2005-09 Mustang Parts
The S197 Mustang leaves the Ford factory sitting high, with enough wheel gap to park a fist in. Lowering springs are the cheapest way to close that gap and tighten up body roll. The right set depends on how low you want to go, how you drive, and what's next on your build list.
The short answer:
For most daily-driven 2005-2014 Mustangs, a 1.3-1.5" progressive spring is the sweet spot. SVE Progressive Rate Lowering Springs deliver that for $199.99, the lowest price here. The Eibach Pro-Kit is the mildest progressive option, Ford Performance fits a full Ford Performance suspension build, and BMR is the track and drag pick.
Below you'll find how we picked, a side-by-side spec table, the supporting parts a lowered S197 needs to drive right, and a detailed look at each spring.
Full disclosure. SVE is LMR's own brand, and we sell every spring on this list. SVE springs are made in the USA to our specifications. We'll tell you exactly where SVE fits and where another brand is the better call.
These are the four spring brands S197 owners ask our tech team about most. We judged each one on four things:
Drop figures are manufacturer estimates for a GT coupe. Your actual drop will vary with trim, options, and how much the springs settle.
| Best For | Spring | Why |
| Best value for most S197 owners | SVE Progressive Rate Lowering Springs | Progressive ride and up to a 1.4" F / 1.5" R drop for $199.99 |
| Best stance on 2011-2014 | SVE Progressive Rate Lowering Springs | Closes the front gap more evenly than a 1.0" front drop |
| Mildest progressive drop | Eibach Pro-Kit | Aligns to factory spec and carries a million-mile warranty |
| Factory-backed suspension builds | Ford Performance M-5300-KA | Ford-engineered to pair with Ford Performance dampers |
| Track and drag builds | BMR SP009 | Application-specific tunes and a lifetime warranty against sag |
SVE is the lowest-priced spring here, and it drops the nose of a 2011-2014 GT more than the Eibach Pro-Kit does. Drops are manufacturer estimates for a GT coupe.
| Spring | Type | Drop F / R (in) | Front rate (lb/in) | Rear rate (lb/in) | Price (USD) | Warranty |
| SVE-5300B | Progressive | Up to 1.4 / 1.5 | 175-235 | 115-215 | $199.99 | SVE limited |
| BMR SP009 | Linear front, variable rear | 1.5 / 1.5 | 165 | 120-160 | $229.95 | Lifetime against sag |
| Ford Performance M-5300-KA | Progressive | About 1.5 | Not published | Not published | $310.00 | FPRP Warranty |
| Eibach Pro-Kit 35125.140 (2011-14) | Progressive | 1.0 / 1.5 | 160-274 | 125-193 | $355.00 | Million-mile |
| Eibach Pro-Kit 35101.140 (2005-10) | Progressive | 1.3 / 1.4 | 171-228 | Not published | $395.00 | Million-mile |
Note: On 2011-2014 GTs, the Ford Performance M-5300-KA requires M-18183-C strut mounts (discontinued) and M-18000-A dampers. A milder 1.0" version, M-5300-PA, is also available.
Pick your drop first, then your spring type, then check fitment for your year and trim.
A progressive spring starts soft and stiffens as it compresses. Small bumps stay comfortable, and body roll stays in check when you push it in a corner. SVE, Eibach, and Ford Performance all use progressive rates.
A linear spring holds the same rate through its whole travel. It feels more predictable at the limit, which is why BMR builds linear springs for track and drag use. The tradeoff is a busier ride on rough streets.
The two halves of the S197 models use slightly different front strut mounts, so check part numbers before you order. Some springs, like Ford Performance's M-5300-KA, need upgraded mounts and dampers on 2011-2014 cars.
Drop changes by year, too. The Eibach Pro-Kit lowers a 2005-2009 GT about 1.3" up front, but a 2011-2014 GT only about 1.0".
Engine weight affects how far a spring settles, so a V6 usually sits a little higher than a GT on the same springs. Convertibles often sit slightly lower in the rear. The Shelby GT500 needs its own springs, so confirm fitment before you order.
Springs alone won't get it done. An adjustable panhard bar and an alignment are required on every lowered S197. Everything else depends on how far you drop and how many miles are on your suspension.
| Part | Needed | Why? |
| Adjustable panhard bar | Required | The S197's 3-link rear shifts the axle sideways when lowered. An adjustable bar re-centers it and helps prevent rubbing. |
| Alignment | Required | Lowering changes front camber and toe, which chews up tires unevenly. |
| Caster/camber plates or camber bolts | Recommended at 1"+ | Gives the alignment shop the adjustment to bring camber back into spec. |
| GT500 upper strut mounts | Recommended on 2005-2010 | The factory mounts are a known failure point and clunk when paired with lowering springs. |
| Shocks and struts | Recommended if original | Factory dampers aren't valved for the new spring rates. With the suspension already apart, it's the cheapest time to replace them. |
| Bump steer kit | Recommended for spirited driving | Lowering changes tie rod angle, so the car can dart over bumps. Adjustable rod ends correct it. |
| Jounce bumpers (bump stops) | Verify your kit | Some kits, like Ford Performance's, call for shorter bump stops so the suspension doesn't ride on them. |
Ready to install? Our 2005-2014 Mustang lowering spring installation guide walks through it step by step.
SVE gives you the progressive ride people buy Eibach and Ford Performance for, at the lowest price on this list. It drops up to 1.4" front and 1.5" rear, using 175-235 lb/in progressive fronts and 115-215 lb/in rears. That front drop is why it's our pick for 2011-2014 owners: the Eibach Pro-Kit only brings the nose down about 1.0", which can leave a slight nose-high rake.
Shop SVE 2005-2009 Mustang lowering springs Shop SVE 2010-2014 Mustang lowering springs
Eibach is the benchmark a lot of Mustang owners measure everything else against. The Pro-Kit lowers a 2011-2014 GT about 1.0" front and 1.5" rear, and Eibach says the car can still be aligned to factory specs. On 2005-2009 GTs, the drop is closer to 1.3" front and 1.4" rear.
Ford Performance's "K" springs drop the car about 1.5" with a progressive rate. Ford designed them to work with its own dampers and sway bars as a matched system. A milder 1.0" "P" spring (M-5300-PA) is also available.
BMR springs are made in the USA from chrome silicon wire, and every spring is computer-tested. The SP009 street set drops 1.5" with a 165 lb/in linear front and a 120-160 lb/in variable rear. If you know exactly how the car will be used, BMR also sells handling (240 lb/in front) and drag (150 lb/in front) versions.
How much do 2005-2014 Mustang lowering springs drop the car?
Most street springs drop 1.0-1.5". SVE drops up to 1.4" front and 1.5" rear, BMR drops 1.5" on a stock coupe.
Will lowering springs ruin my Mustang's ride quality?
Not with a mild progressive spring. Springs in the 1.0-1.5" range ride slightly firmer than stock, and worn factory struts make that worse. Replace tired dampers at the same time and the ride stays comfortable.
Do I need a panhard bar to lower my 2005-2014 Mustang?
Yes. Lowering shifts the rear axle sideways on the S197's 3-link suspension. An adjustable panhard bar re-centers it and helps prevent tire rub.
Do I need an alignment after installing lowering springs?
Yes. Lowering changes camber and toe. Get an alignment right after the install, and add camber bolts or caster/camber plates for drops over 1".
Eibach or Ford Performance springs for an S197?
The Eibach Pro-Kit is the milder, simpler choice and fits 2011-2014 cars without extra parts. Ford Performance's 1.5" springs make sense if you're also running Ford Performance dampers, and they require upgraded mounts on 2011-2014 cars.
Can I install lowering springs at home?
Yes. Most owners do it in the driveway in 2-4 hours with basic hand tools and a spring compressor. Our installation guide walks through it.
Do lowering springs fit the Shelby GT500?
Only GT500-specific springs. Confirm fitment before you order.
For most daily-driven S197s, a 1.3-1.5" progressive spring is the sweet spot, and SVE delivers it for the least money.
Whichever you pick, budget for an adjustable panhard bar and an alignment. Questions about fitment on your car? Our tech team works on these cars every day, so reach out before you order!
