We reused the factory upper shock mount which includes various washers and rubber bushings.
We installed the rear RTR damper and the rear of the car was now complete. In the instruction manual, RTR recommends removing the OEM bump stops on the axle for increased travel. This is A MUST and I would add that the entire backet should be removed as well, not just the rubber bump stop.
After testing the RTR Tactical Coilovers, I determined that the (very) stiff, black bumpstop did not contribute to reducing the harshness of the rear damper bottoming out. I removed the black bump stop and gained 0.5” of suspension travel. From this point, I would lower the rear threaded damper body another 0.5” from the as-delivered settings to further increase rear suspension travel over bumps for a total of 1” over the as-delivered setting. This would be my recommendation before installing the rear damper body.
Cutting the rear bump stop was not easy. I would greatly recommend not installing it in the first place (the black one). At the front, I also cut down the very hard bump stop by 0.5” (or 1-rib of the 3-rib front bump stop). This also increased front suspension travel by 0.5” before hitting the bump stop, which was possible without the 315/30-18 front tire from contacting the fender well. You could also wind down the front threaded damper body by 0.5” and will reduce front droop travel by 0.5” as well. Cutting down the bump stop does not affect or worsen the bump stop engagement and nets an overall suspension travel increase of 0.5”.
With the bumpstops cut down, we were very happy with the ride quality of the RTR Tactical Coilovers on our S197 Mustang. The suspension is now much softer over undulations and small bumps, while the dampers soak up very big bumps with composure and compliance.
The as-delivered ride height from RTR fits the S197 Mustang perfectly. The rear of the car is about the same but just a little lower than it was before, while the front ride height now matches the rear giving the car a very slight amount of rake.
Overall, the RTR Tactical Coilovers deliver a fantastic ride quality on the street, giving us the compliance and improvement that we were looking for. The quality of the components, fit and finish of the dampers, the response of the valving to adjustments, and the detailed instructions make this coilover kit an impressive value. This project is focused on being a ‘budget’ build that delivers a lot of performance for very little money, and the RTR Tactical Coilovers are one of the most affordable coilover kits on the market, while delivering a very high-quality and great-performing product that is nicer than many other options that cost more.
I would highly recommend the RTR Tactical Coilovers to anyone who owns an S197 Mustang, whether it’s a daily driver, weekend car, or track/auto-x car. Pretty much anyone who does not need the performance of or who can afford a high-end racing damper, this RTR coilover is just such a great coilover for the Mustang for a heck of a value.
Quick Reference:
Page 1 – RTR Tactical Performance Coilover Details
Page 2 – How to Adjust Ride Height
Page 3 – Front Shock Removal & Modifications
Page 4 – Front Shock Install
Page 5 – Rear Shock Removal, Rear Spring Removal, Rear Spring Install
Page 6 – Rear Shock Install & Bump Stop Modifications
5 comments
Technically, these dampers have height independent spring preload adjustment because you can preload the spring by winding in the upper perch, and then unwinding the lower perch to offset the change in length.
Comments like this is exactly what I was referring to in the article. While you are correct that ‘preloading’ the spring can be offset by lowering the lower perch to maintain the same ride height; you reduced droop travel of the suspension and increased bump travel. If your lower perch/damper body position was originally correct – for the bump stop to prevent the tire from contacting the fender liner or chassis under bump travel; then adding preload and lowering the damper body increases compression travel and now will allow your tire to contact the fender liner & chassis. Most people fail to recognize this and focus way too much on ‘preload’ (which does NOT increase the spring rate on a linear spring during its travel).
I don’t understand. Is this a Dual height adjustable coilover?
I thought it was. It looks like it is to me.
“Dual height adjustable coilovers allow independent adjustment of ride height and spring preload, usually by threading the shock body into the lower mount. This design provides a wider range of lowering without sacrificing suspension travel. They offer precise stance tuning, often for street or track, with options for 2-way damping (compression/rebound) adjustment.”
I like Vaughn Gitten Jr and all, but naming your coilovers “tactical”… lol, come on…
What ride height did you set the car? Do you have any rake?