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Topic: Mustang Front Control Arms (Read 972 times) previous topic - next topic

Mustang Front Control Arms

Hey guys, now that I have the engine finally set(other than VC Gaskets and upgraded fan), I am moving on to suspension. I was going to replace end links and sway bar bushings, then have my friend rebuild the control arms (bushings and ball joints), replace shocks/struts and check the rest.

Here's the question: are all Fox Mustang front control arms a direct swap? I actually found a set of low mileage control arms with bushings and ball joints from a 4 cyl. Mustang. Can I just buy these and swap them on instead of going individual parts?

Thanks!
1986 Thunderbird 5.0
-FRPP Wires and upgraded ignition parts.
-H.O. Upper Plenum / EGR Spacer / TB

Mustang Front Control Arms

Reply #1
Yes, the Thunderbird control arms from '83-'86 were the same as those on a '79-'93 Mustang (except SVO & '93 Cobra R) and '79-'86 Capri, so those that you found would be a direct swap.

http://www.coolcats.net/modifying/controlarms.html

If your interested in brand new set of control arms, they are available from Ford Racing. Part #M-3075-A.
1985 Mercury Cougar XR-7 - 5-speed 
One of 1,246 built

Mustang Front Control Arms

Reply #2
Id upgrade to the 87-88 arms for the better turning radius. i never noticed when i was driving only 86's, but the 87-88 has a noticeable improvment in parkibg lots. id say at least 10%. the 4 banger mustang ones should be identicle. might as well upgrade if your staying with stock parts.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Mustang Front Control Arms

Reply #3
Quote from: Haystack;435285
Id upgrade to the 87-88 arms for the better turning radius. i never noticed when i was driving only 86's, but the 87-88 has a noticeable improvment in parkibg lots. id say at least 10%. the 4 banger mustang ones should be identicle. might as well upgrade if your staying with stock parts.

87-88 A-arms are longer...
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

 

Mustang Front Control Arms

Reply #4
True, i forgot about that.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com