Ford Air Suspension

Test Drive with Greg Zyla: 2012 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

This week, we're driving the 2012 Ford Mustang GT, still the "King of the Pony Cars," fun to drive and affordable to own. Always a four passenger, rear drive, two-door sporty vehicle, Mustang for 2012 is perhaps the best it's ever been, especially in the handling and horsepower departments. (The 2011 model is identical).

With prices starting at just $22,310 for the 2012 V6 305 horsepower model, Mustang's roots date back to 1964 as Ford's all-original Pony Car idea. With long hoods and short decks, the Pony Car took off like wildfire, and spawned numerous competitors along the way. Through its history, Mustang never ceased operation in any manner, and its followers and enthusiasts have been rewarded with more novel models to choose from, rave reviews and important citations.

The nucleus of the latest GT is a new in 2011 "302" V8 engine that separates this GT from any past 5.0 Mustangs. Specifically, Ford's latest 5.0 V8 pumps out an amazing 412 horsepower at 6,500 rpm from it's "smaller than Camaro SS" engine. The cylinder heads on this all-aluminum powerplant are huge, and at first glance resemble the width and length of the Hemi engines that made MOPARS so successful along the way. According to tests we've reviewed, the GT Coupe is capable of 12-second quarter miles at 108 right off the showroom floor.

Ford engineers are clearly massaging its double overhead cam 32 valve design V8 to the point of spectacular power, much to the chagrin of the competition. The multi port fuel injection, cold air induction engine features a compression ratio of 11 to 1 and twin independent variable camshaft timing. This combination not only delivers the goods in spades when it comes to acceleration, it also provides a most respectable 17 city and 26 highway EPA numbers, making ownership much easier on the wallet than those now "collector only" 1969 Mustang Cobra Jets and Boss 302s, which delivered perhaps 10-mpg overall if you were lucky.

Looking for more? How about a new "Boss 302" that delivers 444 horses at a whooping "valve train ready" 7,400 rpm or a 510 horse Shelby GT with supercharged 5.4 V8 (330 inches). Regardless of flavor, the Camaro SS is in big trouble and the Pony Car superiority clearly stays in Mustang's camp.

In the handling department, Mustang still comes with rear-drive solid "live" rear axle, with Camaro going the independent route with its recent new models. Live rear axles aren't known for traction and handling attributes on the highway 2012 Ford Mustang GT, but whatever Ford did with its new Mustang GT's suspension puts it way ahead of the competition. Up front are MacPherson struts, while the rear is a constant-rate coil spring, 3-link design with panhard rod stabilizer. This setup usually results in unwelcome characteristics like wheel-hop under heavy acceleration and lack of grip in corners and straights with road abnormalities. However, our test GT did very well in some quicker speed cornering, and the car didn't wheel hop at full throttle even with the traction control off and tires spinning a bit from a start. Well done Ford.

Air suspension light - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Its a 03 expedition and I used the strutmasters kit. The directions said to turn the switch off, install the springs and then cut the purple wire at the connector on the 4WAS module. If the light stays on then you also cut the green with yellow tracer wire. My light is still on. I can clear it but its just a pain to have to do. I called tech support and was told they needed a trouble code and I dont have a scan tool that will do that. I have a different diagram on my home computer if I haven't deleted it. It may take me a couple of hours to get it to you. Our light came on even with the height sensor still in place. I'm thinking the diagram I have is a little different than what comes with the kit. We had ours changed over and I would just recommend removing the bulb for "suspension". While I had the cluster out, I replaced all the bulbs with LED bulbs to reduce the heat it also gives a brighter, better view. I would splice the wires back together just in case it may cause trouble somewhere else in the wiring. I removed the height sensor and sold it on Ebay for $85 which helped me get some money back. I also will end up selling the other sensors and pump to gain a little more money back. It's an idea for you to get some cash back.

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