If you've been wrestling with heavy steering or that classic "boat" feeling on the highway, it's probably time to look for a 1968 mustang front suspension kit that can actually keep up with modern traffic. Let's be real for a second: as much as we love the look of a classic pony car, the factory suspension tech from the late sixties wasn't exactly designed for precision cornering or high-speed stability. It was designed for a different era of tires and a different style of driving. If your Mustang still has its original-style components, you're likely dealing with a lot of play in the steering and a ride that feels a bit disconnected from the road.
Why the Factory Setup Struggles Today
The stock front end on a '68 Mustang uses a fairly simple independent setup with upper and lower control arms, a coil spring sitting on the upper arm, and a strut rod to keep everything from moving back and forth. Back in the day, this was fine. But now, when you're trying to navigate a tight turn or hit a highway on-ramp at modern speeds, that old geometry starts to show its age. The biggest issue is often the "camber curve." As the suspension moves up and down, the angle of the tire changes in a way that actually loses grip right when you need it most.
When you start shopping for a 1968 mustang front suspension kit, you're usually trying to solve a few specific problems. You want better steering response, less body roll, and a ride that doesn't feel like you're floating on a cloud—but in a bad way. Plus, let's not forget about those old rubber bushings. After five decades, they're usually cracked, squished, or completely gone, leading to clunks and rattles that make the car feel older than it should.
Choosing Between a Rebuild and a Conversion
The first big decision you have to make is how far you want to go. Are you looking to keep the car feeling "period correct" but just tighter, or do you want it to handle like a brand-new sports car?
If you're a purist, you'll probably lean toward a stock-style rebuild kit. These kits usually include new upper and lower control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings. It's basically a "refresh" for your front end. The advantage here is that it's bolt-in and relatively affordable. You aren't cutting the car up, and you're keeping the original shock towers. It'll feel significantly better than a worn-out setup, but it's still sixty-year-old technology at the end of the day.
On the other hand, if you want to really transform the car, you might look at a coilover conversion or even a Mustang II-style swap. A coilover 1968 mustang front suspension kit replaces the old bulky springs with adjustable shocks and springs in one unit. This lets you dial in your ride height and stiffness exactly where you want it. It's a game-changer for anyone who wants to actually take their car through some twisty backroads without feeling like they're going to slide off the seat.
The Magic of Tubular Control Arms
You'll notice that many modern kits feature tubular control arms instead of the stamped steel ones that came from the Ford factory. There's a good reason for this. Tubular arms are generally lighter and much stronger. But the real "secret sauce" is the geometry.
Manufacturers often build extra caster into these arms. Without getting too technical, more positive caster helps the car stay centered on the highway and gives you that "return to center" feel in the steering wheel. If you've ever driven a classic Mustang that felt twitchy or darted around at 60 mph, a lack of caster is usually the culprit. A solid 1968 mustang front suspension kit with updated control arms fixes that issue right out of the box.
What's Actually Inside the Box?
When you finally pull the trigger and order a kit, it can be a bit overwhelming when all those parts show up on your porch. Most comprehensive kits are going to include:
- Upper and Lower Control Arms: These are the bones of the operation.
- Ball Joints: These allow the spindle to pivot and move.
- Strut Rods: Often upgraded to adjustable versions with heim joints to eliminate the "mushy" rubber bushings.
- Sway Bar: Usually thicker than the puny stock bar to keep the car flat in corners.
- Shocks and Springs: Whether they're standard or coilovers, these control the bounce.
- Tie Rod Ends and Idler Arm: The bits that connect your steering box to the wheels.
Some high-end kits even come with new spindles or disc brake conversion components. It's honestly worth spending a bit extra to get a kit that includes everything at once. There's nothing worse than having the car half-disassembled on jack stands only to realize you forgot to order a specific bushing or a tie rod sleeve.
Dealing with the Shock Towers
If you're looking at a Mustang II-style 1968 mustang front suspension kit, you're getting into some serious surgery. This type of kit usually involves cutting out the factory shock towers entirely. Why would you do that? Well, it opens up a massive amount of room in the engine bay. If you're dreaming of dropping a wide engine like a modern Coyote V8 or a big-block Ford into your '68, those shock towers are going to be in your way.
Removing them and switching to a crossmember-style suspension not only clears space but also moves the weight lower and improves the steering rack geometry. However, it's a big job. You'll need a welder and some decent fabrication skills—or a fat wallet to pay a shop to do it. For most casual cruisers, a bolt-in coilover kit that keeps the towers is usually the sweet spot between performance and effort.
The DIY Factor: Can You Do It Yourself?
So, can you install a 1968 mustang front suspension kit in your driveway? The short answer is yes, but with a few caveats. You're going to need a good set of jack stands, a floor jack, and some basic hand tools. A pickle fork or a ball joint separator is a must, and honestly, a powered impact wrench will save your wrists a lot of grief.
The scariest part of the job for most people is the coil springs. Those things are under a massive amount of tension. If you're doing a stock-style rebuild, you'll need a high-quality internal spring compressor. Don't cheap out on this tool—seriously. If a spring slips out while it's compressed, it can do some real damage. This is one reason why coilover kits are so popular; the spring is already captive on the shock, making the installation a lot less stressful.
Once you get the old greasy parts off and the shiny new ones on, you'll feel a huge sense of accomplishment. Just remember: you must get a professional alignment immediately after you finish. Even if you measured everything perfectly, your toe, camber, and caster will be all over the place. Driving to the alignment shop might be a bit sketchy, so take it slow.
The Difference on the Road
The first time you take your Mustang out after installing a new 1968 mustang front suspension kit, it's going to feel like a completely different car. The steering will feel heavier (in a good way) and more direct. You won't have to "saw" at the wheel just to keep the car in its lane. When you hit a bump, the car will soak it up and settle down instantly, rather than bouncing three or four times like an old Cadillac.
It's one of those upgrades that you appreciate every single second you're behind the wheel. While a flashy new paint job or a loud exhaust is cool, those are mostly for the people watching you drive by. A suspension upgrade is for you. It makes the car safer, more fun to drive, and much less exhausting on long trips.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Kit
Before you buy, think about how you actually use the car. If it's just a weekend cruiser for getting ice cream, a basic "level 1" rebuild kit is plenty. If you're planning on hitting some autocross events or you just want the best possible stance, go for the coilovers.
No matter which 1968 mustang front suspension kit you choose, it's an investment in the longevity of the car. These old Fords were built to last, but they definitely benefit from a little modern help. Getting rid of that "sixties sway" is the best thing you can do to make sure you keep enjoying your Mustang for another fifty years. Just take your time, pick a kit from a reputable brand, and get ready to actually enjoy those curvy roads for once.