Few things are more discomforting than a sloppy, worn-out suspensionsystem. Worn suspension components disturb your Ford's handlingqualities. They also make it unsafe. The solution isn't complex, nordoes it have to be expensive. Mustangs Plus Grab-A-Trak suspensionsystems make it easy to get into a new suspension without having to sellthe farm.
Your intermediate or compact Ford's front suspension system consists ofa coil spring and shock absorber over upper-and-lower control arms. As aresult, there are two ball joints and a spindle tied to these controlarms. Tie rods connecting to a central steering linkage move thespindles left and right.
Upper-and-lower control arms...
Upper-and-lower control arms provide the foundation on which thesuspension system is based. Coil spring perches mount on the uppercontrol arms. This is the Grab-A-Trak package from Mustangs Plus.
Coil springs mount on the...
Coil springs mount on the upper control arms to provide the "suspension"part of ride and handling. The stiffer the coils, the better thehandling.
Coil springs and shock absorbers...
Coil springs and shock absorbers work hand-in-hand to provide both rideand handling. The spring takes up the road shock and smoothes the ride.The shock absorber dampens spring action.
Upper control-arm bushings...
Upper control-arm bushings need lubrication right off the bat. Greasefittings are installed to provide that lubrication. This 90-degreefitting makes it easy to lube the upper control-arm bushings.
Upper control arms are installed...
Upper control arms are installed first, which creates a foundation forthe rest of the front suspension. One handling trick is to lower theupper control arms 1-inch to improve negative camber in the turns.Lowering the upper control arms has no effect on ride height.
Grab-A-Trak 620 coils fit...
Grab-A-Trak 620 coils fit right onto the upper control arm without theuse of a spring compressor.
(above & right) Lower control-arm...
(above & right) Lower control-arm pivot bolts/eccentrics need plenty of lubricationduring installation. Use chassis grease and slip the bolt into place.
The assembled front-suspension...
The assembled front-suspension system looks like this, complete with thespindle.
(above & next two photos)...
(above & next two photos) This is the Grab-A-Trak 1-inch front sway bar. Compare this big guy toyour Ford's original sway bar, and you will see why this one improveshandling. Polyurethane bushings help stiffening up the handling.
(above & all photos following)...
(above & all photos following) Front suspension work winds up at shock absorber installation. Theshocks mount at the spring perch located on the upper control arm.Rubber mounts reduce suspension noise and take up road shock. Put theweight of the vehicle on the front suspension to ease shock absorberinstallation. The shock keeps the suspension in place. Don't forget thesuspension rebound bumper, which also provides some structural rigidity.