Bosko

All,

I am now in the process of rebuilding/replacing my front suspension. To my surprise the UCA and LCA are in fairly good shape, but I still have to replace the LCA since the ball joints are toast.

While I have it all apart I thought I would do a Shelby drop. In my research of doing this on a 1971 Mach 1, I have found a variety of opinions, and maybe some facts. Some say do the 1" down and 1/8" back just like for a 1970. Others say go 1 & 5/8" down. In fact, Mustangs Unlimited sells a kit to do this. Others say the 1971 - 1973 Mustangs don't need a Shelby drop and gain no benefit.

My intent is to put SSBC brakes on the front, and 620 lb/in lowering springs, probably from Grab-a-Track via Mustangs Unlimited.

So, who has done a Shelby drop on a 1971? What was the magnitude of the drop? How did it turn out, would you do it again?

Thanks for the advice!

2+2GT

Having looked at that part of the tower, I don't see how you can. There are aftermarket upper arms that include brackets that attach to the stock holes, but offset 1" down.

Bosko

Here is a picture (if it works). It looks like there is room to do the drop. The only concern is the cutout recesses in either side of the UCA mounting holes. The back edge of the UCA actually sits in these. If the UCA is lowered then there may be some interference here.

Bosko

Hey, the picture worked! It's damn big, but it worked...! :-)

Bosko

BTW, this picture is from my blog on my 1971 Mach 1 project. Of course, everyone is welcome to read it and leave comments there too.

2+2GT

Now go look at the other side of the holes.

Bosko

I will tomorrow. You sound like you've tried this before. Is there anything in particular that I am looking for?

andrewmp6

No you don't Shelby drop the 71-73 because ford lowered the upper a arm in 71 on the mustang.What size rims you gonna run if 17s or bigger look in to the cobra brake swap.

2+2GT

Yeah, structural interference.

I've never been able to verify whether the upper arm was relocated on the 71-73. Something worth confirming.

THUMPIN455

So you want me to measure my 67 and my 71 to see if they lowered them? Well maybe when the snow is gone, unless you guys want to sift through all my pics of them.

Im not moving the UCA at all when it goes back together. Just adding larger swaybars front and rear, with some drop springs.

Bosko yours looks MUCH cleaner than mine. Its going to be a nice ride when its done.