Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: Dogcharmer on December 18, 2007, 10:57:52 AM

Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: Dogcharmer on December 18, 2007, 10:57:52 AM
I finally got around to installing my MM STB and I thought I'd post this to try and save anyone from some of the frustrating installation issues that I had. It's really easy to install but there are a few things that can bite you in the ass if you're not prepared. One thing is tools... A dremmel tool saved the day here a couple times; Here's why...

Issue 1: On the passenger side the STB tower mount interefered with the camber plate. So unless you want to remove your camber plate and grind the washer you will have to grind away the corner of the brace bracket and drill a new hole in the brace. The camber plate is in the way of the drill bit so you cant use the inside hole. Here's the pic...

(http://i1.tinypic.com/82uvrdv.jpg)

Issue 2: After istalling every thing I noticed the lack of clearance for my oil cap. On my 87 Bird with the worn out stock motor mounts I could get it off... barely. With the poly mounts on this car it was not even close... F@$k! So I had to loosen the STB bolts and pry it up so I could get the cap off. Then I took my trusty dremmel and cut off the bottom of the cap to the first threads. That was enough so now the cap fits fine.

(http://i17.tinypic.com/72fsmro.jpg)

Modified cap:

(http://i9.tinypic.com/7xb581v.jpg)
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: Dogcharmer on December 18, 2007, 11:01:23 AM
Here's an overall shot of the whole thing.

(http://i13.tinypic.com/7x9csc6.jpg)

Hopefully this thing keeps my strut towers righteous with my coilovers.
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: Chuck W on December 18, 2007, 11:23:08 AM
The MM STB is a nice unit.

I'm kind of surprised that car never had one to begin with....
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: CougarCoupe88 on December 18, 2007, 01:24:39 PM
hey mine didnt come with the sticker on it. yes it is a very nice peice and fits very well for aftermarket.and it looks good doing it. it is kind of a pain to take the upper intake off with that on though.
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: EricCoolCats on December 18, 2007, 01:25:22 PM
Woweee...that's a tight fit. So you're saying if you have tall valve covers, you're S.O.L. then?
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: Dogcharmer on December 18, 2007, 03:52:08 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;193406
Woweee...that's a tight fit. So you're saying if you have tall valve covers, you're S.O.L. then?


Actually tall valve covers dont have that tall fill tube on them so they'd be fine.
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: Red_LX on December 18, 2007, 03:54:54 PM
Mine was a pain in the ass to install, mostly at the firewall. Working around all that wiring harness  drove me nuts.
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: Dogcharmer on December 18, 2007, 04:06:22 PM
Quote from: Chuck W;193396
The MM STB is a nice unit.

I'm kind of surprised that car never had one to begin with....


I'm guessing it was because of the Vortech Powercooler.

(http://i10.tinypic.com/85k32ua.jpg)
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: Chuck W on December 18, 2007, 05:24:05 PM
Quote from: Dogcharmer;193422
I'm guessing it was because of the Vortech Powercooler.



Ah-ha!
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: blackcougar71 on December 23, 2008, 03:24:44 PM
what year mustang  strut tower brace did you use 79-93 or 94-98 style?
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: vinnietbird on December 23, 2008, 04:38:54 PM
I installed one on the Sport (I don't remember what brand name),and it fit like a glove,and cleared everything with ease.Mine mounts at the strut towers (of course),and at the center of the firewall.
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: Mr-Mach1 on June 28, 2009, 01:45:44 AM
Issue 1: On the passenger side the STB tower mount interefered with the camber plate. So unless you want to remove your camber plate and grind the washer you will have to grind away the corner of the brace bracket and drill a new hole in the brace. The camber plate is in the way of the drill bit so you cant use the inside hole. Here's the pic...

Where did you get the camber plates from ? I desprately need a pair for my 88 sport.

Thanks
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: t3skidoo on June 28, 2009, 04:35:16 AM
I'm going to guess from the black paint, Max Motorsports.  Not sure, but Chuck W might have some as well.
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: Ether947 on June 28, 2009, 10:22:49 PM
C/C Plates are from MM (http://"http://maximummotorsports.com/"). And this thread is pretty dang old.
Title: MM Strut Brace Install
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on June 29, 2009, 06:24:39 PM
Yea looks cool but.....how does it drive?