Welcome . a better way to measure ride height is from the center of the hub to the bottom if wheel arch eliminate variables like tire size pressure ect. Also not uncommon for new lowering springs to ride higher than worn out old springs

 

Those side stripes sure would look nice in black.But that's just my opinion.Its a very nice looking car

 

I replied earlier on my phone and didn't see the pics. I'd say just by looking it sits pretty much how it would have back in the day. You should be able to put any "properly" sized tire and wheel combo with no issue.

I mean even this clown as able to fit 225/45/17 on a 17x8 wheel with a pretty lowered front end

 

Make sure you do the Shelby/Arning drop. It'll lower your nose about 1/2" to 3/4", but that's not the big reason why you'd do it: you said you want to run this as a daily driver.

Fixing the front end geometry works much better with modern radials. It greatly reduces understeer, improves handling, body roll, and in general, is flat out how the car should be. It's also free, except for a bit of your time, and maybe a drill bit.

Lastly, don't forget that your springs will settle over time. If you just put in new springs, go drive around for a few months. THEN if additional changes need to be made, you can accurately see where it's at before you start.

 

I think the rear looks pretty right. I would be looking to do the Arning drop and maybe cut off 1/4 coil on the front and call it done.

Also, I would consider ditching the rear sway bar. You don't need it and it can make handling worse in my experience.

Lastly, I agree that color would/should have black GT stripes. I know you didn't ask, but it jumped out at me immediately.

 

Also, I would consider ditching the rear sway bar. You don't need it and it can make handling worse in my experience.

In what way if you don't mind me asking? Kind of a newbie to old cars.

 

I know they came a bit lower in the back, but I want the ride height more even.

Actually, that's an urban legend, created by the fact that the OEM rear springs were prone to sagging, as quickly as within the first year on the road. Factory spec is for the rocker panels to be level from front to rear.

Personally, I prefer to see the rocker about 1/2"-3/4" higher at the rear, giving the car a more aggressive look. The Arning drop will do that for you.

Arning Drop

 

Actually, that's an urban legend, created by the fact that the OEM rear springs were prone to sagging, as quickly as within the first year on the road. Factory spec is for the rocker panels to be level from front to rear.

Are you sure about that? Most every ad where the car is level has a bit of squat in the rear.

 

High in the front for sure, but that kinda how they sat when they were new. I think most prefer them now to be level or a slight rake to the front (higher in back).

I think the back is sitting good. I am usually not big on cutting coils off springs as there as so many options available, but start cutting a little at time to get it where you want in front. Then, after you put the motor and trans in that you want, research coil options and buy another set if you have to, they don't cost much.

As far as tires / wheels this will help you get started
https://forums.vintage-mustang.com/vintage-mustang-forum/1149184-rim-tire-chart.html

 

I'm running a similar setup in my 66 convertible. GT coil springs in the front with Shelby drop and 4.5 leaf mid eye springs. I installed this setup a year ago and I can make some measurements (center of the hub to the bottom if wheel arch) if you want. With my setup, I think the front is even more on the lower side.

 

Read the article on the Arning Drop. Do the drop, plus the 1" front bar, and export brace, it'll handle like a whole 'nother car.

 

Thanks for all the good info. I'll check out the Arning drop. Yeah, the white decals get lost in the yellow. This is how I got the car. Never thought about changing to black. Nice recommendation, I'll add that to my list! Only thing I've done so far is the suspension replacement/upgrades. I've got to get the car aligned, but snow came down today in MA so the car is garaged for another 6 weeks at least. Maybe I'll "enjoy" it for a month or two before doing anything else. See how it rides and settles.

 

Do the drop before you get it aligned. And don't forget to use modern alignment settings that are appropriate to radials instead of the old Bias Ply numbers you'll find in the shop manual!

Doing the drop, modern tires, a 1" swaybar, some decent shocks, and you'll be amazed at how well the old girl drives.

Happy motoring. =)

 

.... and proper tire pressures. The 24lbs on the sticker are also for bias ply tires, not modern radials. Bring them up to 30 ~ 32 psi all around.

IMO, the car looks good as is.

I want to say the slight rear squat was a design element of the era, to make it look like it was accelerating even sitting still. Think I read that somewhere.

 

I think you’re ridin a bit high in the front. Here’s a pic of my piece. I share this because I’m also running Drake coils (and perches) in the front. Difference in the rear is I’m running Drake reverse eye. Front springs have about half a summer on them, rears only been driven around the block so far, so may settle a little more. I think I’m a bit high in the front as well, hoping The Drop will give me what I need. If not, I’ll likely cut a bit off the front coils.

If it’s a stock front lower control arm you installed, did you torque it with load on it? If not, I’ve read that can affect ride height as well.

Nice car BTW!

 

I like the stance of your car. I did all Scott Drake uppers, lowers, shocks, and coils. I think I torqued when on jack stands so I'll recheck with the car down. I'll definitely do the Drop......It'll give me something to do until the snow melts! Think I'll leave the back for now. Easy enough to swap out the leafs if need be.

 

Does anyone have a picture of what 225/60R15's look like from the rear? Trying to decide between 225 or 215's.

 

225/60/15 on 15x7x(non ideal)4.5 BS

 

I have 15" rims and mine sits at 26" in the back with stock rear springs. The front is 26", with the 1" Shelby drop and stock GT Springs and a 3/4" coil spring spacer.

 

If you click on the link on the prior page, at the bottom of the page they have the modern recommendations.

 

So Arning drop done. Alignment according to Arning specs. 1" front sway bar in place with all new control arms and shocks. Car drives like a dream. No body roll at all. First nice day of the year (high 40's) so with the heater on I was comfortable! This is going to be a fun car to drive around. A little bit wider and bigger sneakers and I'm good. Still deciding on 225's or 215's on 15 " styled steel wheels. Didn't take the rear sway bar off yet. Might do that this weekend and see how it handles.

 

Big improvement. Looking good sir.

 

I don't think I have ever seen springtime with GT striping before. It's a stunning combo!

 

Thanks! I actually have black stripes to put on. Might tape them up and see which I like better. White ones get lost a bit.

 

Honestly I think their subtlety is what I like so much about them. It looks classy.

 

Looks really nice and I can't help but notice how clean the garage is....
OMG I wish I could have mine that clean without all the clutter that goes into the garage now.

 

I can't help but notice how clean the garage is....
OMG I wish I could have mine that clean without all the clutter that goes into the garage now.

Oh, you just can't see all the crap packed into the front of the garage. It's actually quite a mess right now. And with 2 cars in there, there's only enough room to get into the one of the left, which has to be backed out before I can get into the Mustang. I'm envious of everyone I see on this forum who have nice big garages/shops with plenty of room to work on their cars.

 

Thanks to everyone for all their input. Spoke to Gerry (Jerry?) at Scott Drake today. Really nice guy was more than willing to answer all my question. He said given my set up the 215/60/15's would be the best. Definitely won't have any issues rubbing. Pulled the trigger and ordered them today. I'll post picks when they are on.

 

Baby's got a new pair of shoes! 215/60R15. Went with the BFG's Love the look and size. Stance is still too high in the front. Yes I have the front nose taken apart. Think it will drop a bit but not that much. New thread to ask what to do with this. Gonna put the 14's up on the forum for sale.

 

The "proper" method of measuring ride height is from a flat, level surface to 4 points on each side of the car as shown on the diagram, below. The position of sheet metal on the car is highly prone to movement over the years.

https://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/attachments/classic-tech/120451d1296090548-1966-mustang-front-clip-64-65mustangframe.jpg

 

I like to measure ride height from the center of the axle to the bottom of the fender arch vs from the ground to the bottom of the fender arch. it eliminates variables like tire size,and air pressure