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Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: cougrrr302 on October 21, 2011, 10:08:23 PM

Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: cougrrr302 on October 21, 2011, 10:08:23 PM
I'm slowly rebuilding the suspension on my Cougar, and I'm trying to compile a list of what all I should upgrade.

So far I have:
MM Caster/Camber Plates
CHE U/L Tubular Control Arms

I'm going to buy or make a unit with subframe connectors with side rails and a web design tying the two together for support. I'll be upgrading brakes on the front with a StopTech Big Brake Upgrade, rear disc conversion. I'm thinking Mach 1 Springs.
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: Dan B. on October 22, 2011, 10:05:28 PM
I'm going to fab subframe connectors also.  Hopefully start that in a few weeks after I'm done in the engine bay.  I have a design in my head...gotta take some measurements and make some templates before hand.....will post up pics during construction.  I'm guessing that the "side rail and web design" you are referring to are also called "jacking rails"?
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: Chuck W on October 22, 2011, 11:00:23 PM
Quote from: Dan B.;370815
I'm going to fab subframe connectors also.  Hopefully start that in a few weeks after I'm done in the engine bay.  I have a design in my head...gotta take some measurements and make some templates before hand.....will post up pics during construction.  I'm guessing that the "side rail and web design" you are referring to are also called "jacking rails"?

Yes, the rocker pinch weld braces are also called jacking rails.  Even if you don't tie them into the subframe/subframe connectors, they are very handy for getting the car in the air.  The extra bracing just adds to the rigidity of the overall set-up.

If you're just doing "bottom mount" SCFs, there really is no magic to it.  For a TBird/Cougar no bends are required in the main tubes.
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: cougarman on October 23, 2011, 07:58:02 AM
You mean like this, 1x2 1/8" wall 5' long.:D
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 23, 2011, 10:10:38 PM
Quote from: cougarman;370845
You mean like this, 1x2 1/8" wall 5' long.:D

Looks like mine. Even those stiffened the car up quite a bit.
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: Dan B. on October 24, 2011, 09:09:01 AM
Could you snap a pic of the front and rear mounting points?
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: cougarman on October 24, 2011, 09:23:51 AM
They run from the rear frame rail where the lower arm attaches to the front subframe. Yea I know, shiznitty welds it's what happens when you have poor eyesight...lol.:hick:  (they have been welded more now)
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: Chuck W on October 24, 2011, 09:54:30 AM
If you angled the rear the other way, you could overlap that  angled bit onto the rear subframe where it dips down below the torque box, and gain an extra couple inches of weld area.
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: cougarman on October 24, 2011, 10:25:24 AM
Thanks Chuck!!
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: Dan B. on October 24, 2011, 11:52:22 AM
Pics were great....exactly what I'd hoped to see.  Thanks!

Quote from: Chuck W;370910
If you angled the rear the other way, you could overlap that  angled bit onto the rear subframe where it dips down below the torque box, and gain an extra couple inches of weld area.

This is what I was thinking also.
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 25, 2011, 12:37:57 PM
I have a set of the StopTech's for the 69 FB and unless you just have the $$$ burning a hole in your wallet I would suggest sourcing a set of the Mach 1 front brakes as the calipers do not have any logos on them.  This will get you 13" front brakes and will clear all kinds of wheels and for under $400 it is maximum bang for the buck on the brakes.  I have a full Cobra setup on my 93 Coupe and based off the excellent braking on that car I have installed the same brakes on the Bird.  Just my 0.02 but if you get the StopTechs its not like you will regret it either!

Darren
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: cougrrr302 on October 28, 2011, 09:13:23 PM
The chances of finding a Mach 1 setup aren't that great though. I'm new at brakes honestly. Engine components and brakes are new to me. I bought a set of 2001 GT spindles/Hubs with less than 50k on them. They look brand new. This is the subframe/pinchweld brace I was considering(I realize this isn't a Fox, it's an '03 Cobra, I couldn't find the picture of the Fox brace I saw).
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w72/Fastphil96/2003%20Mustang%20Cobra/P1030449.jpg)
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: Aerocoupe on October 28, 2011, 10:30:09 PM
Go to an Advance Parts store and order them for the Mach 1. They will come with the bracket and caliper but you may have to have them order them a couple times as sometimes they will ship a Cobra caliper. The parts guys don't pay much attention to what calipers you put back in the boxes for the cores.

Darren
Title: Necessary suspension mods?
Post by: cougrrr302 on October 29, 2011, 12:13:59 AM
Oh, sweet haha, I didn't know that. I'll give it a try when I get around too it. I might have to order a set for my Bird also. I wanna 5-lug it with some FR-500s then get a motor in it.
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