Measuring for Naakes

[cougar9150]

Well I need new shocks and the significant other has green lighted Naake's for when I go to install my new brakes. Taking some money out that I didn't want too but only want to do this once and do it right the 1st time.

I was trying to work with a suspension shop but they don't want to bother with it in the time I want it. I'm going to order the single adjustable kit from Never Enough in the next week.

Basically I know I need to measure the width of the mounts. For the bolts do they need the thread pitch and bolt length or the diameter and length of the bolt? Is this also for both axles or only the rear shock mounts? Edit found this info....

Any feedback on SA kit? I'm going to order w/550lb springs. Should I beef up the upper mount or is it really needed? I see a few people have had issues and others have modified it for different reasons.

Also I'm looking at these pads http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brakes.jsp?&make=Satisfied&model=GranSport+6+Pads&group=GranSport+6+Pads&autoMake=Lincoln&autoModel=Towncar+Signature+L&autoYear=2006&autoModClar=&perfCode=S

Has anyone used these? They have a similar price and better reviews than the Hawk HPS pads. I'll be installing them with slotted and cryo-treated rotors.

[burt ragio]

Naake will require lower bolt diameter length and mounting bracket width. The springs he uses are rated at 420 lbs. See if he can give you same 420lb with on a taller spring. Be sure to add the piston stops.
Unless you go for a big brake kit you can't go wrong with oem pads & ss lines.

[cougar9150]

Naake will require lower bolt diameter length and mounting bracket width. The springs he uses are rated at 420 lbs. See if he can give you same 420lb with on a taller spring. Be sure to add the piston stops.
Unless you go for a big brake kit you can't go wrong with oem pads & ss lines.I spoke with Brad at never enough and he said I could order up to 550lb springs. I have heard of the stock naake springs sagging after awhile. I figured the higher rate springs should help prevent that. It may be a bit stiffer throughout the whole range of motion but I would prefer it to be a little more responsive and not worry about sagging down the road.

If need be Summit sell the QA1 springs in a bunch of differnet rates in the dimensions the Naake kit uses. Typical prices is about $37 each and if I decide I need softer springs I can always order a different set for fairly cheap.

I only plan on dropping it about 3/4" in the front. What benefit would longer springs be? They come with 10" and the next step up would be 12".

For the brakes I already have the slotted cryo-treated rotor, rebuilt calipers, getting TCE lines, and maybe the pads I said above or the Hawk pads, or go with the traditional Bendix CT3 pads I have used in the past.

Still undecided on the pads, and it may just come to what I can spend.

[Krytin]

If you actually drive your car more than a few thousand miles a year do yourself a favor and DON"T buy the Naake/QA-1 setup front or rear - ask me how I know!!!

[cougar9150]

If you actually drive your car more than a few thousand miles a year do yourself a favor and DON"T buy the Naake/QA-1 setup front or rear - ask me how I know!!!

I do, I drive about 350-400 miles per week just for work. I have read about some people with issues but know several people happy with them. What should or do I need to worry about? I'm not familiar with what your issues were.

I have done the KYBs on my previous MM and had stock shocks on both MMs when I get them. I was less than impressed with the KYBs and the stock springs up front. I don't want to go w/Eibach since springs drop the car more than I want (1.4") so they are not an option. I also know plenty of people have cut their stock springs but I won't do this, nothing against anyone who has I just don't like doing it that way, just my opinion.

I am not really a fan of Monroes or Gabriels and want something better performing than stock. I would also like height adjustment available so I can raise/lower the fronts so I can I dial in the height if I decide to go road coursing or want to mess with it one the road.

So it's seems that I am at an impasse here and unless I want to spend extra money to develop a kit with another company and wait who know how long for them to get it done I am stuck w/Naake as the only real performance semi bolt in option available for the car.

[Krytin]

The seals leak after less than 12K miles.
The front springs brand new out of the box are stacked for the top 5 - 6 coils.
The bushings at all mounts are wrong/undersized - the front uppers are a smaller diameter and will be a continual source of trouble for the life (what little that will be)of the shock.
I'm in the process of deciding on returning to OEM or finding a better aftermarket unit.
For the $'s the Naake QA-1 will cost to buy and then the extra $$'s spent to actually try and get them to work they are a total waste!!

[cougar9150]

The seals leak after less than 12K miles.
The front springs brand new out of the box are stacked for the top 5 - 6 coils.
The bushings at all mounts are wrong/undersized - the front uppers are a smaller diameter and will be a continual source of trouble for the life (what little that will be)of the shock.
I'm in the process of deciding on returning to OEM or finding a better aftermarket unit.
For the $'s the Naake QA-1 will cost to buy and then the extra $$'s spent to actually try and get them to work they are a total waste!!

ug :shake: not really what I wanted to hear. Were the issues mainly with the front setup? I am more interested in the rear than fronts but think I can source an easier aftermarket solution for the rears if they are also problematic.

I figure I should be able to spec out about rear shock from a Mustang and then just modify the lower mount to fit the MM. When you look up the QA1 P/N MU7856P on Summit it shows the 1999-2001 and 2003-2004 Cobras as the only application.

[Krytin]

The issue of fitment was mostly with the front and the rears were the first to leak but both front and rear were a problem with both issues.

I and at least one other person have had similar problems with this - some claim they haven't (I don't believe them with out seeing their set-up with my own eyes!)

That said if you want to roll the dice you might get lucky.

If you do, and they work for you with no problem, I'm going to send you a dollar to buy me a lottery ticket because you will be the luckiest SOB I know!!! LOL

[cougar9150]

This is giving me a headache. Going to try BC Auto some more and see if I can get anywhere. The guy I was going through took like 2 months to just give me their info and say you talk to them. Hoping since they are over in Orlando maybe I can work something out.

I may just say F-it for now slap on the Severe Service Monroes, w/the Eibachs and see how it rides. Maybe come back in a year or so and just be happy its fixed for now.

Does anyone have positive/negative thoughts on the Severe Service Monroe's?

[burt ragio]

Krytin is correct there are some issues. I never had a problem with my Naake seals leaking or springs sagging. Getting the correct lower mount measurements & the front bottom mounts bushings do need to be replaced at intervals not a big issue. Other than that I found them better than any other combo. You could run over 100mph with confdence. I would go with front double adjust 12" 420 lb springs max & stock ride height with carfixer alienment specs.HD Bilstien in rear. You won't be disappointed.

[cougar9150]

Waiting on a possible option to work out. I may have a sweet deal lined up for the DA Naake's that I hope works out. The check in the mail to me so I'll be ready to get all the suspension and brakes taken care off.

If I end up going the Monroe route in the end because of price I'll be proactive with the air suspension and do it at the same time.

Thinking about getting the heavy duty limo air springs from Armott. Instead of a plastic base these have machined billet aluminum mounting points. Figure they have to be a little stronger and I just like the aluminum.