Topic: Define HD rear suspension 65' mustang

[ptosborn1111]

It's me again. I have read some of the threads on suspension questions for the 65'. Still not finding an answer after a couple of yrs of looking. Don't kick me on lack of knowledge, however, I haven't found the build sheets for the car but do have the original order and delivery sheets. The order sheet states HEAVY DUTY (HD) suspension. I have a general knowledge of this concept but do not know if it applies to the rear shocks. What was a heavy duty suspension for this car, if anyone may have this on their order/build sheets? I want this car as close to concourse as possible with the exception of safety in the form of front disc brakes. So I need to know what the rear shocks are or if I can replicate these to acceptable concourse level. Oh ya, sorry, the car again! It is an A code 289 65' fastback, 4 spd st.
Thanks again guys!

[J_Speegle]

For a non GT 65 fastback I believe the HD suspension was different, sway bar,  front and rear springs and different shocks (basically a different stock number - other than the engineering number and paint mark they would look the same on the car

Had a very early fastback years ago with the option from best we could tell.

[Ivygreen65]

HD suspension in 65/66 was known as the Special Handling Package.  As Jeff noted, it consisted of a 13/16" front sway bar, higher rate springs in the front and rear, and different shock absorbers.  A quick ratio steering box was also part of the package.  This package was a standard feature on all 65/66 GT cars. 

[jwc66k]

I ordered the "Special Handling Package" on the 66 Fastback that I special ordered in early 1966. One thing that was most noticeable was that the large diameter of the shaft of the front shocks as it was the same diameter as the HD suspension of the 289 HP package on a Mustang hardtop. That car was sitting next to my Fastback in the dealer's back lot and the hardtop buyer and I picked up our cars at the same time (both cars were Signal Flare Red). I can't answer for the other items (springs, steering, sway bar) as I wasn't into "restoring" in 1966, it was still new.
Jim 

[ptosborn1111]

Ok! since I am long winded while writing these let me get down to the point. The rear shocks I have on my garage floor are yellow color with a black coil over spring (came off the car and were in a bucket of car parts from this car). I need to find the right rear shocks if these are not correct and what/who sells a concourse acceptable application? And damn it, does anyone feel like coming over and making a punch list of what I should be correcting on this car? It appears to have some nit picky stuff that I am no good at!

[J_Speegle]

Ok! since I am long winded while writing these let me get down to the point. The rear shocks I have on my garage floor are yellow color with a black coil over spring (came off the car and were in a bucket of car parts from this car). I need to find the right rear shocks if these are not correct and what/who sells a concourse acceptable application? And damn it, does anyone feel like coming over and making a punch list of what I should be correcting on this car? It appears to have some nit picky stuff that I am no good at!

No the coil over shocks are not correct for your car.

Don't believe anyone makes an completely correct reproduction. Drake approached us last year about making some shocks though he was not going to stamp them (at least the plan at the time)  and not sure which style of shocks he was going to choice to copy.

For correct shocks your left I believe with used originals or early Nos versions if you can find the correct (engineering numbers) ones.



Ivygreen65 - Thanks for the back up - forgot the steering box difference on non-PS cars .

[ptosborn1111]

Thanks again guys! You've been much help. Guess I will post to want section a set of shocks for this car as well! Oh ya. Does anyone have the numbers on these shocks? Pics of paint marks or anything that points me to correct shocks?

[J_Speegle]

Thanks again guys! You've been much help. Guess I will post to want section a set of shocks for this car as well! Oh ya. Does anyone have the numbers on these shocks? .........

Sorry don't have a 65 MPC and would not want to quote from a later one for the service part number.  Charles and/or the others should be able to help with the engineering number. Remember this is a different number than what will be listed in books and on the box if you find one - its the number that would be stamped on the side of the shock itself

[PraireBronze]

I usually keep my yap shut when I get the urge to make comments like this, but I can't resist this one. 

You're going to put on disc brakes for the sake of safety, and then you're going to put on 50 year old shocks?  And probably used ones?   

I've read and believe that drum brakes, set up correctly, are every bit as good as disc brakes.

[Ivygreen65]

I've read and believe that drum brakes, set up correctly, are every bit as good as disc brakes.

For a rear application, I would agree.  I would give the nod to discs as being better on the front of the car, though.

[ptosborn1111]

Good point PraireBronze! However, how does your wife like those manual brakes? Car doesn't stop all that well. This is my wife's car and carries at least one kid at a time. I hope to have 50 yr old REAR shocks (rebuilt to work), looks correct. If you put on power brakes (not correct anyways) why not go all the way with safer front disc? And I'm not sure on this statement? I did mention this car was equipped with a so called "handling package" (heavy duty suspension). Is that not a considerable up graded in handling over the regular suspension for that time period?
I'm not trying to be argumentative, just trying to accommodate for my spouse and keep her in this hobby! Yet allow her to show (have judged) her car with the least amount of deductions as possible.
Thanks for the input   

[ptosborn1111]

Ivygreen,
As you previously mentioned about the 65-66 GT's having a standard HD suspension! It would then be a fair assumption that I could concentrate on looking at any 65 GT labeled car (within my build date) for donor rear shocks. If this is correct I can narrow my search down.

[J_Speegle]

Ivygreen,
As you previously mentioned about the 65-66 GT's having a standard HD suspension! It would then be a fair assumption that I could concentrate on looking at any 65 GT labeled car (within my build date) for donor rear shocks. If this is correct I can narrow my search down.

Yes though finding a 65-66 GT with original shocks today is going to be a big find.

[Ivygreen65]

Yes though finding a 65-66 GT with original shocks today is going to be a big rare and expensive find.

Fixed that for you

[ptosborn1111]

Thanks, I have a lead on one.