The goal here is to update my 2009 GT500 struts/shocks to those of the 2013/2014 GT500 that is equipped with the optional Bilstein Damp-Tronic's, part of the optional Track Package suspension. They are electronically adjustable (two positions available) which will require a custom harness of sorts to provide power. I had hoped that FRPP would have released a comprehensive kit but to date I've seen or heard nothing to indicate that it may be forthcoming - but who knows, maybe its right around the corner.
Anyway, as I mentioned in another thread, the Bilstein hardware is not stand alone when factory equipped on a '13/'14 GT500. It's integration is a bit complicated from a simple bolt-on perspective. As 5.0 Magazine put it...
I already have the FR500S ABS module (defaults TC to off at startup), don't have to worry about nibble control (hydraulic rack), and probably have more rear brake bias than the stock percentage via the 13" FTBR brakes I installed. So hopefully, integration for me is only a matter of obtaining the proper fastening hardware/bushings along with a harness/switch to provide power and the ability to go from stock to sport mode.
I received the struts/shocks yesterday afternoon. They are supposed to be ~10 mile take-off's. I believe they came from Henderson, Nevada, which has me wondering if they originated at Shelby's nearby facility as the result of an upgrade or conversion to something else. To begin with, the rear shocks.
I'm not sure how many channels there are to allow fluid to flow between the external reservoir and the shock or how the seal between the two is in place.
I'm going to need a pair of upper bushings (or upper insulator's as Ford Parts calls them). I'm not sure if that is the upper and lower bushing atop the shock or not.
I currently have factory Ford KR springs/shocks/struts on the car (and have been on it since almost new) but wanted to compare these to the factory rear shock. My original 2009 rear shocks are longer as well as being larger in diameter (the outer shock body anyway) than the Bilstein units.
I hope that the lower bushings are available through Ford as they were not included with everything else.
You can clearly see a larger diameter upper shaft with finer threads on the Bilstein. The following photo shows the two prongs inside that no doubt necessitated the difference. I'll have to procure the appropriate plug in pigtail(s).
Current retail price from Ford....$384.40 each!
Moving to the front, the struts...
They have markings to identify a left and a right but look to be the same.
The harness and connector exit through the bottom of the strut.
Problem for me, someone didn't take very good care of the left strut during the removal and damaged the wiring. It is severed right at the bottom of the shaft with only a tiny bit of sheathing intact. Both wires are cut and as it stands there isn't enough wire protruding through the tube to reattach them...
I'll notify the seller and we'll see what he can do. The struts don't come cheap new at $515.10 each.
Either way, I'll also need a pigtail(s) to plug into the struts as well.
I'm considering using some FRPP springs as well as a pair of MM c/c plates so that I can have more freedom come alignment time. But first I have to procure the appropriate bolts/nuts, rubber bushings, and connectors/pigtails. I see the connectors as part of a main harness when scouring through parts diagrams but am hoping they are available individually (especially for the rear shocks). Sam, can you help me out here?
Most importantly, I have to find out how they are powered and what it takes to switch between regular and sport mode. I don't plan on attempting to hack or somehow utilize the electronic suspension control module that the factory uses with this arrangement.
So lots of details to attend to. Hopefully I can overcome each obstacle that currently stands in the way.
Anyway, as I mentioned in another thread, the Bilstein hardware is not stand alone when factory equipped on a '13/'14 GT500. It's integration is a bit complicated from a simple bolt-on perspective. As 5.0 Magazine put it...
I already have the FR500S ABS module (defaults TC to off at startup), don't have to worry about nibble control (hydraulic rack), and probably have more rear brake bias than the stock percentage via the 13" FTBR brakes I installed. So hopefully, integration for me is only a matter of obtaining the proper fastening hardware/bushings along with a harness/switch to provide power and the ability to go from stock to sport mode.
I received the struts/shocks yesterday afternoon. They are supposed to be ~10 mile take-off's. I believe they came from Henderson, Nevada, which has me wondering if they originated at Shelby's nearby facility as the result of an upgrade or conversion to something else. To begin with, the rear shocks.
I'm not sure how many channels there are to allow fluid to flow between the external reservoir and the shock or how the seal between the two is in place.
I'm going to need a pair of upper bushings (or upper insulator's as Ford Parts calls them). I'm not sure if that is the upper and lower bushing atop the shock or not.
I currently have factory Ford KR springs/shocks/struts on the car (and have been on it since almost new) but wanted to compare these to the factory rear shock. My original 2009 rear shocks are longer as well as being larger in diameter (the outer shock body anyway) than the Bilstein units.
I hope that the lower bushings are available through Ford as they were not included with everything else.
You can clearly see a larger diameter upper shaft with finer threads on the Bilstein. The following photo shows the two prongs inside that no doubt necessitated the difference. I'll have to procure the appropriate plug in pigtail(s).
Current retail price from Ford....$384.40 each!
Moving to the front, the struts...
They have markings to identify a left and a right but look to be the same.
The harness and connector exit through the bottom of the strut.
Problem for me, someone didn't take very good care of the left strut during the removal and damaged the wiring. It is severed right at the bottom of the shaft with only a tiny bit of sheathing intact. Both wires are cut and as it stands there isn't enough wire protruding through the tube to reattach them...
I'll notify the seller and we'll see what he can do. The struts don't come cheap new at $515.10 each.
Either way, I'll also need a pigtail(s) to plug into the struts as well.
I'm considering using some FRPP springs as well as a pair of MM c/c plates so that I can have more freedom come alignment time. But first I have to procure the appropriate bolts/nuts, rubber bushings, and connectors/pigtails. I see the connectors as part of a main harness when scouring through parts diagrams but am hoping they are available individually (especially for the rear shocks). Sam, can you help me out here?
Most importantly, I have to find out how they are powered and what it takes to switch between regular and sport mode. I don't plan on attempting to hack or somehow utilize the electronic suspension control module that the factory uses with this arrangement.
So lots of details to attend to. Hopefully I can overcome each obstacle that currently stands in the way.
