Thread: Front sus

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If you could find a Mustang II complete system in a boneyard and re-purpose it under your Thunderbird, I would say go for it. The front track on your 'Bird is 56 inches, the front track on an MII is 55.6 inches, so it is very close.

Problem is that there are probably none to be had in a boneyard any more due to the popularity of the system, so you would have to go to the aftermarket. Problem with the aftermarket is that they have re-designed the system to eliminate the strut rod (and it was such a beautiful design) that was part of the original factory design. The aftermarket makes a lower control arm WITHOUT the strut rod, that is too narrow front to rear to absorb forces introduced into the lower arm and they fold up. Famed automotive journalist Pat Ganahl has stated that he sees a couple of hundred failed front suspension systems on hot rods every year when he attends rod runs. The old engineering motto states "Form follows function", but it seems that some of the fellows who build aftermarket systems don't adhere to that.....or they don't understand it.

Now, if you can find an aftermarket manufacturer who will build you a system utilizing a strut rod and engineered just like the factory MII system, go for it. It'll likely work just fine for the rest of your life.

Here's an example of a system that has been mis-engineered to eliminate the strut rod....
http://cdn3.volusion.com/mkkrn.vcpjk...jpg?1344517696

Here's another example of mis-engineering from an aftermarket supplier. See how narrow the attachment points are on the lower arms. They simply will not supply enough strength to resist folding up when you encounter an obstruction.
http://www.autoworksparts.com/mustan33.jpg

Here's a re-engineered MII system from another aftermarket supplier who understands the forces involved.
http://new.martzchassis.net/wp-conte.../falconfr2.jpg
Can you see how wide the control arm attachment points are apart on the bottom arms, compared to the photo shown on the above link? This system was manufactured by Martz Chassis. Why don't you give them a call and see if they can supply an MII system with stock MII spindles and front steer for your 'Bird ? This photo shows a system with a rear steer spindle, not what you would want necessarily, particularly if they have used MII spindles and reversed them.....
Contact Us – Martz Chassis

Tell 'em that the guys from Club Hot Rod recommended them.

Finally found a bone stock MII system. You can see the strut rod that bolts to the bottom control arm and extends back to a rubber socket on the frame. it is the diagonal piece in the photo on the passenger side of the suspension.
http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/...My5qcGc=/?ref=
On the driver's side of the photo, you can see the back part of the strut rod terminating in a set of rubber biscuits that are held in place by a metal fixture that extends down from the bottom of the frame rail.

We would really appreciate it if you would come back and tell us what you found out. Thanks.....
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