Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Topic: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension (Read 8451 times) previous topic - next topic

Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

November 06, 2004, 02:35:42 AM

I went to the track again tonight, and I cannot get this think to hook. Traction comes and goes, Ive cut 1.7x 60ft times before. I want consistency though. Basically I have stock upper/lower control arms, 2000 Mustang vert rear springs, removed rear sway bar, and Nitto 275/50/15s drag radials. I need some advice from those who have installed aftermarket control arms/subframe connectors/etc in these cars.

Id like to reinforce my torque boxes, install upper/lower control arms, install subframe connectors, and possibly run different tires(thinking of M/T drag radials). Who has done any of this, and what parts did you use? Are you pleased with the results? The car will be going down in the winter, and I need to address the rear suspension among other things. THx guys.

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #1 – November 06, 2004, 10:33:13 AM

it all depends on how much money you feel like spending, you could probably get away with replacing the rear bushings, boxing the control arms and putting in some subframe connectors

if you want to go aftermarket, you can use mustang lowers, and the uppers,GM A-body uppers are a direct swap, fit perfectly

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #2 – November 06, 2004, 01:16:15 PM

i solved this problem a long time ago;)

these are pictures of the lowers
http://www.maximummotorsports.com

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #3 – November 06, 2004, 01:22:41 PM

and some pictures of the uppers

now we all know it's hard to find uppers for our cars and for a good price but all is not lost..

the uppers i used where
"chevelle"1968-72 A-Body Bolt-On Rear Upper Control Arms

part number 550-40086 price $124.99

and fit perfect there are only .040 off.. and will bolt right in with no problems at all..

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #4 – November 06, 2004, 04:29:06 PM

in reguards to the uppers......
i knew the gm uppers work but...do you use your old bushings or do they come with there own bushings? how about the hardware... :dunno:

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #5 – November 06, 2004, 06:50:20 PM

Thx for the replies guys. BlownCoug, the pics help out alot, I had heard about the Abody uppers, now I know. I went on the Jegs site and they said that the uppers do not include the spherical bushings on the rear of the control arm, which ones did you use? I will probably go with the same setup as you, does it hook? Also, do you have an oil leak, or ???

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #6 – November 06, 2004, 11:43:34 PM

I just installed the Maximum motorsport lowers this week and I love them. I'm hooked on this suspension stuff now. Only thing I wish I did was buy the adjustable lowers. I think I'll be ordering the uppers this week..

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #7 – November 07, 2004, 07:54:08 AM

from jegs listing

Quote

1968-72 A-Body Bolt-On Rear Upper Control Arms - P/N 550-40086

* Center to center length is 10.250''.
* Urethane bushings for the front of the arm are included.
* The rear of the arm use the stock or a replacement bushing in the housing eyes.
* Control arm body is 1-1/2'' steel tubing.
* A replacement bushing set for the front of 2 arms is P/N 550-40801.

they come with the front bushings.. ;) you will need to buy new bushings for the rear end..i used stock ones. and i reused my old bolts..

the car does hook much better.. heres a fuuny story :giggle:Billy"mercoug302" took my car for a drive when i got the new motor in "N/A" the blower was being rebuilt.. and i had'nt installed the uppers or lowers yet.he was facing like south west so he smashed the gas and well lets just say :giggle:the car wanted to go east..
now as far as how good the car hooks with the blower on the motor
well i'm useing street tires 295/50/15's... lets just say not so good but the car does go fairly straight though and i sure it would hook well with slicks and should pull the wheels.. but have'nt tryed it.. i know that my little old T5 will :barf:

oh and the oil leak well yes that was the last T5 before it :barf:

T5's and drag racing is a :nono:

but i still have'nt learned my leason :giggle: i just love to see peoples faces whom want to race me around here in rhode island when i side step the clutch @ about 35MPH and leave over 100 feet of rubber :rollin: lets just say they don't come chase'in.. but i'm a nice guy and let them catch up and they useuly have a look on their face like this :wtf:

but so far this T5 is still holding up

any other questions let me know

Nick

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #8 – November 07, 2004, 10:38:37 AM

Hey Blown306Cougar what diff are you using and how are you able to run 295 with what rims thanks lmk.

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #9 – November 07, 2004, 10:53:03 AM

i'm useing a 8.8 mustang rear with a F150 31spline diff inside the housing..

the mustang rear is 3/4 of inch shorter on each side then a stock cougar or T/bird rear thats how i got the 295/50/15's to fit

i'll post my rear end spec's again...
8.8mustang rear, F150 31spline diff,3.55 gears, 31spline moser axles
and 4" race studs like these

and yes those are 10" drums.. you did'nt think i would use those y little 9" drums did you

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #10 – November 07, 2004, 10:57:28 AM

oh and the rims i'm useing are weld drag lites

and this is what the rims and tires look like with them on the car

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #11 – November 07, 2004, 11:50:51 AM

dont brag on the futuras :p

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #12 – November 07, 2004, 12:13:16 PM

right i don't waste money on big dollar tires anymore.. one time i had BFG's when i had my 17"ROH rims i was useing 245/45/17's on the front and 275/40/17's on the rear and they did'nt last any longer then futuras nor do they hook any better and futuras are half the price..

when those picture where taken September 20, 2003 those tire where over 2 years old..

and had tons of burnouts two trips to ohio and other countless tirps too in the time that i had those tires on the car and replaced them about the first weekend of December 2003.. :p

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #13 – November 07, 2004, 01:49:39 PM

honestly, my experience with BFGs has been shiznit

Re: Tired of no traction->need help putting togther suspension

Reply #14 – November 07, 2004, 03:22:40 PM

blown306cougar: Could you tell me the wheel size/backspacing you needed to get that size tire to fit? I have a mustang 8.8 and the wheels I ordered looked great but I need a drag wheels to fit some bigger tires! Also is there any room left to go bigger?

Whats the reason for using aftermarket upper control arms instead of boxed? I have a stock set we boxed I was going to put on the car cuz I cant really see any reason to spend the money on new ones.