1967 Mustang Eleanor Suspension Parts: Complete Guide to Building a Better Ride

Building a 1967 Mustang Eleanor tribute or replica is a dream project for many muscle car enthusiasts. While the iconic look from Gone in 60 Seconds is defined by the custom body kit and Shelby-style stripes, the suspension is what makes the car handle and perform. Choosing the right 1967 Mustang Eleanor suspension parts is critical for achieving that perfect blend of aggressive stance, sharp handling, and daily-drivable comfort. This guide covers every major suspension component you need, from coilovers to sway bars, and helps you make informed decisions for your build.

Understanding Your Eleanor Suspension Goals

The original Eleanor in the movie was a heavily modified 1967 Mustang fastback with a custom chassis and racing-inspired suspension. Today, aftermarket parts can replicate that look and feel, but you need to prioritize how you'll use the car. Will it be a weekend cruiser, a track-day monster, or a showpiece? Your answer dictates which parts to choose.

Key Considerations Before Buying

Before diving into specific components, think about these factors:

• Ride height: Eleanor has a lowered, aggressive stance. You'll need parts that allow for adjustability.
• Handling vs. comfort: Coilovers provide better cornering but can be stiff. Leaf springs with modern shocks are more forgiving.
• Budget: Complete suspension kits cost more piecemeal, but ensure compatibility.
• Brakes: Upgraded suspension often requires better brakes. Plan accordingly.

Front Suspension Upgrades for Your Eleanor

The front suspension of a 1967 Mustang is a traditional unequal-length control arm setup. With the right parts, you can drastically improve steering response and reduce body roll.

Coilovers vs. Coil Springs and Shocks

Coilovers are the most popular choice for Eleanor builds because they combine spring and shock in one unit, allowing easy ride-height adjustment.

• Adjustable coilovers: Brands like QA1, Viking, and RideTech offer single or double adjustable units. They let you fine-tune compression and rebound damping.
• Pros: Lowering up to 2 inches, improved cornering, and a cleaner look.
• Cons: Firmer ride than stock; more expensive. If you prefer a smoother ride, consider a high-quality shock absorber like Bilstein or Koni paired with a lowered coil spring (e.g., 1-inch drop). This setup is less adjustable but more comfortable for street driving.

Upper and Lower Control Arms

Stock control arms have rubber bushings that flex, hurting alignment and handling. For Eleanor, upgrade to tubular control arms with polyurethane or spherical bearings.

• Tubular upper arms: Allow for caster/camber adjustment, which is essential with a lowered stance. Look for arms with greasable ball joints.
• Racing lower arms: Some feature a revised geometry to reduce brake dive. Others include built-in sway bar mounts.
• Must-use: Always pair new control arms with a strut rod brace or adjustable strut rods to control fore-aft movement.

Sway Bars and Strut Tower Brace

A larger front sway bar (1 inch to 1 1/8 inch) reduces body roll significantly. Add a strut tower brace to tie the shock towers together—this stiffens the chassis, improving turn-in response.

• Recommendation: A 1-inch hollow sway bar with poly bushings is a great upgrade. A strut tower brace is cheap and effective.

Rear Suspension Upgrades for the Eleanor

The 1967 Mustang uses a solid rear axle with leaf springs. For Eleanor, you have two main paths: a four-link conversion or upgraded leaf springs.

Leaf Springs: Standard vs. Multileaf

Stock single-leaf springs are soft and prone to wheel hop. A multileaf spring pack (e.g., 5-leaf) provides better load support and reduces squat under acceleration.

• Lowering leaf springs: Many manufacturers offer 1-2 inch drop leaf springs that maintain ride quality.
• Mono-leaf vs. multi-leaf: Mono-leaf springs are lighter and offer a smoother ride but less control. Multi-leaf is preferred for performance.

Four-Link and Three-Link Conversions

If you want track-level handling, consider a four-link rear suspension. Kits replace leaf springs with a triangulated or parallel four-link setup using coilovers or coil springs. This allows independent adjustment of pinion angle, ride height, and anti-squat. Brands like Total Cost Involved (TCI) and Heidts offer bolt-in conversions.

• Pros: Superior traction, adjustability, and a cleaner rear look.
• Cons: More expensive ($2000+), some welding may be required.

Rear Sway Bar and Traction Bars

A rear sway bar (3/4 to 7/8 inch) reduces body roll in corners. Traction bars (or ladder bars) control axle wrap under hard acceleration, preventing wheel hop. For a street-focused Eleanor, a rear sway bar alone is sufficient. For drag racing or aggressive street driving, add traction bars.

Additional Components to Complete the Build

Steering Linkage

With a lowered stance, the stock steering linkage may cause bump steer. Upgrade to a rack-and-pinion steering system for precise control. If budget is tight, a manual steering box with quick-ratio arms and a steering shaft support kit can help.

Brakes

Eleanor’s performance demands stopping power. Upgrade to power disc brakes in the front (and rear if possible). A 4-piston caliper kit with 11-inch or 12-inch rotors is common. Don't forget a proportioning valve to balance front/rear braking.

Shocks and Dampers

If you didn’t opt for coilovers, choose shocks tuned for lowered suspensions. Gas shocks like Bilstein’s are a go-to. Adjustable shocks are worth the extra cost for fine-tuning.

How to Choose the Right Parts for Your Budget

Here’s a quick breakdown by build tier:

• Budget Street ($800-$1200): Lowering coil springs, gas shocks, polyurethane bushings, and a larger front sway bar. Use stock control arms with new bushings.
• Performance Street ($2000-$3500): Tubular control arms (front), adjustable strut rods, coilovers or adjustable shocks, multileaf rear springs, rear sway bar, and traction bars.
• Track/Show ($4000+): Full front coilover kit, four-link rear with coilovers, rack-and-pinion steering, upgraded brakes, and chassis bracing (subframe connectors, roll bar).

Final Recommendation

For most Eleanor builds, a QA1 double-adjustable front coilover kit paired with Global West or Hotchkis tubular control arms and a 1-inch sway bar is the gold standard. In the rear, start with 1.5-inch drop multileaf springs and a rear sway bar. Add Viking or Bilstein shocks for damping. If your budget allows, a four-link rear from TCI or RideTech transforms handling. Always address brakes and steering to match your suspension upgrades.

Remember, the best 1967 Mustang Eleanor suspension parts are those that balance your driving style, budget, and build goals. Take the time to research compatibility and read installation guides—your Eleanor will reward you with an unforgettable driving experience.