Shelby Gt-500Kr® Handling Kit M-23000-Kr

[ati]

OK. Thanks for the link on that adjustable PHB. $139 is not too bad. What about that other red bar I see you have. Is that required to change out or can I keep my factory one?

 

No, Its not required. Thats the Eibach heavy duty sway bar, I have them front and rear. A suspension tec recomended them to help reduce body roll which is common on verts.

[Grabber]

Did you guys replace your top front strut mounts with these

 

2005 - 2014 MUSTANG V6 GT SHELBY GT500 FRONT STRUT MOUNT UPGRADE PAIR M-18183-C

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-2014-MUSTANG-V6-GT-SHELBY-GT500-FRONT-STRUT-MOUNT-UPGRADE-PAIR-M-18183-C-/380810258973?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58aa0f6a1d

[ShelbyII]

Yes , you will need to have the car realinged . The adjustable panhard bar is a maybe - you will need to check to see if your axle is still centered or not ( if it even was to begin with ) and if you are lucky enough to find an original KR front sway bar ( the rear is the same as GT500 ) which most were sold off a while back then you will have the complete package.

 

The KR 7R335482BA front sway bar is a standard Mustang GT front sway bar.

[Grabber]

 

No, Its not required. Thats the Eibach heavy duty sway bar, I have them front and rear. A suspension tec recomended them to help reduce body roll which is common on verts.

So I can leave my front and rear sway bars alone ?

 

We do not track our cars. I do not want to go All out on everything. Doing 2 cars gets expensive.

 

I'm looking for input on doing the minimum things to accomplish installing the KR handling pack.

 

What I have gathered is that I need this at the minimum:

FRONT

1. New strut nuts from dealer since they are one time use.

2. FRP strut mounts ? (Are these required)

3. Alignment

4. Anything else ?

 

Rear

1. Adjustable PHB

2. Alignment

3. Anything else ?

[Grabber]

Can anyone advise me or confirm :

 

So I can leave my front and rear sway bars alone ?

 

We do not track our cars. I do not want to go All out on everything. Doing 2 cars gets expensive.

 

I'm looking for input on doing the minimum things to accomplish installing the KR handling pack.

 

What I have gathered is that I need this at the minimum:

FRONT

1. New strut nuts from dealer since they are one time use.

2.(Are these required) FRP strut mounts ? 2005 - 2014 MUSTANG V6 GT SHELBY GT500 FRONT STRUT MOUNT UPGRADE PAIR M-18183-C

http://www.ebay.com/...=item58aa0f6a1d

3. Alignment

4. Anything else ?

 

Rear

1. Adjustable PHB

2. Alignment

3. Anything else ?

[ShelbyII]

So I can leave my front and rear sway bars alone ?

 

We do not track our cars. I do not want to go All out on everything. Doing 2 cars gets expensive.

 

I'm looking for input on doing the minimum things to accomplish installing the KR handling pack.

 

What I have gathered is that I need this at the minimum:

FRONT

1. New strut nuts from dealer since they are one time use.

2. FRP strut mounts ? (Are these required)

3. Alignment

4. Anything else ?

 

Rear

1. Adjustable PHB

2. Alignment

3. Anything else ?

 

The kit can be installed with the stock sway bars.

 

Front

1. The current kit may include some of the one time use hardware.

2. I installed new struts mounts because it was easier and I didn't want to reuse the old mounts. They're a little cheaper here -

http://www.buyfordracing.com/2005-2011-mustang-front-strut-mount-upgrade-pair/

or here depending on the shipping -

http://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=1000125&siteid=214771&catalogid=5684

3. I did get an alignment. On my car the toe was out of spec after I installed the kit.

4 The only other thing I did was replace the jounce bumpers with the M-5570-A kit that Ford has been including with their current suspension kits. They're not required but the kit is cheap and I knew I would never redo the front struts to replace them later.

http://www.buyfordracing.com/products/2005%252d-2011-MUSTANG-JOUNCE-BUMPER-KIT.html

or

http://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=957890&siteid=214771&catalogid=5684

 

Rear

1. I did install an adjustable PHB. My car needed an 1/8" adjustment to center the tires in the fenders.

3. Again the only other thing I did was replace the jounce bumpers.

[Grabber]

 

The kit can be installed with the stock sway bars.

 

Front

1. The current kit may include some of the one time use hardware.

2. I installed new struts mounts because it was easier and I didn't want to reuse the old mounts. They're a little cheaper here -

http://www.buyfordracing.com/2005-2011-mustang-front-strut-mount-upgrade-pair/

or here depending on the shipping -

http://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=1000125&siteid=214771&catalogid=5684

3. I did get an alignment. On my car the toe was out of spec after I installed the kit.

4 The only other thing I did was replace the jounce bumpers with the M-5570-A kit that Ford has been including with their current suspension kits. They're not required but the kit is cheap and I knew I would never redo the front struts to replace them later.

http://www.buyfordracing.com/products/2005%252d-2011-MUSTANG-JOUNCE-BUMPER-KIT.html

or

http://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=957890&siteid=214771&catalogid=5684

 

Rear

1. I did install an adjustable PHB. My car needed an 1/8" adjustment to center the tires in the fenders.

3. Again the only other thing I did was replace the jounce bumpers.

Thank you so much for your help.

 

I have all the same parts on order that you have done to your car. The only thing I have to do is get the one time use hardware. I will check into that after all my new parts arrive. I went with the BMR adjustable PHB that ati (Alan) recommended.

 

Which PHB did you go with? how long ago did you do this mod and how is it working out for you ?

 

Thanks again,

 

Rob

[Kevin Patten]

 

The KR 7R335482BA front sway bar is a standard Mustang GT front sway bar.

My understanding was 6R3Z-5482-B was the GT500 front bar and the KR front bar was 7R33-5482-BA - both being 34.0MM but the KR bar has a thinner wall thickness thus making the rate and weight different than the standard GT/GT500 one. Blue Collar Performance has some for sale . As far as the upper strut mounts they are the same as the GT500 units so Grabber you should not have to change them. You don't have to change sway bars Rob to install the other parts just like you don't need to change the upper strut brace from a GT500 to a KR unit. Believe me I understand the 2 car thing !

[Grabber]

My understanding was 6R3Z-5482-B was the GT500 front bar and the KR front bar was 7R33-5482-BA - both being 34.0MM but the KR bar has a thinner wall thickness thus making the rate and weight different than the standard GT/GT500 one. Blue Collar Performance has some for sale . As far as the upper strut mounts they are the same as the GT500 units so Grabber you should not have to change them. You don't have to change sway bars Rob to install the other parts just like you don't need to change the upper strut brace from a GT500 to a KR unit. Believe me I understand the 2 car thing !

From my understanding the ford racing ones are an upgrade to what my car has. It came on the 2011 if you ordered the performance pack.

 

[Grabber]

My understanding was 6R3Z-5482-B was the GT500 front bar and the KR front bar was 7R33-5482-BA - both being 34.0MM but the KR bar has a thinner wall thickness thus making the rate and weight different than the standard GT/GT500 one. Blue Collar Performance has some for sale . As far as the upper strut mounts they are the same as the GT500 units so Grabber you should not have to change them. You don't have to change sway bars Rob to install the other parts just like you don't need to change the upper strut brace from a GT500 to a KR unit. Believe me I understand the 2 car thing !

Thanks for the heads up on the KR front sway bar. I found 2 over at Blue Collar and ordered them: http://www.bluecollarperformance.com/7r335482ba.html

[ShelbyII]

My understanding was 6R3Z-5482-B was the GT500 front bar and the KR front bar was 7R33-5482-BA - both being 34.0MM but the KR bar has a thinner wall thickness thus making the rate and weight different than the standard GT/GT500 one. Blue Collar Performance has some for sale . As far as the upper strut mounts they are the same as the GT500 units so Grabber you should not have to change them. You don't have to change sway bars Rob to install the other parts just like you don't need to change the upper strut brace from a GT500 to a KR unit. Believe me I understand the 2 car thing !

 

I agree with what you say about the KR sway bar diameter and wall thickness but this post from 2010 says 6R3Z-5482-B is the part number used to order a sway bar that has the tag number 7R33-5482-BA.

 

http://www.teamshelby.com/forums/index.php/topic/55326-need-a-favor-from-a-kr-owner/?p=962008

 

6R3Z-5482-B is listed as a (Front) Stabilizer Bar - 4.6 liter 2005 - 2009 OR 5.4 liter Convertible 2007 - 2009. Back in 2010 they weren't available from Shelby or Blue Collar but I found 7R33-5482-BA tagged sway bars available on eBay as Mustang GT take offs and that's what I put on my car.

[Kevin Patten]

Interesting read Shelby11

I don't know who or what they had on ebay but it seems to be one of those things like the KR OEM tires verses the GT500 OEM tires ( you know - same make and sizes but built different with different part #s )

[Tob]

Would this kit work for a convertible?

 

Yes. The added weight over that of a coupe is at the rear portion of the car. The KR spring drop maintains a (IMHO) much too elevated rear. The added weight of the ragtop will barely move the needle in terms of additional drop. I added weight into the trunk (more than the difference between the two models) and the ride height out back barely changed.

 

 

I didn't use a spring compressor but I assembled my kit with new strut mounts (M-18183-C) and strut top nuts (W520215S440). I was able to compress the spring far enough by hand to start the nut.

 

I also installed the M-5570-A Jounce Bumper Kit. Not required but FRPP says they are "designed for improved stability/ride comfort when used in conjunction with FRPP lowering springs".

 

Your findings mirrored mine. No compressor needed and I used new strut tops as well.

 

 

The M-5570-A Jounce Bumpers are the same size but I believe they are a softer durometer.

 

I don't know the durometer either but I took heed in FRPP's recommendation to use them.

 

Why does this kit say it fits the 2008 to 2010 and not include the 2007 ?

 

It does fit a 2007....or is there some issue ?

 

That's an error. Fits the '07 no different than other years.

 

Thanks for the info. I have a couple other questions.

 

1. Do I need an alignment aftr these parts are installed ?

2. Are any other mods required? Some are telling me I need a BMR adjustable panhard bar or my rear end will be off centered.

 

I was hoping to just increase the ride handeling with this kit alone and not get into a major install of other parts at this time.

 

Rob, always a good idea to check the alignment. You should be aware that the alignment specs were more aggressive with the KR suspension (Caster was a bit higher). I forget the actual numbers but a cursory Google search should yield productive results. I would go with the KR specs if I were you.

 

I'm surprised that it has taken this long for you to add an adjustable panhard bar. Do your research regarding bushing types and pick the one that best suits you. I use MM's bar with high quality rod ends on each side. Without getting off course and into a giant bushing discussion just remember that with increased durometer may come increased NVH. And the install of an adjustable panhard bar is no worse than driving a couple of 16D's home. Bam - done.

 

 

This thread offers some good insight on the KR suspension components and the resulting ride height drop ... and more. BMR makes a good adjustable panhard bar; that's what I have on my car. It's always a good idea to get the alignment checked any time you tear in to the front suspension.

 

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/svt-shelby-gt500-150/689714-bits-pieces-kr-more.html

 

Once again, thanks Ivan for linking that thread. Man, how time flies. Seems like I did that one a long time ago now.

 

I am going to go read that link now. Funny I just sent TOB a PM because I knew he would have some info for me.

 

I responded here as opposed to the PM if that's ok with you Rob.

 

 

 

What I have gathered is that I need this at the minimum:

FRONT

1. New strut nuts from dealer since they are one time use.

2. FRP strut mounts ? (Are these required)

3. Alignment

4. Anything else ?

 

Rear

1. Adjustable PHB

2. Alignment

3. Anything else ?

 

Rear, number three. Make sure you purchase the new strut bolts from Ford. Avoid crash bolts. The revised Ford bolts come with a finer thread pitch and a higher torque value. Ford was having issues with spindle ears cracking and decided to tighten things up a bit. The part number and a comparison of the old vs new bolts is shown in the thread I did that Ivan linked.

 

 

The kit can be installed with the stock sway bars.

 

Front

1. The current kit may include some of the one time use hardware.

2. I installed new struts mounts because it was easier and I didn't want to reuse the old mounts. They're a little cheaper here -

http://www.buyfordracing.com/2005-2011-mustang-front-strut-mount-upgrade-pair/

or here depending on the shipping -

http://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=1000125&siteid=214771&catalogid=5684

3. I did get an alignment. On my car the toe was out of spec after I installed the kit.

4 The only other thing I did was replace the jounce bumpers with the M-5570-A kit that Ford has been including with their current suspension kits. They're not required but the kit is cheap and I knew I would never redo the front struts to replace them later.

http://www.buyfordracing.com/products/2005%252d-2011-MUSTANG-JOUNCE-BUMPER-KIT.html

or

http://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=957890&siteid=214771&catalogid=5684

 

Rear

1. I did install an adjustable PHB. My car needed an 1/8" adjustment to center the tires in the fenders.

3. Again the only other thing I did was replace the jounce bumpers.

 

Excellent recommendations.

 

Rob, the sway bars you purchased will yield a more compliant ride. Far from necessary and I suspect you won't notice any difference. But it is neat to add the dedicated parts to the list. The KR suspension pieces are what should have come stock on the car. The increase in performance "feel" is very mild but you'll notice the increased road manners, without a doubt. The drop up front is far more aggressive than at the rear. The voids between the top of the tire at the front and back lend to the same rake as stock, just lower. A huge improvement over the way these vehicles came from the factory but the rear is still a bit too high even with the KR springs. And the price...it simply doesn't get any better than that. The KR pieces pack quite a value given their performance/price point.

 

Good luck with the installation.

 

Tob

 

Edited January 5, 2014 by Tob

[Grabber]

This thread offers some good insight on the KR suspension components and the resulting ride height drop ... and more. BMR makes a good adjustable panhard bar; that's what I have on my car. It's always a good idea to get the alignment checked any time you tear in to the front suspension.

 

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/svt-shelby-gt500-150/689714-bits-pieces-kr-more.html

Ivan - I just read thru the 3 links that you e-mailed me on installation of the Front Struts and springs, rear shocks and springs and the BMR pan-hard bar. Your detailed instructions have given me a lot of confidence in tackling this installation. Your step by step instructions is very good and I am looking forward to spending some time under my car and wifeys car as soon as the weather warms up.

 

Also thanks for the tip on replacing the Rear Lower spring isolators with the good Polyurethane ones made by Energy suspension. I ordered a Red set for Tana and a Black set for me. $9.99 a set is a great price. Here is the link if anyone needs them: http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=9.6106

 

Thanks for all your help Ivan.

Edited January 6, 2014 by Grabber

[Grabber]

Tob - Your link was very helpful. VERY ! Thank you

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/svt-shelby-gt500-150/689714-bits-pieces-kr-more.html

 

I was able to find the Strut mounting hardware from the pic's in you link on page 2. I google it and ordered them. I need 8 of those bolts to do both cars. Spendy little buggers. $91.16 shipped. But hey....I need them.

 

These OEM Ford nuts and bolts attach the strut to the spindle on 2005+ Mustangs. Ford lists this hardware as one-time-use only. In 2009, Ford made a production line change to fine thread pitch hardware instead of the previously used coarse thread pitch. This change also accompanied a greater tightening torque, which improved the strut to spindle attachment.

This MM kit includes the latest generation design for less money than buying from the dealer.

Each kit contains 2 bolts and 2 nuts; enough to attach 1 strut to 1 spindle.

2 kits required per car.

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/Search.aspx?k=MMF-3

 

I can not seem to find the alignment spec's on my google search but I will keep looking. I see a thread here on TS about it, and I just bumped it to see if anyone knows:

http://www.teamshelby.com/forums/index.php/topic/46972-kr-alignment-specs/?do=findComment&comment=780031

 

Edited January 6, 2014 by Grabber

[twobjshelbys]

Many fasteners in these locations will be Torque to Yield, single use bolts. They are used where resonances can result in fatigue such as suspension and on engine components (e.g., heads).

[6-Speed]

Glad to help Rob. Make sure you have a torque wrench available that can do 160+ lb-ft (whatever the spec is on those fine thread strut/spindle bolts). At the time I replaced my struts, I only had one that would do 150 lb-ft ... enough for the stock strut/spindle bolts. Now I have a Precision Instruments split beam that will do 250 lb-ft.

 

You can also buy the bolts from Tousley Ford at a good price.

Edited January 7, 2014 by 6-Speed

[6-Speed]

 

I can not seem to find the alignment spec's on my google search but I will keep looking. I see a thread here on TS about it, and I just bumped it to see if anyone knows

 

 

 

I believe the alignment spec range on a KR should be the same as a stock GT500. The Mustang shop manual should have the spec. You can also see my alignment sheets at the end of this thread; they provide the specified range for the Mustang:

 

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/how-279/647336-how-i-installed-front-lowering-springs.html

[Grabber]

Thanks for the alignment info Ivan. This is what I like about Team Shelby. So many knowledgeable gear heads ready to help another Mustanger

[supe]

This weekend I installed the KR shocks, struts and springs. Also new bump stops and the track pack strut mounts.

 

Due to salty roads I have not taken the car out for a test ride ;(

 

Previous posting suggest that the KR has a different front sway bar.

 

Please school my on this one... Replace, don't replace, What's the part number?

 

Thanks

 

Hey stop starring at my avatar....

[Grabber]

I was just notified by the vendor that they do not have the front KR sway bar any longer. TOB says that we would not notice any difference. So I just saved 219 bucks on our 2 cars.

Edited January 15, 2014 by Grabber

[Kevin Patten]

I was just notified by the vendor that they do not have the front KR strut bar any longer. TOB says that we would not notice any difference. So I just saved 219 bucks on our 2 cars.

Strut bar or sway bar ? Strut bar should still be available from Ford.

[Grabber]

Strut bar or sway bar ? Strut bar should still be available from Ford.

Sway bar for the front

[ati]

Last night I installed the KR Handling Kit, (shocks, struts and springs) on my 09 vert. I also installed the Ford Racing strut mounts M-18183-C, the Ford Racing Jounce Bumper Kit M-5570-A and the Energy Suspension rear coil spring isolators 9.6106. I used all new nuts and bolts.

Because its winter here in N/W Indiana I won't have the chance to test drive it until spring.

The rear dropped 1" lower and the front dropped 1/4" lower. I was hoping for a little more of a drop but it does look 100% better than it did before. I can't wait to drive it and see how it handles. The install took me about 3 hours and was actually very easy to do.

[Grabber]

Last night I installed the KR Handling Kit, (shocks, struts and springs) on my 09 vert. I also installed the Ford Racing strut mounts M-18183-C, the Ford Racing Jounce Bumper Kit M-5570-A and the Energy Suspension rear coil spring isolators 9.6106. I used all new nuts and bolts.

Because its winter here in N/W Indiana I won't have the chance to test drive it until spring.

The rear dropped 1" lower and the front dropped 1/4" lower. I was hoping for a little more of a drop but it does look 100% better than it did before. I can't wait to drive it and see how it handles. The install took me about 3 hours and was actually very easy to do.

it's good to hear that your install went well. Tana told me that all our parts have arrived. Unfortunately I am working out of town for a long spell and unable to take on the install for our 2 cars for some time. You put on all the parts that I ordered too.

[supe]

Finally got the car out for a ride. I like it....

[cormy]

I too have to wait for the snow to melt and warmer weather to take the car over to NJ for a lift and installation of my kit I bought a few months ago.

 

We are at the mercy of the weather and so far this winter has been the worst one in a long time...

[Cajun50]

I had the Ford dealer install the KR kit minus the springs, I already had the Ford Racing Lowering Springs on it. Since intallation I have a lot of noise coming from the front that wasn't there before. Its seems to only be there at slower speeds like going down my neighborhood when it hits the expansion joints in the concrete. The installer said it could be because the stock strut has some type of rubber between it and the strut tower and the KR kit is more metal on metal. Does this sound right or is he crazy. I also had him put my upgraded jounce bumpers back on the new struts instead of using the ones that came with it. Any suggestions on what I can do would be appreaciated.

[Grabber]

I had the Ford dealer install the KR kit minus the springs, I already had the Ford Racing Lowering Springs on it. Since intallation I have a lot of noise coming from the front that wasn't there before. Its seems to only be there at slower speeds like going down my neighborhood when it hits the expansion joints in the concrete. The installer said it could be because the stock strut has some type of rubber between it and the strut tower and the KR kit is more metal on metal. Does this sound right or is he crazy. I also had him put my upgraded jounce bumpers back on the new struts instead of using the ones that came with it. Any suggestions on what I can do would be appreaciated.

I have not installed mine yet, but I did order these for the top of the new KR Struts. As you can see they have some rubber that goes between the top spring and the strut tower.

http://www.buyfordracing.com/2005-2011-mustang-front-strut-mount-upgrade-pair/

[Cajun50]

I saw those and I'm going to ask if he thinks they will help. Has anyone installed this set up without upgrading there strut mounts? It's hard to believe it's supposed to make this much noise. I figured out what it sounds like. Have you heard those kids riding around in those low rider trucks where you can hear the suspension bottoming out. Well that's what it sounds like.