Vert Rigid Ride

[diamondback]

I was wondering if someone knew why the vert has such a rigid ride compared to the Hard Top?

 

When I hit a hard bump it seems like the shock travels all thoughout the car.

[Joe G]

I don't notice a thing on my vert.

[mrfarmdog]

Me either. Also the suspension on the verts is supposed to be softer than that of the coupes. They have smaller sway bars on the verts...

[Son of GT]

I was wondering if someone knew why the vert has such a rigid ride compared to the Hard Top?

 

When I hit a hard bump it seems like the shock travels all thoughout the car.

Even though the verts have additional bracing added to the car in order to make up for the missing roof, the flexing and shaking you are experiencing is not because the verts have stiffer suspension than the coupes (the stock spring rates are actually softer on the verts), it's caused because there is no roof to keep the body and chassis tied together and rigid. That's why everytime you hit a pot hole or freeway expansion joint, the body flexes (especally the windsheld frame) and vibrates which gives the illusion that the suspension is stiffer but it's not.

 

I believe that Steeda now makes additional torque box braces specifically for the verts. If I'm right about that, you can add a set of those on your car which should help the exsisting factory bracing. Additionally, if you really want to arrest the flexing issue, you could install a proper (not a light bar) four or six point roll bar that would definately go very far to stiffen the car up.

 

Hope this helps.

[S7MS]

I was wondering if someone knew why the vert has such a rigid ride compared to the Hard Top?

 

When I hit a hard bump it seems like the shock travels all thoughout the car.

 

Son of GT speaks the truth. I had him test drive my convertible because I was sure it was out of whack, with all the shuddering and juddering. No, that's just the way these cars are. For better or worse, this ain't no BMW. I've gotten used to it (almost). One thing Son of GT taught me is to drive the thing like you stole it and you'll never notice the jarring bits. Believe it or not, the GT500 vert is alot more liveable than some verts costing 3 or 4 times as much.

[cammerunderpressure]

Son of GT speaks the truth. I had him test drive my convertible because I was sure it was out of whack, with all the shuddering and juddering. No, that's just the way these cars are. For better or worse, this ain't no BMW. I've gotten used to it (almost). One thing Son of GT taught me is to drive the thing like you stole it and you'll never notice the jarring bits. Believe it or not, the GT500 vert is alot more liveable than some verts costing 3 or 4 times as much.

 

Do you cars make a bunch of noise from the front end??? I'll call it thumping, for lack of a better discription. Both sides, up high....

 

Every damn tar line, pavement break, etc... It seems the smaller the road imperfection, the more I hear it. I swear the upper strut mount, on both sides, is loose like a loose shock would sound.

 

Thump....Thump...Thump....... Every damn impact.

 

I have had the struts replaced and the strut mounts, and it still is the loudest impact noise I have ever heard in a car. I am 95% positive it makes the same noise on the rebound of the impact too, which tells me something is loose. Thump on the impact, then thump on the down side of bumps, too.

 

I really can't believe this thumping is normal. I have had 2 Mustang Verts before and they both felt like Lincolns compared to this thing....

[Son of GT]

Do you cars make a bunch of noise from the front end??? I'll call it thumping, for lack of a better discription. Both sides, up high....

 

Every damn tar line, pavement break, etc... It seems the smaller the road imperfection, the more I hear it. I swear the upper strut mount, on both sides, is loose like a loose shock would sound.

 

Thump....Thump...Thump....... Every damn impact.

 

I have had the struts replaced and the strut mounts, and it still is the loudest impact noise I have ever heard in a car. I am 95% positive it makes the same noise on the rebound of the impact too, which tells me something is loose. Thump on the impact, then thump on the down side of bumps, too.

 

I really can't believe this thumping is normal. I have had 2 Mustang Verts before and they both felt like Lincolns compared to this thing....

I did when I first got the car, but when I changed the 18" wheels and tires over to 20" wheels/tires, that thumping condition went away. Lower profile tires on 20" wheels will translate larger devations in the road surface more easely, but have a tendancy to roll over the little stuff. Pot holes and steep speed bumps? Very, very, bad for 20 inchers. Expansion joints, tar patchs, small weather cracks in the road surface? They really aren't a problem, and the ride is pretty darn smooth considering the wheel diameter and tire's low profile.

 

The thumping that you are hearing and feeling is coming from the 18 inch, higher profile tires. They are acting like big baloons and the only way to really keep it that thumping in check is to make sure that you are keeping the tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended air pressures that are posted on the driver's door jamb.

 

The other but more costly remedy would be to install larger wheels and tires, but keep your original wheels and tires for any track time you may do, because 18 and 19 inch wheels and tires tend to perform better on the track than 20 inchers do.

[Son of GT]

Son of GT speaks the truth. I had him test drive my convertible because I was sure it was out of whack, with all the shuddering and juddering. No, that's just the way these cars are. For better or worse, this ain't no BMW. I've gotten used to it (almost). One thing Son of GT taught me is to drive the thing like you stole it and you'll never notice the jarring bits. Believe it or not, the GT500 vert is alot more liveable than some verts costing 3 or 4 times as much.

It's great to hear from you again Ham! I'm glad to see/hear that you are enjoying your great car. I ran into a co-worker of yours that owns a green, 1968 (69?) Dodge Charger at Bob's Big Boy drive-in about a month ago, and he mentioned that you were going to have your car Super Snaked. If that's correct, that's great news! You will love the package and the car that much more when it's done.

 

I know that you work alot, but if you get a chance, drop by the Santa Monica Pier this Saturday the 6th from 10 to 4 and check out the Los Angeles SAAC car show that's being held there. Be sure to say hello if you do.

[cammerunderpressure]

I did when I first got the car, but when I changed the 18" wheels and tires over to 20" wheels/tires, that thumping condition went away. Lower profile tires on 20" wheels will translate larger devations in the road surface more easely, but have a tendancy to roll over the little stuff. Pot holes and steep speed bumps? Very, very, bad for 20 inchers. Expansion joints, tar patchs, small weather cracks in the road surface? They really aren't a problem, and the ride is pretty darn smooth considering the wheel diameter and tire's low profile.

 

The thumping that you are hearing and feeling is coming from the 18 inch, higher profile tires. They are acting like big baloons and the only way to really keep it that thumping in check is to make sure that you are keeping the tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended air pressures that are posted on the driver's door jamb.

 

The other but more costly remedy would be to install larger wheels and tires, but keep your original wheels and tires for any track time you may do, because 18 and 19 inch wheels and tires tend to perform better on the track than 20 inchers do.

 

I really wanted to believe it is the tires but I have pretty much ruled that out in my head. My car makes the same noise when the suspension unloads quickly, too. And none from the back. Back is nice and quite. Only the front end makes the noise. Tires should make the noise on both ends.

 

I hear tire noise, don't get me wrong, but my car has another noise, that I am pretty sure is happening in the upper mount area of the struts.

 

I get the noise at speeds as low as 1-2 mph, as I roll a tar line. The intensity of the noise is similar regardless of impact noise. It is like the rubber in the strut mount is simply moving up or down, and impacting the upper or lower mount surface, like a rubber hammer.

 

I also seem to get a secondary thump, like when the tire first hits the irregularity, then again as the suspension travels to it's neutral position.

 

It is going in again, hopefully to get resolved this time. I am pretty certain something is moving around in my front end that shouldn't be.

[hotrodrock]

Son of GT speaks the truth. I had him test drive my convertible because I was sure it was out of whack, with all the shuddering and juddering. No, that's just the way these cars are. For better or worse, this ain't no BMW. I've gotten used to it (almost). One thing Son of GT taught me is to drive the thing like you stole it and you'll never notice the jarring bits. Believe it or not, the GT500 vert is alot more liveable than some verts costing 3 or 4 times as much.

 

I see a lot of remarks about the ride of these cars. Personally, I think mine rides like a wagon when compared to most of todays cars, but then this car is not a luxury car but a hot rod. Being a geezer and having had some pretty hot street cars back in the 60's and early 70's, I know what its like to drive cars with the old Hi-Jacker air shocks, no sway bars, and no tuned suspension. I think the whole suspension is noisy as hell but nothing I haven't driven before and loved it.

[3ponies]

I was wondering if someone knew why the vert has such a rigid ride compared to the Hard Top?

 

When I hit a hard bump it seems like the shock travels all thoughout the car.

 

I love the ride. My 08 Vert is like my mom's old 4 door Caddy from the 70s compared to my stage 3 coupe!

 

My wife would rather ride in the Vert any day as we think it is a great ride.

Rick

[diamondback]

Even though the verts have additional bracing added to the car in order to make up for the missing roof, the flexing and shaking you are experiencing is not because the verts have stiffer suspension than the coupes (the stock spring rates are actually softer on the verts), it's caused because there is no roof to keep the body and chassis tied together and rigid. That's why everytime you hit a pot hole or freeway expansion joint, the body flexes (especally the windsheld frame) and vibrates which gives the illusion that the suspension is stiffer but it's not.

 

I believe that Steeda now makes additional torque box braces specifically for the verts. If I'm right about that, you can add a set of those on your car which should help the exsisting factory bracing. Additionally, if you really want to arrest the flexing issue, you could install a proper (not a light bar) four or six point roll bar that would definately go very far to stiffen the car up.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Great explanation. THANKS!

[twobjshelbys]

I don't notice these issues in my 'verts but then I have no frame of reference other than SUVs and trucks. My truck gets a resonance on some highways at about 70 that is teeth chattering. The first time it happened I thought I'd blown a tire.

[Slabo]

Even though the verts have additional bracing added to the car in order to make up for the missing roof, the flexing and shaking you are experiencing is not because the verts have stiffer suspension than the coupes (the stock spring rates are actually softer on the verts), it's caused because there is no roof to keep the body and chassis tied together and rigid. That's why everytime you hit a pot hole or freeway expansion joint, the body flexes (especally the windsheld frame) and vibrates which gives the illusion that the suspension is stiffer but it's not.

 

I believe that Steeda now makes additional torque box braces specifically for the verts. If I'm right about that, you can add a set of those on your car which should help the exsisting factory bracing. Additionally, if you really want to arrest the flexing issue, you could install a proper (not a light bar) four or six point roll bar that would definately go very far to stiffen the car up.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Good explanation Son of GT. I have not experienced any strange bumping up front beyond what you have explained. According to the supplemental manual the front springs are 9% softer and the rears are 21% softer than the coupe. Are you thinking the softer springs are specifically because the convertible is not as stiff and this is a way for Ford to reduce the flex shake you are referring?

 

BTW could not find anything on Steeda's website for chassis stiffening for the vert.

[Son of GT]

Good explanation Son of GT. I have not experienced any strange bumping up front beyond what you have explained. According to the supplemental manual the front springs are 9% softer and the rears are 21% softer than the coupe. Are you thinking the softer springs are specifically because the convertible is not as stiff and this is a way for Ford to reduce the flex shake you are referring?

 

BTW could not find anything on Steeda's website for chassis stiffening for the vert.

Yes, exactly that is the reason. As far as the Steeda braces, a couple of other members posted information about them here. I'll see if I can find those posts for you.

[bradenbb]

Yes, exactly that is the reason. As far as the Steeda braces, a couple of other members posted information about them here. I'll see if I can find those posts for you.

On the Steeda web site it says the braces are not for the verts....

[diamondback]

Good explanation Son of GT. I have not experienced any strange bumping up front beyond what you have explained. According to the supplemental manual the front springs are 9% softer and the rears are 21% softer than the coupe. Are you thinking the softer springs are specifically because the convertible is not as stiff and this is a way for Ford to reduce the flex shake you are referring?

 

BTW could not find anything on Steeda's website for chassis stiffening for the vert.

 

Ahh ha! Another good info tid bit.

 

Interesting to know. Thanks

[Slabo]

Yes, exactly that is the reason. As far as the Steeda braces, a couple of other members posted information about them here. I'll see if I can find those posts for you.

 

Thanks.

[thewheelman]

The last 2 convertibles I owned, before the GT 500, wore high performance tires, and while they didn't thump and bump (but my 500 doesn't either) but jumped so badly into tar strips and ruts in the pavement that it was hard to hold straight. I love the way the GT 500 responds and drives--it's a very good road car. And, again, I repeat.....it's the quietest convertible I've ever been in!

 

As a side note, my GT 500 listed for $48k and some change. I spotted a Bentley Azure the other night at a Nashville eatery.....it has a plastic rear window.....just like my 69 MG........at $215k and change!

[cammerunderpressure]

The last 2 convertibles I owned, before the GT 500, wore high performance tires, and while they didn't thump and bump (but my 500 doesn't either) but jumped so badly into tar strips and ruts in the pavement that it was hard to hold straight. I love the way the GT 500 responds and drives--it's a very good road car. And, again, I repeat.....it's the quietest convertible I've ever been in!

 

As a side note, my GT 500 listed for $48k and some change. I spotted a Bentley Azure the other night at a Nashville eatery.....it has a plastic rear window.....just like my 69 MG........at $215k and change!

 

Your post makes me believe something is wrong with my car. It has, without a doubt, the loudest suspension I have ever owned in a car, including 2 previous Mustang verts. I will be taking it to the dealership soon for further analysis. My first 3000 miles have been spent being very disappointed in what was the most exciting purchase of my life.

[S7MS]

Your post makes me believe something is wrong with my car. It has, without a doubt, the loudest suspension I have ever owned in a car, including 2 previous Mustang verts. I will be taking it to the dealership soon for further analysis. My first 3000 miles have been spent being very disappointed in what was the most exciting purchase of my life.

 

This is all like deja vu to me. I felt the same way you do about my vert - to the point I thought I should seek a shrink. I read every review of the S197 vert I could find, both GT500 and Mustang, and time after time I read how the new platform had no shake, how it was rock solid, etc. Mine on the other hand, is like a 3.0 on the Richter scale just on normal pavement. Driving on broken pavement? Sounds and feels like a small plane just crashed in my back seat.

 

I posted my concerns on this site and was met with virtual blank stares. Seems no other vert drivers had any idea what I was talking about. Then I started running into reviews of the vert that said it shook worse than any previous Mustang, and posts by other owners experiencing the same thing as me. I've been to several Ford service departments and each and every one has shrugged and basically said, "It's a convertible".

 

Is it a matter of perception? Are some verts built better than others? Why do some say the car is rock solid and others not so much? I have no idea. If you find out, let me know.

[clayton shelby]

Your post makes me believe something is wrong with my car. It has, without a doubt, the loudest suspension I have ever owned in a car, including 2 previous Mustang verts. I will be taking it to the dealership soon for further analysis. My first 3000 miles have been spent being very disappointed in what was the most exciting purchase of my life.

 

I feel the same way about the noise. My last ’02 Mustang convertible was no where near as noisy, shaky and unstable as this car. I’m a bit disappointed in that I had read that Ford had designed the S197 with the convertible in mind. Early reviews were glowing, saying goodbye to the cowl shake, much improved rigidity and less road noise. Well, that, for sure, is not my car. If it wasn’t for the great performance, cool looks and the fact it’s a Shelby, I’d be having second thoughts about keeping it.

 

If anyone has any quick and relatively inexpensive fixes that will improve the ride on this beast, I love to hear them.

[cammerunderpressure]

This is all like deja vu to me. I felt the same way you do about my vert - to the point I thought I should seek a shrink. I read every review of the S197 vert I could find, both GT500 and Mustang, and time after time I read how the new platform had no shake, how it was rock solid, etc. Mine on the other hand, is like a 3.0 on the Richter scale just on normal pavement. Driving on broken pavement? Sounds and feels like a small plane just crashed in my back seat.

 

I posted my concerns on this site and was met with virtual blank stares. Seems no other vert drivers had any idea what I was talking about. Then I started running into reviews of the vert that said it shook worse than any previous Mustang, and posts by other owners experiencing the same thing as me. I've been to several Ford service departments and each and every one has shrugged and basically said, "It's a convertible".

 

Is it a matter of perception? Are some verts built better than others? Why do some say the car is rock solid and others not so much? I have no idea. If you find out, let me know.

 

I think something is up with a percentage of our cars. I don't know how many of us are experiencing this, but I am pretty certain it can't be all, or these Forums would be full of people like us. How do we collectively bang on Fords door? It seems like we are all just being brushed off at the dealer level and not getting anywhere.

 

NOBODY would consider the thumping in the front of my car normal if they road in it, yet the dealer and regional guy are already talking about finding another GT500 Vert to drive to prove it is "normal".

 

If it is "normal", I think I might have to get rid of it, and swear off Ford for the rest of my life. I almost bought a Z06 prior to getting this car, and now I really wish I had. I am a mechanical engineer, even worked on suspension design in college for our SAE race car. If Ford considers this crap noise "normal" than I want nothing to due with their "normal" stuff then. A suspension should not generate noise. It may transmit some tire noise, certainly, but mine is definitly generating noise on impacts.

 

I am pretty certain it is poorly designed / manufactured strut mounts.

[diamondback]

I think something is up with a percentage of our cars. I don't know how many of us are experiencing this, but I am pretty certain it can't be all, or these Forums would be full of people like us. How do we collectively bang on Fords door? It seems like we are all just being brushed off at the dealer level and not getting anywhere.

 

NOBODY would consider the thumping in the front of my car normal if they road in it, yet the dealer and regional guy are already talking about finding another GT500 Vert to drive to prove it is "normal".

 

If it is "normal", I think I might have to get rid of it, and swear off Ford for the rest of my life. I almost bought a Z06 prior to getting this car, and now I really wish I had. I am a mechanical engineer, even worked on suspension design in college for our SAE race car. If Ford considers this crap noise "normal" than I want nothing to due with their "normal" stuff then. A suspension should not generate noise. It may transmit some tire noise, certainly, but mine is definitly generating noise on impacts.

 

I am pretty certain it is poorly designed / manufactured strut mounts.

 

This is my first vert so I can't speak from experience but my car makes no noises as u claim but the shuddering over semi-bad bumps is frightening! I would hate to think what would happen if I was punching it and came across a rough patch of road. People have been telling me that's the normal behavior of a non full frame vert.

[S7MS]

I think something is up with a percentage of our cars. I don't know how many of us are experiencing this, but I am pretty certain it can't be all, or these Forums would be full of people like us. How do we collectively bang on Fords door? It seems like we are all just being brushed off at the dealer level and not getting anywhere.

 

NOBODY would consider the thumping in the front of my car normal if they road in it, yet the dealer and regional guy are already talking about finding another GT500 Vert to drive to prove it is "normal".

 

If it is "normal", I think I might have to get rid of it, and swear off Ford for the rest of my life. I almost bought a Z06 prior to getting this car, and now I really wish I had. I am a mechanical engineer, even worked on suspension design in college for our SAE race car. If Ford considers this crap noise "normal" than I want nothing to due with their "normal" stuff then. A suspension should not generate noise. It may transmit some tire noise, certainly, but mine is definitly generating noise on impacts.

 

I am pretty certain it is poorly designed / manufactured strut mounts.

Wow, maybe we should form a support group - or a class action suit. It does make me feel a bit more sane to hear others having the same problems and being offered the same excuses, i.e. all verts do that. I also had one service department tell me they would try to get me a ride in another GT500 vert to prove they're all the same..never happened by the way.

 

If all GT500 verts are the same, then let me ask how all those car reviews can claim "no cowell shake" and most solid Mustang ever?

I am on the list to Super Snake my car (kinda like having a baby to try and save a bad marrage), but at this point I am just as likely to trade her in...this car is no fun to drive under normal circumstances.

[Simp03]

My 08 GT500 vert is the best stang I have owned to date, and I have owned alot of them. Yes, it does have some rattles and shakes more than a coupe but until I read this thread I never payed attention to them and by the next time I get back in the car I will have forgotten about this.

I enjoy this car because of the looks, power, sound, and the never ending mods and car clubs or shows you can go to. Drive it and enjoy it, who cares if it shakes and rattles, it is a Mustang.

As for front end noise, that should be easy to fix, just find the right dealer to take it to.