fits year: 1968-72.

( Brand: Outrider ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 150-083 ), ( Part Type: Spring Suspension )
The **Outrider 150-083 Scorpion Rear Suspension LH Spring** is a meticulously crafted, high-performance replacement component designed to restore or enhance the ride quality, handling, and durability of classic 1968 through 1972 Ford Mustang, Mercury Cougar, and Shelby GT500 models equipped with the iconic **Scorpion suspension system**. This left-hand (LH) rear coil spring is engineered to replicate the original factory specifications with precision, ensuring an authentic fitment while delivering modern reliability. Crafted from high-grade, heat-treated steel, the spring is built to withstand the rigors of daily driving, track use, and high-performance applications, offering superior load-bearing capacity and resistance to fatigue over time. The design incorporates a progressive rate curve, which provides a balanced blend of comfort and responsiveness ideal for both street cruising and spirited driving. Whether restoring a vintage muscle car to its original glory or upgrading an existing setup for improved handling, this spring is a critical component for maintaining the Scorpion s legendary combination of stiffness and compliance. Its compatibility with the original suspension geometry ensures proper alignment and weight distribution, contributing to enhanced braking, cornering, and overall driving dynamics. For enthusiasts seeking a seamless blend of authenticity and performance, the Outrider 150-083 is an indispensable upgrade, designed to meet the demands of both the purist and the performance-driven Mustang or Cougar owner.
The **Outrider 150-083 Scorpion Rear Suspension LH Spring** is designed for 1968 1972 Ford Mustang and Mercury Cougar models, replacing the stock rear suspension components. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros**
1. **Improved Ride Comfort and Handling**
The Scorpion suspension is engineered to reduce body roll and improve stability, especially during cornering. The progressive-rate spring provides a firmer yet more controlled ride compared to the stock suspension, which can feel stiff and harsh over bumps.
2. **Enhanced Durability**
Outrider components are built with high-quality materials, including heavy-duty springs and shackles, which are designed to last longer than OEM parts. This is particularly useful for high-mileage or modified vehicles where wear is a concern.
3. **Better Weight Distribution**
The Scorpion suspension lowers the vehicle s center of gravity slightly, which can improve handling dynamics and reduce the risk of nose-diving during braking. This is beneficial for both street and light track use.
4. **Compatibility with Aftermarket Modifications**
The suspension is designed to work well with other performance parts, such as sway bars, coilovers, or lowered springs. It provides a solid foundation for further tuning, whether for street driving or track use.
5. **Reduced Body Roll**
For drivers who experience excessive lean during aggressive cornering, the Scorpion spring offers a noticeable reduction in body roll, making the car feel more planted and responsive.
6. **Easy Installation**
Outrider parts are designed for straightforward installation, often requiring only basic tools. The kit includes all necessary hardware, and the instructions are generally clear for those with moderate mechanical experience.
7. **Cost-Effective Upgrade**
Compared to full coilover setups or complete suspension overhauls, the Scorpion spring is a relatively affordable way to improve ride quality and handling without a major investment.
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### **Cons**
1. **Stiffer Ride Quality**
While the Scorpion spring improves handling, it can make the ride feel firmer and less cushioned than the stock suspension. This may not be ideal for drivers who prioritize comfort over performance, especially on rough roads or highways.
2. **Potential for Excessive Firmness**
Some users report that the spring can feel too stiff for everyday driving, leading to fatigue over long distances. This is particularly true if the vehicle is not otherwise modified (e.g., with softer shocks or bushings).
3. **Limited Adjustability**
Unlike coilovers or adjustable shocks, the Scorpion spring offers no preload or rebound/dampening adjustments. Once installed, the ride height and firmness are fixed, which may not suit all driving preferences or conditions.
4. **Compatibility Issues with Heavy Modifications**
If the vehicle has been heavily modified (e.g., lowered with spacers, upgraded drivetrain, or aggressive weight distribution changes), the Scorpion spring may not provide the optimal balance of comfort and handling. In such cases, a more customized suspension solution (e.g., coilovers) might be necessary.
5. **Potential for Binding or Noise**
In some cases, especially if the vehicle has worn bushings or misaligned components, the Scorpion spring can cause rattles or binding noises. This is not a universal issue but can occur if installation is not precise or if other suspension parts are worn.
6. **Not a Full Suspension Replacement**
The Scorpion spring is part of a larger suspension kit, but it does not address other components like shocks, control arms, or bushings. For best results, it should be paired with compatible shocks (e.g., Outrider s own shocks or high-quality aftermarket alternatives).
7. **Limited Availability of Replacement Parts**
While Outrider is a reputable brand, some users have reported difficulty finding replacement parts or specific components (e.g., shackles, springs) if the original kit fails. This is less common but worth considering for long-term reliability.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Outrider 150-083 Scorpion Rear Suspension LH Spring** is a solid choice for owners of 1968 1972 Mustangs or Cougars who want to improve handling and reduce body roll without a major overhaul. It strikes a balance between performance and practicality, offering noticeable benefits in stability and durability while remaining relatively easy to install. However, it is not a universal solution drivers who prioritize comfort over firmness or have heavily modified vehicles may find it too stiff or incompatible with other parts.
The spring is particularly well-suited for:- **Street-driven cars** with moderate performance goals.
- **Owners who want a cost-effective upgrade** over stock suspension.
- **Those who plan to pair it with other performance parts** (e.g., sway bars, shocks).
- **Drivers who experience excessive body roll** in their current setup.
It may not be ideal for:- **Comfort-focused drivers** who prefer a softer ride.
- **Track-focused vehicles** that require extreme adjustability.
- **Heavily modified cars** with aggressive weight or height changes.
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### **Recommendation**
If you are looking to enhance the handling and durability of your 1968 1972 Mustang or Cougar without a full suspension rebuild, the **Outrider 150-083 Scorpion Rear Suspension LH Spring** is a worthwhile investment. Pair it with high-quality shocks (such as Outrider s own shocks or brands like Tokico, Bilstein, or KYB) and ensure that other suspension components (e.g., control arms, bushings) are in good condition. This will maximize the benefits of the spring and provide a more balanced ride.
For drivers who want further customization, consider adding a **sway bar** or **adjustable shocks** in the future. If your vehicle has significant modifications (e.g., lowered suspension, heavy engine swaps), research whether the Scorpion spring will work optimally with those changes, or explore coilover setups for more adjustability.
Overall, the Scorpion spring is a practical and effective upgrade for those seeking a firmer, more responsive ride without the complexity of a full suspension overhaul.
PART NUMBER - 150-083, FITS 1968-1972 ALL model's FOR REAR LEFT HAND.