Upgrading to QA1 Front Coil-overs

[@PacShore]

When I did an upgrade to my suspension, I too went with the QA1's but kept it to the single adjustable given how I drive my mustang. For the rear, I went with the Mike Maier Mod 1 kit. I like how the rear doesn't fish tail on me like before. Another excellent video.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Mike doesn't mess around, I've got his Mod2 kit on my list, maybe I'll get there one day. For now, I'll just use his brothers Panhard Bar design, that I think Maier Racing has stopped selling.

[@richardharris1968]

I discovered your channel a couple months ago. These videos are fantastic and are very informative! Really helps me out working on my '68 Mustang. Thank you for your hard work with all this content!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

No problem, it's always great to hear people find value in my videos. :)

[@davevan8864]

Nice upgrade!! I am using QA1 shocks and springs on my 1923 Ford C Cab I am building. Great stuff.....only issue was a missing perch but they sent a new one as soon as I proved I had bought the set new. Wife is my helper......I work on her 1975 Mustang so when I need hwlp on 66......she gets called!!! Thanks

[@AndyKruseChannel]

It's great to have a helper, it usually makes the job go smoother. :)

[@jamesroberson7527]

This is the first mod I did to my 65 Fastback when I bought it 3 years ago. I paired the QA1's with some Hotchkis lightweight leafs in the rear and the ride was amazing. Night and day difference. Good work. Enjoy the car!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, I'm looking forward to dialing in this suspension and enjoying it for years to come. :)

[@robertclymer6948]

Hi James, looking forward to installing the Hotchkis Lightweight leafs in my 67 Mustang gt. My ride is so stiff due to it being an Ex-race car. Thanks for your comment on your upgrade.

[@grant3049]

Welcome to the club! I did that upgrade last year, stance is perfect and the ride is so much better. Now you need to upgrade those control arms ;)

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, the upper and lower arms are on the list, but the ball joints are completely worn out, so any upgrade will seem amazing. :)

[@09stx4x4]

Perfect timing. I just got my qa1 coilovers in for my 66 coupe. Went with global west control arms and strut rods. Can't wait to feel the difference

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, this is a major upgrade for these cars, it makes it much more enjoyable to drive. :)

[@oleandreasjensen5263]

TO ALL FORD AND MERCURY ENTHUSIASTS: This is the best high quality channel on all levels on You Tube. - I highly recommend ANDY KRUSE.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Wow, thanks!

[@MK4PERFORMANCE]

Continue to love the progress on your car Andy! Those coilovers look the part and installed beautifully! Keep up the good work. It's keeping me motivated and moving forward on mine.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! WE all need a little motivation to buy more parts for our car(s). :)

[@rogjackson]

Interesting. Having height adjustability in the front would be useful.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yes, especially when you're looking for a perfect fit. Cutting springs is not ideal and you can never go backwards. I wish I would have done these to begin with, it would have save me some money. :)

[@robertclymer6948]

Fantastic Video Andy! I'am very interested in doing this same conversion to my 67 Mustang. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the very clear and understandable install info and feedback. These should really help the front end with my heavy 460 big block in there. Cheers and blessings. Also, will be ordering your L-bracket export brace support too.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

For that 460, you might need the 400 or possibly the 450 pound spring. Give QA1 a call and talk to Steve, he'll be able to make sure you get the perfect parts. Also, Steve is in the videos that QA1 has made, so it's great to put a face with a name. :)

[@robertclymer6948]

@@AndyKruseChannel Thank you Andy. Sounds good.

[@SlowInFastOut1776]

Nice, went with the double adjustable QA1s! I know you were going back and forth; great pick.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! It's such a massive difference between these and the OEM-like KYB shocks I had in there. On to the rears!!

[@richardteagarden881]

Really enjoy your videos, very informative & easy to follow. Wish I could see your car in person. I have a '66 coupe 6 cylinder car- total project car. Been referring to your videos as reference points.😎

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks, it's always great to hear someone is able to pull some good info from my videos. Before you know it, your car will be just like you want it!! :)

[@kdog622]

I'm nowhere ready for qa1, but when I am, your video helps me understand them better. I've watched Frieberger install them and they are impressive. I am surprised, though, with your excellent paint, that you aren't using "KruseBuilt" fender protectors, which I would buy if you manufactured them with your logo! Thanks for another good video.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Haha, my paint is horrible, so rubbing my belt buckle along the fenders adds a bit of character to my awesome paint job. :)

[@robertclymer6948]

Eastwood has a fender type bead roller to push up the lip for better fender/tire clearance. Neomustangs YT channel used one a few weeks ago in an episode on the rear of his race car to accomodate bigger tires. Worked well. FYI

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@robertclymer6948 I have the Eastwood fender roller, it works great on more modern cars because the mounting surface for the roller (where the wheel mounts to) is closer to the outside of the car, which makes it easier to roll. With these classic cars, the mounting surface is farther inboard, making the Eastwood fender roller a little tricky to use. :)

[@GeeBoogie78]

Definitely 1 of the many things on my long to do list👍🏾

[@AndyKruseChannel]

The nice part is that you've got a list. My list is getting smaller, which is not good because I just like working on the car. :)

[@GeeBoogie78]

@@AndyKruseChannel hey I told u once before if u ever run out of things with yours, u can always use mine for content😂

[@ML-dl1cp]

Once again we're on the same page! Last weekend I replaced my 58yo front coils and shocks with the QA1 single-adjustable coilovers (as well as a new steering box and 4.5 leaf springs). Night and day difference to the feel and handling of the car. I highly recommend these coilovers as a replacement for the OEM configuration.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, this has been a fantastic upgrade, and I really like the ability to dial in the suspension the way I want it. :)

[@robertclymer6948]

Hi M L, what does the 4.5 leaf springs refer too please? My 67 is so stiff back there. Rides like a dang buck board. lol

[@ML-dl1cp]

@@robertclymer6948 Hiya, 4.5 denotes the number of leaves in each spring. Stock is 4 leaf, and many performance/race springs are 5 leaf. also, the 4.5 are "mid-eye" meaning they will lower your car up to an inch (depending on how much your old springs are sagging). The 5 leaf ride very hard as they're designed for track use. the 4.5 is sprung slightly more firm than stock, but not as firm as a true 5 leaf. You get a firm ride but not at the cost of comfort. If you're still on the original 1967 springs you will definitely feel an improvement no matter what spring you go with. The elasticity of your OEM springs left the building years ago.

[@pauls7751]

Great looking mod. I wish they weren't so expensive lol. I'm anxious to hear how much difference it made on the ride and handling. Great job on the video. To bad you aren't closer. We would have a good time cruising in our 347 fastbacks. Be prepared to explain 347. It's the number one question i get at car shows lol.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, I'm finding some of the best stuff for our cars is not cheap. No questions on the 347 yet, but I'm ready! :)

[@garyhamlin8885]

Nice addition Andy! Now you need to add the Z-Ray lower cross member if you haven't already!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! Not ready for that yet. :)

[@garyhamlin8885]

@@AndyKruseChannel When you change the lower control arms!

[@jaygribbin6790]

Hi Andy, Australian Falcons of this era had a taller spring on the drivers side to compensate for the weight of the driver. When you set your ride height it's worth having someone the same weight as you sitting in the drivers seat.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

That's probably a good idea. :)

[@charlesa8136]

Great job Andy

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks!!

[@TheAtomicgroove]

Great video, i was considering going with QA1, this really helps

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yes, I'm very happy with them, I should have done this to begin with instead of buying those KYB shocks. Oh well, I'm here now!! :)

[@mikebroszczak5767]

Excellent video Andy. Thanks

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thank you!

[@ronaldlawrimore4838]

When you did the coilovers did it tighten up the front end at speed to prevent the road travel.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yes, but I still have some 'tuning' to do. Because these are double adjustable, I have not found the perfect setting for tightening up the car and not rattling the teeth out of my head with the crappy roads we have around here. :)

[@ronaldlawrimore4838]

@@AndyKruseChannel I’m planning on doing that real soon. Plus saving up for rack and pinion front end.

[@lukelangbehn5432]

Looks awesome dude!!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks Brotha!

[@russelluemura7532]

Great job as usual on your upgrade videos! I am curious as to what is the brand of the blue shock absorbers that you replaced on the video and did they give you a decent ride?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! I don't recall, they were on the car when I bought it. :)

[@dangerman1969]

Great install/explanation (as usual)!! I have a '69 & did the same to lower the front by cutting my springs. And they are loose when the car is jacked up so no spring compression tool is needed also 👌 But since the springs were cut its a real rough ride over potholes & bumps in the road. Did these coilovers help with that issue, making it smooth & absorbant like it normally would be?? I'm also sitting at about 14-1/4" with 17" wheels & would like to stay the same height.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I drive on these in the lower-third of the settings as I'm trying to find a compromise with more comfortable when just cruising, but also stiffer for the spirited drives. These coilovers can be extremely harsh on their higher settings, but that's typically in the 'desired' category for track use. Knowing what I know, I would still use coilovers as I get the perfect ride height and stiffer suspension I am looking for that comes at the cost of comfort. The Boss might say otherwise, but I am trying to create a specific kind of build and not just a cruiser. :)

[@dangerman1969]

Thanks for your reply & opinion 👍 It's a convertible & I'm in San Diego so I'm mainly just cruising the coastal areas, 55 mph max. A lot of the roads aren't the best quality. Just some freeway driving when visiting family, it rides smooth then

[@AndyKruseChannel]

In your scenario, the largest advantage will be to set the ride height exactly where you want without compromising the spring length and in turn affecting the spring rate. :)

[@AbelCastillo93]

Review how it handles now

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Handles good. :)

[@domfer2540]

If you are concern about sides being equal, than you have to add the drivers weight. Than measure the heights. I raced in Europe and front end alignments were done with the weight of passengers.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

This is a good point.

[@royenri01]

Hey Andy... you probably mentioned it but did you maintain the Shelby drop with the addition of these coilovers? Another great video by the way.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yes. In my opinion, I think the Shelby drop is one of the first things people should do with these cars. The benefits form the Shelby drop cannot be obtained by any coilover or shock/spring combo. There are Upper Control Arms that can simulate the Drop with their design, but it's just cheaper to do the Drop and go from there with your suspension upgrades. :)

[@royenri01]

@@AndyKruseChannel Awesome! Thanks for the info and reply.

[@blkcoupequattro]

Running Mustangs Plus front 625lbs springs with Shelby Drop, Negative Wedge kit, with the Classic Koni's, got the Koni's turned up about 1/2 way. Still think it could be firmer, but curious what spring rate you bought in the kit?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

These have the 350lb/in spring. They also offer a 450lb spring, but I think that’s too stiff for the kind of driving I like. 🙂

[@andreiandrei9739]

@@AndyKruseChannel thinking to switch from stock to QA1 400lb...looking for sporty feeling. Could you share your opinion please?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@andreiandrei9739 Yes, I made a review video about these QA1s, it came out right after this video. :)

[@reggyeadiemdmba3182]

Hi Andy, Why didn’t you put coilovers in the rear?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I’d have to add longitudinal supports for the axle, which would likely turn into modifying my axle and just costing more in the end. I may go to a 9” down the road, so it makes sense to wait until then to do any major axle work. 🙂

[@michaelpope1029]

Looking great Andy, looking forward to every video you upload about your Mustang. What disc brake calipers and master cylinder? Do you recommend for a 66 mustang?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks for the support! I've been very happy with the Wilwood setup on this car. This car came with Wilwood front discs, but I would have put them on here anyways as I installed them on my last Mustang. I upgraded to the Wilwood MC too, very solid piece and no problems. I've got videos on all this stuff, plenty of content to fill your weekend. :)

[@bigkid66]

A little off topic but I need to roll the fender lips on my 65 fastback and I keep chickening out. I'm running 225/50R-16 and they occasionally rub. Can anyone recommend a good video that shows how to do it? Thanks.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I started to film me rolling the fenders on my previous Mustang and I struggled enough with it that I didn't think it was worth showing what to do as I feared other people would try to do the same and damage their fenders. I turned the camera off, finished the job, damaged the fenders, and just lived with it until I sold the car. I did the same on this current Mustang (in terms of messing up the fenders), but I elected not to film it, for the same reasons. This is one of those topics that I could talk about the highlights and the theory behind it, but that's as far as I'm willing to go, the liability isn't worth it as this type of modification takes some finesse. I even have a fender roller, but it's definitely something that takes practice. I wish I was of more help, but I'm not going to be able to hit a home run here. :)

[@bigkid66]

@@AndyKruseChannel Thanks for the reply. Yeah, my car has been repainted, so I am worrying about cracking the paint. I also don't really want to spend the money for a likely one-time use tool but the Eastwood tool is fairly reasonable. Cheaper than a new tire for sure.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Nice install. I've heard great things about QA1 products. You'll have to do a road review!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, so far they're fantastic. This is my first time with adjustable suspension, so it will take a while to find out where I want the settings. :)

[@westparley]

Maybe you covered it; but what is the benefit of coil over shocks vs the old system?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Quite a bit. There's the adjustability of the ride height, the compression and rebound adjustability, the improved valve body of the dampener over the regular shocks I had in there, and a side benefit of less suspension droop when lifting the car (this was realized later on). :)

[@MrJoea11]

Nice I went with Vikings. What size tires?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

225/50/16

[@wolfthornhawkridge5705]

Question on the height adjustment, how much more do you think you could have raised it? Another 1 or 2 inches? Curious to see how you like the ride and feel with the QA1’s.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Easily. Someone could set this to stock height if they wanted. I already like how the front feels more planted and controlled. Once I get new rear shocks installed, then I'll be able to really see how it all plays out. :)

[@project_harls68]

Sway bar end links, what size sleeve do they have? I need to replace mine.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I don't know. Can't you measure yours?

[@project_harls68]

@AndyKruseChannel I suppose I can. The thing is, the sleeve is binded to the bolt at the bottom. I have to saw/grind them off.. Thanks anyway. Your video is helpful as I'm getting ready to install coilovers in mine.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@project_harls68 You can measure the diameter of the bolt (on the threaded end) and you can measure the diameter of the outside of the sleeve, so that'll tell you your ID and OD for the sleeve (sleeve is thinner, but you get the point). And then you can measure the length of the sleeve, or at least close enough to get it figured out. Your best bet is to find a piece of steel (zinc coated or stainless steel) tubing that meets your requirements, eBay will probably have something that'll work with your dimensions. :)

[@chevroletbelair1]

how much lbd where the coilsprings? and how much lbs are the coils on the new ki?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I don't recall, I think I mentioned it in the video.

[@Yokomohoyo69]

How much the coil overs cost you? Also will you recommend upgrading upper and lower control arm?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

QA1 gave me a small discount because I was going to make a video about the install, so it was less than retail. However, I would have paid full price regardless because I wanted them for my car. I 100% recommend Mike Mair Inc UCAs and LCAs. I have their Uppers (I did an install video on them) and I will be doing their Lowers later this summer. :)

[@EJTONY9295]

Love the content and the build itself. I guess my question/concern is every mod u make we never get a review or point if view of the mod itself. Does it feel different? How so? Was it worth it? Why or why not? Pros and Cons? Don't get me wrong love the how to aspect just would like more depth out of the videos to make the video more relatable to someone who is also building a Mustang

[@AndyKruseChannel]

You question/concern is very valid, and the biggest reason is most of my videos are how-to, because I want them to continue to provide value for years to come. Now, a review video on a certain part or parts can also provide value, but I'd prefer that to be a separate video. I'll have a review video of this suspension, but not until I get the rear shocks done. While a review video on just the front could be valuable, I need some seat time with this stuff and that takes time, especially when I only get to drive the car on evenings or weekends since I still have a full time job. :)

[@EJTONY9295]

@AndyKruseChannel awesome reply, appreciate the feedback. Yes you are right about seat time, also right about the review videos being a separate video. I appreciate the time and effort you put into the videos. Great content and very informative for years to come. Can't wait for you next videos especially the reviews on mods and repairs.

[@onofframp]

Can I buy your old springs? They will work until I can swing the coilovers.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Hmmmm, they might be too expensive, they're one of a kind, cut and used springs. :)

[@onofframp]

@@AndyKruseChannel Ha! I see what you mean... Thanks, and I'll keep saving my sheckles for coilovers.

[@chevroletbelair1]

are the 350 springs a good ride quality or harder then youre previous springs?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

The coilovers are stiffer, but that's what I wanted for the type of car I am building. I have not run these on the lowest compression and rebound settings, so it might be possible to get more of a compliant ride from these if someone wanted.

[@BPattB]

Okay Andy you're starting to run away from the rest of us now with your upgrades I'm going to have to unsubscribe because I feel bad about myself!!! 😂 Amazing content as always brother keep up the great work! I referred to your oil pan and rear main video multiple times yesterday removing my oil pan. I found out a couple of secrets about my motor!!!!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Gotta keep the party going! Although, sometimes I wish I could put my spending money towards my other hobbies. Oh well, it's for a good cause, it's helping others with their projects. :)

[@BPattB]

Your ABSOLUTELY helping other people, myself included!! Like I've said recently I watch your videos anytime I'm doing something you've already done. I'm hoping the next major project will be the "Prius electrical power steering conversion" or 3:55 Track-loc. If it's the gears I'm sure I'll be watching your video about 200 times during the process 😂👍

[@yourindefilms]

Sweat. I am currently writing with max at QA1 about mine but need to modifi mine because of the mustang Ii suspension.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Nice. That will be a great upgrade for your car. :)

[@ProChaos514]

Was this before or after the shelby drop

[@AndyKruseChannel]

After.

[@ProChaos514]

@@AndyKruseChannel Appreciate it, im planning my build and figuring out the best order of operation

[@raptorjesus99]

Hi, so was it worth it?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yes.

[@5798Mike]

👍

[@AndyKruseChannel]

👍

[@1965copester]

This will be nice when you get that electric power steering. :-)

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Electric power steering pairs really nice with coil overs, I'm sure it's that simple. :)

[@1965copester]

@@AndyKruseChannel Since you never have any install issues, I am sure you could have it done in about 30 minutes. :-)