What front springs/tires for a '69 Stang....street/strip?

[cjshaker]

Getting ready to install my CalTrac setup on the Mach now that it's warmed up a bit. Got the complete package with front and rear shocks.

My car now has the aftermarket BB springs, but I know they won't work good for weight transfer so I'll be changing them out. Most of what I've read and researched says that the Moroso front springs aren't good for any type of street use. While I want to get the best traction I can, I also don't want to lose the ability to drive it on the street. From what I have gathered and read, the small block Moog springs seem to be a good alternative. Leaning towards the Moog part #8306, listed for 67-70 6cyl w/o AC, but would like some feedback from you guys. My car has a factory iron 427 block, iron MR heads and factory 2x4 intake, no AC. I also have a factory deep sump pan and Hooker headers so I have to consider them on ride height.

Also another question, this one on front tires. While I can always throw my BFG TAs and Magnums back on for extended street driving and use, I'd like to be able to drive on the street occasionally with the new rims I bought for racing. I'm leaning towards the MT ET Streets in 28X11.50-15LT on 15x8 rims for the rear. I just bought 15x5 front rims and was wondering if the MT Sportsman Front tires will fit on the 5" wide rim? Can't find any info on recommended rim size on their web sight.
Also, I see suppliers list them in 26x7.50-15, 26x7.50-15 8 ply and 28x7.50-15. I like the idea of the smaller 26" for stance and looks but will that put my front too low? And if they WILL work, is the 8 ply better for my heavy nose?

[jayb]

On the springs, I used small block V8 springs, for vehicles without air, on the front of my Mach1.  Engine was all aluminum, but when I added the supercharger that put another 50-60 pounds on the nose.  Also used 90/10 shocks and no front swaybar.  Drove it all over the country like that...

[cjshaker]

Thanks for the response, Jay. I was a little surprised that you kept the wider (7"?) front rims when racing. I assumed it was because of a space issue in your trailer....not having enough room for a whole set of wheels. I also assume you just aired them up for less resistance? Now they have 6" Magnums available. Not so when I did my car. Only the 8" and 7" were available.

I did find, after some more research, that the approved rim size for the 7.50 fronts are 3.5-6.5, so my 5" rims should be good to go.

[jayb]

Thanks for the response, Jay. I was a little surprised that you kept the wider (7"?) front rims when racing. I assumed it was because of a space issue in your trailer....not having enough room for a whole set of wheels. I also assume you just aired them up for less resistance?

Actually, I just wanted to keep as much of the stock appearance as possible.  I ran them at 40 psi at the track.

[afret]

Moog 8306 springs should work fine.  The Moog 8088 springs make a big block car a bit too low.

Using 8306 springs, 15x5" front wheels, 28" tall Sportsman front tires.  Iron block, no sway bar, battery in the trunk, aluminum heads and intake.



These old Mustangs look good with 28" tall front tires:

[cjshaker]

Using 8306 springs, 15x5" front wheels, 28" tall Sportsman front tires.  Iron block, no sway bar, battery in the trunk, aluminum heads and intake.

Thank you very much for the picture. Is the backspacing on your front Weld Wheels 3 1/2"? The Team III Dragmasters that I chose for the front only have a 3" backspace. I may have some clearance issues judging by your picture. My front will be a bit heavier with iron heads and battery. I may have to go to the 26" if that's the case. Or they may just look bad sticking out too far. I'm hoping not.

I did a lot of research and picture searching to find some wheels that I thought would keep the old school look that I wanted while getting away from the "everybody has them" Magnums. Days and days of research (I'm a picky SOB ). Not easy when your head starts to spin after looking at thousands of pics of rims and old drag Mustangs, comparing sizing, backspacing etc. I eventually chose these....

Rears....


Fronts....


I know they are more of a vintage funny car type, but hoping they will look ok on mine as well.
The backs are only 4" BS but that should work perfectly with my 2" narrowed rear (1" each side).

[fastback 427]

Doug,
I run the moroso trick springs on my 67 fb. Installed them and two guys couldn't push the front down. Way to tall and stiff. We let them settle a few days then started to trim coils a 1/4 at a time. Ended up with 1 coil removed. Ride height is nice, 3 1/2" to header clearance. 2 1/8 " headman husslers so I think they hang lower than yours. Also my car is probably lighter, 3012 lbs, so they might be OK for you. I'd have to look for my sheet but the weight on the front was 820 and 860 each wheel. The car rides good on the street with no bounce. Also I'm running the mickey 26"x7.5 fronts. Great on the track but sometime grabs depressed wheel tracks on the street. Also the Mickey et streets are GREAT. Better 60ft than my slicks. Had mine on for a few years and still have tread. Also I'd like to add that the small block springs we installed years ago seemed to settle a lot after a couple years.

[fastback 427]

Weight is 824 and 881 on the front tires.

[ScotiaFE]

Well you have the springs out, you want to put the roller perches in.
You may even want to consider the how much bump stop you may need.

[cjshaker]

Doug,
I run the moroso trick springs on my 67 fb. Installed them and two guys couldn't push the front down. Way to tall and stiff. We let them settle a few days then started to trim coils a 1/4 at a time.
Also I'd like to add that the small block springs we installed years ago seemed to settle a lot after a couple years.

Thanks for the feedback. To avoid a lot of cutting and experimenting I think I'll go with the small block springs for now. Mainly to ease the amount of work needed to get the car ready for late April. If I find I need to change them later I can do that. I will only use the drag wheel setup on local cruises and shows, but thanks for the heads up on the track "grabbing".

Would you happen to have a picture of your car with the 26s on it? I just may need to go that route with the 3" BS.

Well you have the springs out, you want to put the roller perches in.
You may even want to consider the how much bump stop you may need.

I have been considering the rollerized perches. Certainly not cheap, but nothing on my car ever has been I think they will be a worthwhile investment seeing as the A-arms will be getting a workout with this set-up.
I'll do some measuring when the engine is in and done and see where my bump stop will be at. Easy enough job to extend it down if I have to.

Thanks to all you guys for the great input you've given me while I do this changeover. Even though I've tried to read and research all I can, you can't beat experience.

[fastback 427]

Doug,
Here's a picture for you.
http://i1350.photobucket.com

[cjshaker]

Doug,
Here's a picture for you.
http://i1350.photobucket.com

The link just goes to the sign-in page. Thanks for the try though.

[fastback 427]

Sorry, the pics I have are all to large to upload, the limit is 128 gb and mine were 518. I'll have the wife give it a shot as I am computer illiterate 

[fastback 427]

Doug Hopefully works this time

[Heo]

Frank Bullit goes dragracing