Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: Sduneman3 on August 15, 2006, 12:03:30 AM

Title: 5 Lug Conversion & A-arm Q's
Post by: Sduneman3 on August 15, 2006, 12:03:30 AM
OK, I've been thinking about this, and I one seen that the 87-88's are the same length as the 94-04 Mustang A-arms, but the SN-95 ball-joints are different and will not work with Fox spindles.  Could you use the SN-95 a-arms, and do the SN-95 5 Lug Conversion with that?

What would that do to your suspension?  What would be the benefits of using the SN-95 A-arms?

I've been thinking about this, and want to do a 5 Lug conversion to my 87 Cougar.
Title: 5 Lug Conversion & A-arm Q's
Post by: Chuck W on August 15, 2006, 09:33:00 AM
This has been discussed almost ad nausium elsewhere on the site.

You can use the SN-95 spindles on the Fox ball joints with a spacer under the nut, or swap SN-95 ball joints into your Fox arms.  The only "benefit" of the SN-95 arms would be newer bushings as the balljoints are swappable, so no gain there.
Title: 5 Lug Conversion & A-arm Q's
Post by: ipsd on August 15, 2006, 09:44:36 AM
If you are gonna do the work why not just get a busshing kit and replace them all. Also coolcats has a good 5 lug swap on it. Think it uses the lincoln fronts but mustang spindle.  With your bird A-arm.
Title: 5 Lug Conversion & A-arm Q's
Post by: EricCoolCats on August 15, 2006, 09:56:32 AM
Quote
I've been thinking about this, and want to do a 5 Lug conversion to my 87 Cougar.

If your stock bushings are shot and you want to replace them anyway, then getting the Motorsport SN95 A-arm kit would probably be a good move, but only if you plan to use SN95 brakes. Otherwise you'd be backtracking (Fox ball joints, Fox 5-lug swap, etc.).

The SN95 brakes have the newer sealed hub-style system that makes doing brake work much easier. You also have the benefit of using newer-style parts, which means parts availability in the future is very good. Weight-wise, I don't think SN95 parts are any lighter but they don't feel any heavier to me. After having done both types of swaps (Fox, SN95) on the same car, I have to give the thumbs up to the SN95 system. It's a cleaner install.

For a stock application (i.e. not road racing), use 1994-95 Mustang spindles. If you're going to lower the car and/or dial in agressive caster/camber using c/c plates, then 1996-2004 spindles are better. You would also need a pair of Steeda X2 ball joints and a bump steer kit.