CHE control arms w/TC springs

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CHE control arms w/TC springs

January 04, 2012, 01:55:06 PM

Right now I am running CHE adjustable control arms with Steeda fox Mustang springs. Car rides like a log wagon but the ride height is where I want it.

I am contemplating ordering a set of non-adjustable CHE arms and using a set of new Turbo Coupe-spec Moog springs I have laying around. Anyone running this combo? If so, 1.) how is the ride and 2.) what is your ride height to the top of the fender?

I am still running Monroe Sensa trac shocks, and I think that may be part of my rough ride. I figure that the car is too low for these Monroe's and thus have them out of their "sweet spot".

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #1 – January 04, 2012, 03:37:19 PM

I've got the n/a CHE arms, TC/Sport springs in the rear currently, and Fox Stang shocks that are too short.

Really couldn't tell you what the ride is like, as I've only driven the car out in my hay pasture. After I put the CHE's on though, I noticed quite a decrease in "squirrely-ness" from the back end while cornering hard etc.

If I was to guess, I'd say leaving your arms now, but changing the springs will gain you a lot better ride. They'll be a bit stiffer than the stock TC springs, but not as harsh as the (slightly too short) Fox Stanger springs.
Or you could get a set of SN95 Stang springs, I currently have those in the front, and will in the rear when I get time to finish my 5 lug swap out back.

As far as shocks...I have no idea...I've not even thought that far ahead with mine, hopefully someone else can chime in too :)

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #2 – January 04, 2012, 04:05:49 PM

I am running that combo on the convertible. CHE non-adjustable arms, Moog cargo coils (1993 vintage yo!). Ride is nice. Consider: it's in a car that was never meant to have its roof chopped off, so there are inherent instabilities. But the CHE arms, as mentioned above, do give a lot more control out back. It was noticeable instantly. There's maybe 1.5" between the top of the tire and the fender lip. I can take some new photos if you need a reference.

Agreed to change your springs also. Keep the adjustable arms, change springs, you should be a lot happier.

For the record I'm using Bilstein Thunderbird/Cougar shocks out back (excellent...if you can find them). I liked Monroe shocks when I had them. How old are yours? I'm thinking that maybe the shorter springs and the adjusted control arms simply didn't let the shockshiznit their sweet spot. It's possible they're shot as a result. But if it were me, I'd try the new springs, lower the adjustments on the arms, and see if that doesn't help first.

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #3 – January 04, 2012, 04:21:42 PM

Here is the problem, I have the arms in the absolute lowest setting and the ride height is where I want it with the Steeda Mustang springs. You see, these Steeda springs sagged so bad (hence the bad ride) with the stock control arms I was tucking tire! I should have went with a TC spring in the 1st place, but happened upon these for cheap.

Last summer I did put the TC springs on with the adjustable CHE's but that in turn made the rear stick up and look white trash/horrible. I'd venture to say that the rear was sitting higher than it was when the car was stock (and that is pretty high). That's why I was thinking of pulling the adjustables off, sell them, and install the non-adjustable CHE's w/TC springs.

I do agree that handling is much better and the car seems to put what little power I have down extremely well with the CHE's. I would definately not want go back to the flimsy stock LCA's after having these CHE's (they really are great).

Eric--I put these Monroe shocks on several years ago but probably have not even put 10-15,000 miles on them yet. Hopefully they are not ruined, but I'm certain they are not the right shock for my application. If you could post up a side profile pic of your verts stance, I would appreciate it. What springs are you running up front?

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #4 – January 04, 2012, 04:24:42 PM

Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;376992

I've got the n/a CHE arms, TC/Sport springs in the rear currently, and Fox Stang shocks that are too short.

Really couldn't tell you what the ride is like, as I've only driven the car out in my hay pasture. After I put the CHE's on though, I noticed quite a decrease in "squirrely-ness" from the back end while cornering hard etc.

If I was to guess, I'd say leaving your arms now, but changing the springs will gain you a lot better ride. They'll be a bit stiffer than the stock TC springs, but not as harsh as the (slightly too short) Fox Stanger springs.
Or you could get a set of SN95 Stang springs, I currently have those in the front, and will in the rear when I get time to finish my 5 lug swap out back.

As far as shocks...I have no idea...I've not even thought that far ahead with mine, hopefully someone else can chime in too :)

Any pics of your ride height, ThunderSport302?

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #5 – January 04, 2012, 05:00:38 PM

K, then it sounds like your original plan is the way to go: sell the adjustable arms, get new non-adjustables.

Are you going to get regular Moog Turbo Coupe springs, or the cargo coils? (I'm a big fan of the cargo coils...if you couldn't tell LOL).

I am running the stock '86 V8 springs up front. They are absolute magic. I have never owned one of these cars with more perfect front springs from the factory. Perfect ride height, great ride, perfect stance. I tried TC front springs a few years ago but the front end dropped way too much and the ride got really py. Back in with the stockers and am happy once again. I'll get new pix tomorrow for you, as I'll be working in the garage and will have room to uncover the car for the photos.

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #6 – January 04, 2012, 08:15:39 PM

Quote from: EricCoolCats;376996

K, then it sounds like your original plan is the way to go: sell the adjustable arms, get new non-adjustables.

Are you going to get regular Moog Turbo Coupe springs, or the cargo coils? (I'm a big fan of the cargo coils...if you couldn't tell LOL).

I am running the stock '86 V8 springs up front. They are absolute magic. I have never owned one of these cars with more perfect front springs from the factory. Perfect ride height, great ride, perfect stance. I tried TC front springs a few years ago but the front end dropped way too much and the ride got really py. Back in with the stockers and am happy once again. I'll get new pix tomorrow for you, as I'll be working in the garage and will have room to uncover the car for the photos.

Well one things for sure, with all you've done to your Cougar it sure adds up for a great look. I'd appreciate it if you did post a side profile pic, Eric!

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #7 – January 05, 2012, 09:05:42 PM

K, as promised, the best side view I could get right now. Sorry for the subpar quality.

Full side stance:

Rear wheel well:

Front wheel well:

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #8 – January 05, 2012, 09:57:19 PM

That car rocks. I like the stance and that is what I'm shooting for It looks like 17" wheels with a 45 series tire? 93 Fox stang springs?
thanks

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #9 – January 05, 2012, 10:48:52 PM

Yes, 245/45/17's at all four corners. See the posts above for springs.

My best guesstimate is that, since the car has heavy subframe connectors in the middle of the car, the whole platform just sinks down nicely enough to allow the stock springs to let the car sit so nicely.
It really has nothing to do with me or any of my mods, it's just how it ended up.

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #10 – January 06, 2012, 08:52:14 AM

Thanks a bunch Eric. Those photo's make a great point of reference since we will be running identical rear setups right down to the rim/tire size.

Looks like your rear ride height is about the same as what I have now. Hopefully this will be a "win-win" swap for me: better ride, same ride height.

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #11 – January 12, 2012, 08:24:42 PM

So I ordered a set of non-adjustable CHE's...I guess now I need to look into a shock that will work better with the lowered stance. This should give me a little better ride than what I am now experiencing.

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #12 – January 19, 2012, 08:07:53 PM

Quote from: EricCoolCats;376996

K, then it sounds like your original plan is the way to go: sell the adjustable arms, get new non-adjustables.

Are you going to get regular Moog Turbo Coupe springs, or the cargo coils? (I'm a big fan of the cargo coils...if you couldn't tell LOL).

I am running the stock '86 V8 springs up front. They are absolute magic. I have never owned one of these cars with more perfect front springs from the factory. Perfect ride height, great ride, perfect stance. I tried TC front springs a few years ago but the front end dropped way too much and the ride got really py. Back in with the stockers and am happy once again. I'll get new pix tomorrow for you, as I'll be working in the garage and will have room to uncover the car for the photos.

Hey Eric. Were those TC springs you tried for an 86 Cougar, or 87 and 88's? Since Aero Cats and Birds are heavier, I wouldn't think the nose of your car would drop with newer style TC fronts springs installed. I know your car is a vert, but I still wouldn't think your car would weigh as much as a newer Cat/Bird.

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #13 – January 19, 2012, 09:02:42 PM

The TC springs were from an '88. The front of my car is like a standard coupe; it's the middle that's heavier. Still, it dropped about 2" and the tires kept hitting the fender lips/inner well linings virtually everywhere. Pretty annoying. Wouldn't have cared so much if I didn't have a virtually irreplaceable front air dam to worry about all the time. So yeah, back in with the stock springs, and it's perfect again.

CHE control arms w/TC springs

Reply #14 – January 19, 2012, 09:12:50 PM

How much does your car weigh Eric? Mine seems kinda light. but I only have my 87 to compare it to