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Topic: Fox mustang/83-86 front control arms on 87 thunderbird? (Read 1088 times) previous topic - next topic

Fox mustang/83-86 front control arms on 87 thunderbird?

So i swapped my 03 cobra wheels back on today. The rears fit perfect with my mark vii axle and rolled fenders, but the fronts stick out slightly, almost an inch on the passenger side, less driver. I'm guessing this is due to my car being quite low, I have cobra springs up front.

Anyway, can i correct this by swapping in the shorter control arms, or will this make it impossible to align?

Thanks,
Chris
87 Thunderbird 5.0
Engine: 97 p-code explorer block, heads, and intake; 88 HO cam, 1.7 RR's, A9P, Kenne Bell 2.1 Flow/Blow 8psi, 42lb injectors, LMAF, 75mm TB, Tuned by Don Lasota
Trans: 02 Stang 4r70w with Baumann TCS
Suspension: Front: 03-04 cobra springs and struts, TC rack. Rear: CHE arms, ChuckW shock mounts, Bullitt springs and shocks
5 bolt with 95 mustang front and mark vii rear.
TC 3.73 L/S rear
03-04 SVT Cobra 17x9's with 275/40r17's.

Fox mustang/83-86 front control arms on 87 thunderbird?

Reply #1 –
I am doing this also on my 85. Keep in mind I have an 03 mustang K member, and if the lower control arm mounts are not the same distance apart as yours what follows here may have different results.  I have had it to the alignment shop for a trail run and was able to get the camber spec with some c/c plates and strut tower modifications. I moved the c/c plates inboard and also had to modify the strut towers for the coil overs. You will also need fox mustang length inner tie rod ends or trim off what you have. Some will advise against fox length arms because of bump steer and handling, but if bump steer is an issue with your set up they do have bump steer kits and gauges to help minimize the effects.

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?33763-My-85-TBird/page6

Post #27 and 52. I also removed the 03 spindles in favor of the 95 frt spindles, they moved the tire in about 3mm, and that's about all the fender clearance I have.

I was also not happy with the sway bar end link alignment with the shorter fox fca's and made some custom mounts at the control arms, with factory arms you may be able to just relocate the hole.
 

Fox mustang/83-86 front control arms on 87 thunderbird?

Reply #2 –
The SN95 control arms (87/88 control arms) will bolt right into an 83-86 car at least as far as I know.  I accidentally got a set of the SN95 control arms with my Griggs setup.  I noticed something was way off when I got hte front end together and the wheels were sticking too far out.  I called the Griggs rep and sure enough they sent me the SN95 units.  Boxed them back up and and sent them back for the Fox arms which bolted in and the wheels pulled in just fine.

If you were to install Fox arms on a 87/88 car I would say that Caster/Camber plates would be a must have to get the alignment right.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp