'65-'70 Mustang Custom Independent Front Suspension
This is the kind of technology for classic Fords that gets our motors revving. If you're squeamish about cutting your classic Mustang, the TCI Mustang Custom IFS isn't for you. However, if you're a progressive thinker who owns a run-of-the-mill six or V-8 Mustang and you're not bothered by cutting and welding, the TCI Mustang Custom IFS will make a huge difference in ride, handling, and stance.
The TCI system is a weld-on package that includes framerail reinforcement plates, inner fender panels (that replace shock towers), a crossmember, shock mounts, urethane-bushed tubular control arms, new spindles, linkage, power rack-and-pinion steering, 11-inch disc brakes with OEM-style calipers (which means you can buy brake pads and parts anywhere), coilover shocks, and more. TCI has all the goods to turn your eye-catching classic Mustang into a high-stopping, road-hugging, performance car.
9 The completely welded-in...
9 The completely welded-in crossmember looks like this and is ready for epoxy primer sealer.
10 Once the crossmember is...
10 Once the crossmember is welded in place to TCI specifications, you'll have a reference point for the sway-bar mounts-exactly 12 inches from crossmember to center as shown. The TCI sway-bar mounts replace the Ford mounts completely and are much stronger.
11 A small amount of framerail...
11 A small amount of framerail trimming is required in order to clear the TCI sway bar that comes with the suspension kit. Be prepared for some paint touch up and application of new undercoat/sealer. The sway bar is an inch in diameter and is tunable via adjustable Heim-joint ends.
12 Both the upper and lower...
12 Both the upper and lower tubular control arms feature urethane bushings with stainless shims. Camber and caster adjustments are performed at the upper arms.
13 Steering comes from an...
13 Steering comes from an ididit column, which penetrates the firewall via this custom-made flange. As of press time, it appeared TCI will mass produce this flange. The ididit column is easily anchored via the factory dashboard brackets.
14 The ididit steering column...
14 The ididit steering column ties into the steering rack via a TCI Universal joint and shaft. Shown here is the installed steering shaft. The U-joint angles can't be too severe nor too straight. Instead, they should be in parallel with one another for smooth, safe operation. Any binding is unacceptable. Use Loctite on all fasteners.
15 This is the TCI power...
15 This is the TCI power rack-and-pinion unit-an off-the-shelf piece that's easy to service.
16 Fender panels are installed...
16 Fender panels are installed in place of the factory shock towers. They must be drilled with a 5/16-inch bit to match the factory bolt holes.
17 Completely installed,...
17 Completely installed, TCI's custom IFS looks like this-ready for something as large as a 4.6L DOHC Ford Modular V-8 or 460ci big-block.
18 This good-looking IFS...
18 This good-looking IFS package lowers the center of gravity, improves handling, and makes room for more power. Count on less body roll and vastly improved ride quality. Impressive 11-inch, single-piston front discs improve stopping power.
19 Up close, we get to see...
19 Up close, we get to see the fully adjustable VariShock coilover. Wrapped inside a 400-pound-per-inch coil spring, this guy will tighten up handling yet improve ride quality. Note the adjustable front sway bar.
20 If you don't want adjustable...
20 If you don't want adjustable coilovers, there are always airbags, which install in place of the coilovers and offer an adjustable ride-height option right from the driver seat.