|
Author
|
Topic: 3 or 4 bolt upper control arms which one?
|
BaLleRz68
Journeyman Posts: 75
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 06-08-2003 04:03 AM
   
I will be buying the super suspension kit from Mustang Plus soon and was wondering where do I look to see if my upper control arms are 3 or 4 bolt? Is there a certain location I need to look at? Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.
IP: Logged |
sigtauenus
Gearhead Posts: 1741
From: Beaufort, SC
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 06-08-2003 12:53 PM
The 3 or 4 bolt they are talking about refers to how many bolts are attaching your upper ball joints. If I'm not mistaken, lower ball joints are all 3 bolt.They came from the factory with 4 bolt and then later on the Ford service parts had 3 bolts attaching the upper ball joints. Reproduction control arms used to have 3 bolt too, but I think more guys are moving to selling the 4 bolt stuff since its a little bit more original. If I'm mistaken on this I'm sure somebody else will come along to correct me.
If you're buying a complete set, I'd personally go for the 4 bolt set.
IP: Logged |
Rory McNeil
Gearhead Posts: 1162
From: Surrey, B.C. Canada
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 06-08-2003 04:02 PM
Origionally the Mustangs used the 4 rivet upper control arms up to 1969. In 1970 they switched to the 3 rivet arm. I think the reason for the change was a strength issue. The 4 rivet arms have 2 bolts on either side of the upper ball joint, these bolts are quite close together, & I have seen cracks in the control arms, between the rivet holes. The 3 rivet arm uses 1 rivet on either side of the ball joint, plus 1 behind, which provides more material between the rivet holes, as well as a more spread out bolt pattern. I have never had a cracked upper arm on the 1970 & up 3 rivet design. If origionality is a concern, I would use the 4 rivet upper arm only on the pre 70 cars.------------------
78 Fairmont 428 4 speed 10.20@130mph
80 Fairmont 302 5 speed 12.8@105mph
85 Mustang NHRA Stocker 302 5speed. soon to be under the index!
59 Meteor (Canadian Ford) 2 dr sedan 332, auto
74 F350 ramp truck 390 4spd
IP: Logged |
rockafellz
Gearhead Posts: 1187
From: San Lorenzo, CA, USA
Registered: Aug 2001
|
posted 06-09-2003 10:47 AM
Never RE-rivet your ball joints (per the Ford shop manual instructions). Use the 4 bolts included in the box.Pull a front wheel and take a look at how many rivets or bolts are holding down the ball joint right above the spindle, attached to the upper control arm. If it has been replaced in the past, it should be attached on by bolts. If it has never been replaced, it is attached on with rivets. Again, NEVER re-rivet, use nuts & bolts. Especially with your street/strip car.  Erik ------------------
1966 Ford Mustang 2+2
Mine - Restomod in Progress 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe
Dad's - Original Unrestored
IP: Logged |
Mustangsandmore Forums
UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! 
