it’s a rough ride right now.
Ba P ahh gotcha. I really wana get the oranges because there affordable but i had bilsteins on my last mustang and it rode so nice so im not sure if i should spend the extra 300 on bilsteins again. Or just cheap out and oranges. Also i ran no isolators
Very thorough video. Excellent step by step.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it! See my others like it in this playlist ua-cam.com/play/PLIjr-uSYDZi7hBrphoRniyYjb707PpPTu.html
What an excellent how to video, exactly what I was looking for
Don’t forget quad shocks. Helps get differential from “hopping”.
Great video. I always watch your channel before I work on my 96 GT. Keep those good videos coming
Thank you! You got it. 700 videos and counting
This was insanely helpful thank you so much!
Great video Danny this is a must for the cobra as the past owner put eibach pro springs but left factory shocks... only 57k miles but I’m sure the car will ride and handle better with shocks and struts
Rice ETR Just wanted to mention the kit may be different if your 99-04 cobra with IRS in case you have that.
To take the strut bolts out you just use your impact with the socket on the head of the bolt and then use an open and wrench to hold the nuts in place just spin them right off. And then do the same thing to tighten them back up when you get the new strut on that would’ve saved you a lot of time.
I have hotchkiss performance on mine and they’re great. Love watching videos like this, nice upload!
Really informative and great video with commentary! Thanks for the share!
Just another awesome video. Thank you for the video, I appreciate you doing all the videos you do.
I think I can do this! Thanks for this video!
I did this and now there is a bad groan and squeak ... do I need new bushings and a new tube ?
Thank you 👌
You're welcome!
Great video danny..did you notice any alignment changes after replacing front struts?
I did not, but it is always good to have it checked after a suspension repair
Thanks Again Bro! 🙌🙌
Man you are awesome! Thank you SO much!!!!!
I couldn't find a tokico set, I ordered yellow koni, greetings from north ut
I don’t think they are made anymore
@@dannyjohnsonsgarageYes, I only found Tokico blue front, not the entire set.
Great video sir 👍, detailed and clear!
What’s the link for the rear bushings? I clicked on one in description but it says it’s for the fronts
Is there another video on how to do it without removing the tire
Thank you for the video. I discovered I have a frozen right front strut that does not move. So it is over working the other 3 shocks.
Do you like the Tokico shocks you bought?
They are great. Hard to find now
Do you have a video on the removal or installation of the 'drivetrain damper' ?
Easy! Thanks
Awesome video
Thanks! Check out my playlist for more like it Mustang Maintenance and repair
ua-cam.com/play/PLIjr-uSYDZi7hBrphoRniyYjb707PpPTu.html
What size Jack stands are those
3 Ton (6,000 pound) jack stands amzn.to/3P72mtR
what struts are they? I have a 2000mustang gt
These are the Tokico blues, but I’m not sure they make them.
i cant find this tokico shocks can you help me where to get them
Did u have to get an alignment afterwards?
It’s definitely good to have it checked. Mine seemed to drive about the same, but I’m planning on doing wheel bearings and tie rods in the future so I have older tires up front for now.
I cannot find rear springs for 2003 rear , and cannot find driver side door , pls helppp
for shocks you can torque to specs while they're being held up by the jack correct?
I would also verify them once the car is down since the weight pushes the struts up and they will likely be loose again
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage so that's a yes to my question I guess LOL? When I verify once the car is down I guess I can pretty much go ahead and put the back tires on ramps so I can verify
Also Danny so where you put your jack stand inside anywhere in that area and it can be placed anywhere in that area? I was always going a little further back on that what looks kind of like an arm where it's kind of like a l-shaped or kind of round L that looks very sturdy and secure and I was always putting it back there. But if anywhere in that area including where you put the jack is nice and secure as well that's definitely easier to not have to go all the way up a little higher just to get all the way back there too
Great
Danny, would you happen to know where I can find a replacement bushing like the one you mentioned at 4:23? The one that is under the dust cover? I pulled off my OEM Saleen Racecraft Struts as they are toast and found that neither of my fronts have these. I'm going to assume my rears don't either. Any ideas? I'm keeping the stock Saleen Springs but pairing them with a set of KYB struts and shocks.
Here is a kit you can consider www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009DJVO5Y/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2004047-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B009DJVO5Y&linkId=e7b86da0f614bb4fdeb4f621441d6d7a
What tool sizes is he using?
Does the front have springs ?
The springs are separate (they are not coil over strut design unless they were changed at some point).
Great video! Could you make a detailed video of installing a SR Performance Strut Tower Brace on your GT? I’m about to take on installing one of those braces on my 2002 Mustang GT and could use a good video for reference.
I will see if my brother has a brace laying around that I can install. I don’t have one at the moment
Where and which brand did you go with thanks
Tokico since the mach 1 and Bullitt came with that brand. Bilstien and others make them just as well
Maybe use wrench and impact screw driver, prop wrench against something so you have both hands for impact screwdriver
Great video
Thanks!
For anybody out there that might have the same issue I did. I loosened that top nut as much as I could with my gun and a socket, but then the whole thing kept spinning. I tried using his technique here with the screwdriver and the wrench, but it would not work. Almost broke the tip of the screwdriver. Just took my grinder out with a cutting wheel and ended up just cutting the nut right off on both sides and then the whole thing fell out
What about the quad shocks, should they be replaced or do they not go bad?
Yes, they should also be replaced.
Hey Danny is the high pressure ps line from the ps pump to the hydro boost, the same on the mach and cobra?
could you have used Mach 1 replacement units instead of GT? Are they better or different?
Man i want to make my 2004 mustang higher. I live in a place with reaaaally big speed bumps (bus worthy) and a lot of dirt roads. So basically i when i drive my car hit underneath in most places if in not careful.
I really need some advices in how to lift my car to be kinda off-road
I cannot for the life of me get that nut off I've used a screwdriver I've used an air gun and I cannot f****** get it off any suggestions? Talking about the nut for the front shock.
If you’re talking about the top nut and you have new struts to put on just cut the nut off with a grinder/dremel. It won’t be reused on the new struts
I am sure you figured it out by now, but I had the same problem. take off the 3 smaller nuts up top and you can remove the strut fully assembled. Then you can set it and orient it wherever you need it to get that damn nut off. Spray the crap out of it with penetrating oil.
Good day do you thing it's necessary to replace the quad shock and does a 2004 v6 have quad shocks or only the higher end models?
They are only on V8 models and not necessary to replace in my opinion
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage ok nice does the v6 have the bolts for it I have a GT rear diff and I'm going to swap it or is all the bolts on the diff itself thanks.
Danny I have a 2003 Cobra and the driver rear shock bushing needs replacement as it bounces freely and taps on bumps
Would the process be similar before I go tearing into it?
Yes, same process. It helps to gently push up on the strut to get it into place to put the bolt through the control arm as you’ll see ua-cam.com/video/1B5rPiFcBHc/v-deo.html
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage thank you, I saw the part you mentioned when the Jack. Going to tackle it today once the heat index of 115° drops a little
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage the lower “hat” on the shock on the underside of the wheel arch, is that supposed to be upwards like a bowl shape to hold the bushing (opposite of the trunk hat) ?
94 cobra trying to get the top strut nut off and having some trouble. Hopefully the oil will penetrate it enough to loosen eventually SMH
Are the spring the same for a 2004 4.6 mustang as for the v6 I plan on getting rear springs and someone said both parts are the same
The front springs are different for the heavier V8. The rears should work because I put a 8.8” in the rear of my V6 mustang
Would it be possible to use an impact from beginnning to end? To get them loose from the strut tower
Yes, but be careful not to break the nuts. I showed the traditional method since a lot of people don’t have access to one.
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage thanks man. Youve been a great help on alot of questions ive had in the past. Thank you very much
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage hey man its me again. Bought some Bilstien b6 performanc rear shocka for 2002 GT. the shocks came with their own bushing. A tan colored one. Should i use it? Or do i need the same style as the one already on the car?? Im doing this job for the first time tomorrow. Any tips help. Thanks
@@Fr3sh-Kush either should be fine. I’ve used stock ones if the new ones give me any kind of fitment problems. Just make sure bushings are slightly squished but not too tight on the rear. If you have an impact gun it’s best for the front top strut nuts. Soak them in advance with pb blaster or liquid wrench
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage also is the process for changing rear quad shocks the same on GT as it is on cobras? Cant find any tutorials on GT cars specifically.
Big thanks thoough man. You and alot of youtubers have taught me alot.
Hey Danny how were these shocks and struts? If I can still get my hands on a set I’m going to install them. Any other shocks and struts brands you would suggest for a 97 vert gt? I’m staying away from koni strt and presently have Monroe sensatrac on it now and it floats over bumps. Feels like a jetski on rough roads
I really like these. They are doing well.
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage well I can’t find any hp’s or illumina shocks anywhere. I had to settle for koni strt :(. I had them in my lowered 03 And hated them. My 97 has stock springs so I’m hoping the konis will feel better with more of the travel than the 03.
Very informative video. Thanks for sharing, I have to change the front struts on my 98 soon..
Danny where can I buy those struts? Awesome video, it’s very helpful.
I got them off ebay. You may have to google the two part numbers HB3140 and HE3723
Danny Johnson thank you because I could only find the front but not the rear. I’m about to look.
Did rear now car slams down really hard almost like bottoming out. Any advice?
How about the fronts? If they aren’t replaced it’s like holding the back of the car firm and letting the front flop around
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage yes fronts were replaced same day thanks to this video
If they are the correct shocks for the car, I don’t know why it would be bottoming out unless they are bad
Easier way to get stock nuts off the stock shock: Hacksaw both the nut and shock stud.
There are certainly easier ways, but I tend to stick to the more traditional when showing people ha ha
I have a 95 v6 don't know if struts were ever changed. Broke 2 large screw drivers and a chisel on this terrible slotted design. Ended up cutting the nuts off with a grinder.
I can not get my strut back on for the life of me.
It won’t go through the strut holes or what?
@@dannyjohnsonsgarage I'm a dumass I didn't extend the friggin thing out. Thanks for the reply
Great video.