Why should I upgrade to a Mustang II suspension?

Upgrading to a Mustang II suspension improves handling, ride comfort, braking compatibility, and customization options. It allows independent wheel movement, integrates with disc brakes, and supports coilovers, airbags, or hydraulics for adjustable ride height.

Which vehicles can use a Mustang II suspension?

While designed for the Mustang II, the suspension is widely adapted to classic Chevrolet and Ford cars, older trucks from the 1940s–1960s, hot rods, and custom restomods due to its versatility and ease of installation.

How do I choose the right Mustang II suspension kit?

When choosing a kit, consider your vehicle type and year, desired ride quality, and budget. Options include coil springs, coilovers, airbags, and hydraulics. Pre-assembled crossmembers and complete kits can simplify installation.

Can I install a Mustang II suspension myself?

Some experienced DIY builders can install the suspension at home, but many prefer professional installation to ensure correct alignment and safety. The process includes removing the old suspension, installing the crossmember and control arms, mounting spindles and shocks, and aligning the steering.

What is a Mustang II Suspension?

Q: What is a Mustang II suspension?

The Mustang II suspension is an independent front suspension system originally designed for the 1974–1978 Ford Mustang II. It has since become a popular upgrade for classic cars and restomods because it replaces outdated straight-axle or leaf-spring setups with modern handling and ride comfort.

Aug 31st 2025

The Mustang II suspension has become one of the most popular upgrades for classic car enthusiasts and restomod builders. Whether you’re restoring a vintage Mustang or building a street-performance classic, understanding what a Mustang II suspension is, and why it matters can help you make the best choice for your vehicle.

In this article, we’ll cover what a Mustang II suspension is, how it works, its benefits, and tips for choosing the right kit for your car. Plus, we’ll point out the best ways to integrate it with your other suspension components.

What Is a Mustang II Suspension?

The Mustang II suspension is a front suspension conversion system originally designed for the 1974–1978 Ford Mustang II. Over time, it became a popular upgrade for first-generation Mustangs and other classic cars. The system features independent front suspension, which replaces the older “straight axle” or “leaf spring” setups.

Key components include:

Crossmember assembly – Provides a solid frame for the suspension to mount.
Tubular control arms – Allow the wheels to move independently, improving handling.
Spindles and steering components – Offer more precise steering control.
Upgraded shocks/coilovers – Provide ride height adjustment and better ride quality.

Pro Tip: Today, Mustang II suspension kits can come in multiple configurations: Coil & Shock, Coilover, Airbag, and even hydraulics. Companies like Restomod Supply offer all of these variations for customer needs.

Why Upgrade to a Mustang II Suspension?

Many classic cars were originally equipped with solid axle front suspensions, which are simple but lack the handling and ride quality modern drivers expect. Upgrading to a Mustang II suspension offers several benefits:

1. Improved Handling

The independent front suspension allows each wheel to respond independently to road imperfections, resulting in more stable cornering and smoother driving.

2. Better Ride Comfort

Coil springs and shock absorbers in the Mustang II setup absorb bumps better than older leaf-spring designs. Coilovers are an even bigger improvement over coil and shock setups, while airbags give users freedom to set their ride height at the push of a button.

3. Compatibility with Disc Brakes

Mustang II suspension kits are designed to integrate front disc brake conversions, improving braking performance and safety.

4. Customizable for Restomods

Many modern kits allow adjustable ride height, sway bars, and aftermarket coilovers, giving builders the ability to fine-tune handling and stance.

Pro Tip: Mustang II Front End Conversion Kits can be designed and made to suit almost any vehicle, even uncommon applications.

Common Applications for Mustang II Suspensions

The Mustang II suspension is not just limited to Mustangs. It has been widely adapted for:

Classic Chevrolet and Ford cars
Older Chevy and Ford Trucks (1940s–1960s)
Hot rods and custom restomods

Its popularity in restomod builds comes from its versatility, performance, and reliability. Builders appreciate that the system can replace outdated suspensions without extensive frame modifications, making it ideal for both DIY and professional installations.

How to Choose the Right Mustang II Suspension Kit

Selecting the correct Mustang II suspension kit depends on:

Vehicle Type and Year: Ensure the kit matches your chassis dimensions.
Desired Ride and Handling: Coil spring vs. coilover setups influence stiffness and performance. Airbag vs. hydraulics allows for ride height adjustment at the push of a button.
Budget: Kits range from basic OEM-style replacements to full performance-ready setups.

Pro Tip: Look for kits with pre-assembled crossmembers and included hardware, which can reduce installation time and improve safety.

Installing a Mustang II Suspension

While some experienced DIY enthusiasts can install a Mustang II suspension at home, many choose professional installation to ensure alignment and safety. Typical installation steps include:

Removing the old suspension
Installing the new crossmember and control arms
Mounting spindles, shocks, and coil springs
Aligning the steering and adjusting ride height

Conclusion

The Mustang II suspension remains a trusted upgrade for classic cars and restomod projects. By improving handling, ride comfort, and brake compatibility, it provides modern performance without sacrificing the classic car’s original charm.

For anyone building a restomod, investing in a high-quality Mustang II suspension kit is a smart move.