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Author
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Topic: Converting a Fox body F.S. to a Mustang II Front Suspension
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kadunkadunk
Journeyman Posts: 5
From: Erehwon, USA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 11-23-2001 12:34 AM
   
I would like to convert my macpherson strut setup to double A-arms. Has anyone done this using Mustang II parts? Or know if there is a double A-arm conversion?
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kadunkadunk
Journeyman Posts: 5
From: Erehwon, USA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 11-23-2001 07:47 AM
Someone asked why:A complete independent front suspension is more desirable than a Macpherson Strut arrangement. With an upper and lower A-arm, the camber angle will vary throughout the entire curve. The Macpherson strut must be setup with a huge amount of negative camber in a static position. So, when in a turn, the tire would be closer to perpindicular. You will have less of a tire patch with the Mac setup. Macpherson looks like this at rest: /_ _\
During a Curve the Mac is like: \_ _| Double A-arm looks like this at rest: |= =|
During a Curve the Double is like: |= =\
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Stewart
Moderator Posts: 7400
From: Monterey, CA Mustangsandmore Member #437
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 11-23-2001 02:21 PM
While I know absolutely jack-didly-squat about suspensions, I'm wondering if installing caster/camber plates on a Foxbody would give the same results you're looking for.Stewart
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FISHTAIL
Gearhead Posts: 412
From: Waldorf MD USA
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 11-23-2001 09:50 PM
nah stew it wont. It will allow him to set the static negative camber/caster he needs, but it won't allot for the constant adjustment he's looking for. While most of us settle for what ford gives us, there are always those that feel the need to tinker with gods creation  . LOL j/k. I haven't ever heard of someone doing this conversion. I'm sure you could get it to work with enough welding though. I would get another K-member from a donor car(or better yet a whole front clip), and the suspension parts you want, make some measurements and then start trying to figure out how you want it to fit. Once you do, either weld it yourself, or take it to a shop to have it welded into place. Then try to make it fit. Repeat until it works. LOL. Kinda like the hot rod guys do it. I think there are also some aftermarket companies that make the front suspension setup your looking for. While I'm not absolutely positive about this, it never hurts to double check. Try www.griggs.com, or www.griggsracing.com, I can't remeber which. Kenny brown makes and IRS for the rear of these cars, he might also make a double A-arm setup for the front. So may steeda. You'll have to check around. You do pose an interesting question though....if you make any progress in your research, let me know. I'm interested.------------------
-FISHTAIL
92GT "The Ghetto Sled"
CMPS major @ University of MD college park
Best ET/MPH thus far: 14.40/100.67mph....damn wheel spin.
VP and co-founder of CMTC www.cmntc.com
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TomP
Moderator Posts: 3010
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 11-24-2001 01:56 AM
kadunkadunkadunkA Mustang II is a CRAPPY suspension for handling...the spindle is way too short. It was not meant for that. Add in that it's too narrow, has teensy brakes and short springs and shocks. This camber curve you mention can be an advantage for struts.
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TomP
Moderator Posts: 3010
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 11-24-2001 02:01 AM
In figuring out that camber curve...i have a question? Are these struts on a 53 Buick? Normal cars shouldn't lean enough to cause that. A car that leans that much sure ain't gonna be helped by rubbing the whitewall off the outside tire and scraping the inside wheels brake drum (wouldn't be disc?) on the ground.
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Stewart
Moderator Posts: 7400
From: Monterey, CA Mustangsandmore Member #437
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 11-24-2001 03:57 AM
quote:
Originally posted by FISHTAIL:
nah stew it wont.
Oh well, the C/C plates were on my mind because I just had the ones I bought from Maximum Motorsports installed!  Pretty nice looking plates! You were right, Mike...they look beefy! Stewart
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kadunkadunk
Journeyman Posts: 5
From: Erehwon, USA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 11-24-2001 12:59 PM
Thanks for the feedback. Maybe I shouldn't go where no man has gone before.
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FISHTAIL
Gearhead Posts: 412
From: Waldorf MD USA
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 11-27-2001 01:24 AM
They make nice stuff don't they? I just got a set of lower control arms from them too this past week. Those suckers are nice!! I got them used from a fella named gddyup(keith) from the corral. Cool guy, nice parts! I can't wait to put those babies on. I also orded a new set of FRPP uppers, new differential bushings, and spring isolators. This is going to make my entire rear suspension brand new . I'm not realy looking forward to changing the bushings, but the rest of the install should be easy. WHen did you get the CC plates? Those things are really easy to install, it's just the alignment afterwards you need to pay for. I've installed two sets now, both times I eyeballed the settings before I tightened them. Both times I was REALLY close on alignment specs! Talk about luck eh? LOL------------------
-FISHTAIL
92GT "The Ghetto Sled"
CMPS major @ University of MD college park
Best ET/MPH thus far: 14.40/100.67mph....damn wheel spin.
VP and co-founder of CMTC www.cmntc.com
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Stewart
Moderator Posts: 7400
From: Monterey, CA Mustangsandmore Member #437
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 11-27-2001 02:18 AM
I received them a few weeks ago, and I had them installed last week monday. I needed to have a tie rod replaced (very slight bend) so I figured I would just have the shop do the c/c plates at the same time. The install only cost me 60 bucks. A fair tradeoff if ya ask me, especially because I hate messing with suspension stuff.Stewart PS - Since I'll never be able to afford the Griggs setup, I'll probably end up getting the Maximum Motorsports Street/Roadracing "Grip in a Box" setup. Two-Grand for a complete four-corner setup. The only thing I'll probably change is the Bilstein shocks/struts that come with their package. I'll have them delete those, and replace them with some Koni Reds for the front and Yellows for the back. [This message has been edited by Stewart (edited 11-27-2001).]
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FISHTAIL
Gearhead Posts: 412
From: Waldorf MD USA
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 11-27-2001 02:59 PM
60 bucks? that's not bad...I did it last time for free, but now I know what to charge . LOL. I know how you feel about the griggs, I'll never make that myself. In a way, I really like the MM stuff better anyway. It leaves enough of the factory stuff in place that you can get parts if something breaks in a crunch from a local parts store. Besides...according to them, there suspension setup is pretty competitive. And MM&FF liked there setup as well. I'll probably keep the FRPP uppers for a while, until I can afford the 3 link anyway . Have you checked out there strut tower brace yet? That sucker is beefy....------------------
-FISHTAIL
92GT "The Ghetto Sled"
CMPS major @ University of MD college park
Best ET/MPH thus far: 14.40/100.67mph....damn wheel spin.
VP and co-founder of CMTC www.cmntc.com
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Stewart
Moderator Posts: 7400
From: Monterey, CA Mustangsandmore Member #437
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 11-28-2001 01:10 AM
quote:
Originally posted by FISHTAIL:
Have you checked out their strut tower brace yet? That sucker is beefy....
Yes, I did! After talking on the phone with the M&M rep about the c/c plates (I was making sure a "standard" strut tower brace would clear the plates), the rep (like a good salesman would  ) pointed out how the M&M strut tower brace differs from "standard" tower braces. The M&M piece attaches to the crimp of the lip on the firewall, instead of to just the flat part of the firewall. It adds just that little bit of strength and stability over the "standard" braces. The M&M pieces really look solid. I'm looking forward to being able to buy the suspension setup from them. Stewart
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Apittslife
Journeyman Posts: 16
From: Charlestown, In. USA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 11-29-2001 07:45 PM
I have thought about trying this type of conversion myself...
I dont think it would be to terribly hard to do.
TomP If someone was to go through the pains of doing this conversion, I seriously dought that they would use stock MustII spindles & brakes when better are avialable.
The suspension of choice in the cobra kit cars, & all the street rodders, is the II front suspension.... Paul
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