I need to replace my cross member in the 73 and was kicking around the idea of mustang II style front susp. Has anyone here done this to a 71-3? I have not been able to find much on my years. Any input on why I should or should not do this conversion. I dont want to waste money on parts I might not need if I decide to go this route. Jason

 

To me the only reason for a Mustang II suspension is to remove the shock towers to make room for a womper engine. You can upgrade the classic Mustang suspension to handle very well.

 

I actually agree.I mean that setup does facilitate amazing handling.However u can build the classic setup to handle very very nicely with some stiff stuff and bracing.

 

i wouldnt do it mainly since the mustang 2 weld in kit puts all the load on the front frame rails not the firewall like ford desgined. id get coilovers from http://www.rrs-online.com/ or http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/

 

Keep in mind that the Mustang II suspension was developed for a lighter and somewhat narrower car (2200 lb Pinto, 55" track, IIRC). While the geometry was OK for its day, it's not all that great. The arms are relatively short, so it works best with stiffish springs and sta-bars. Impressive in a Pinto so modified, less so with the softer OE suspension tuning, and less still in the heavier M II.

It continues to be popular with the street rodders, although they tend to be all about appearance and mild to moderate cruising rather than performance handling/cornering. The harder-driving Pro-Touring enthusiasts have pretty much abandoned it.

With a lot more work (and a bunch of engineering time) you could probably base a suspension off the M II with decent results. But you'd be best off lengthening the arms and tie rods and keeping the chassis side pivots in the same locations laterally as they were originally designed to be in. Of course, that probably means that you wouldn't be gaining as much engine compartment room, at least down low.


Norm

 

We just did this on an earlier car.....I wouldn't do it. See the other thread for all your answers.

 

Sounds like I will stick with the original design. I do want to drop the whole car 1" w/ 04 mach wheels. I think they look good in that big wheelwell. I will still do the disc conversion on it.If any one knows of 71-3 being parted I am looking for that crossmember. Thanks for everyones input. Jason

 

look at the faq theres a couple links in there to online mustang junkyards send them a email of what you want they give you a price. that opentracker link is the cheapest way i know to make a early mustang handle great plus sway bars front and rear and rear traction bars

 

ok, so the M2 kit puts extra load on the frame, isnt there a way to strenthen the frame, like with sub frame connectors or a chassis stiffener??

based on strickly handling how would you guys rate it, would staying with the original design and just put performance stuff on there be as good? performance and cost?

 

I know I am definetly running frame connectors when I get to that point. I am only a 351c so I dont have a need for deleting the towers. Timefor some research on beefing up the stock set-up.....