FYI FORD - MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum
The Internet's Most Knowledgeable Classic Mustang Information
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CLASSIC FORD MUSTANGS, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
MustangSteve has over 30 years of Mustang experience, having owned 30 of them and restored several others. With the help of other Mustangers, this site is dedicated to helping anyone wanting to restore or modify their Mustang.... THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS!!!!!
Visit MustangSteve's web site to view some of my work and find details for:
FYIFORD Contributors' PICTURES - Power Brake Retrofit Kits for 65-66 Stangs - Classic Mustang FAQ's by MustangSteve - How to wire in a Duraspark Ignition - Mustang Ride Height Pictures and Descriptions - Steel Bushings to fit Granada Spindles to Mustang Tie Rods - Visit my EBAY store MustangSteve Performance - How to Install Granada Disc Brakes MustangSteve's Disc Brake Swap Page - FYIFORD Acronyms for guide to all the acronyms used on this page - FYIFORD Important information and upcoming events

You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » need help on my 65 fastback front suspension

    • 1 of 1

       

    5/22/2013 11:09 AM  #1

    terry
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: vandalia, illinois
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,868

    need help on my 65 fastback front suspension

    I pulled the front springs out to put spacers on top to raise the frontend up so the tires wont rub.  I put 1/2" spacers in which is supposed to raise the front up 1".  I had to take the UCA loose and swing it out of the way because with a internal spring compressor you cannot get the spring out with the UCA in the way.  I installed the spacers on both sides and reassembled everything.  After I put both sides back together I had to also change the strut rod bushings on both sides.  I put everything back together and took it for a test drive.  The problem is when I accelerate the front end raises up and stays up, which makes it squirrley.  If I hit the brakes hard it will come back down.  Its almost like something is binding and wont let it settle back down???  feels like a low rider with hydralics!!!
    the ride height is only about 1/4" difference with the rear being higher

     

    5/22/2013 11:24 AM  #2

    Derek
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    From: Eatonton GA
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 549

    Re: need help on my 65 fastback front suspension

    I've heard of that happening when upper control arms need grease (they bind). But sense the only thing it sounds like you've changed that would have any real impact would be the strut rod bushings. If you have them too tight ,OR not tight enough it can cause all kinds of havoc..

    It's hard to type "funny"
     

    5/22/2013 11:51 AM  #3

    Tubo
    2008 BASH V Host

    Offline

    From: Ft. Walton Beach, Florida
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,841

    Re: need help on my 65 fastback front suspension

    Terry, which front bushings did you use?? Personally I prefer the Poly bushings on a 65-66. At least use the hard rubber ones. The condition you have right now promotes bump steer.
    Drop the front end down, so the suspension is at regular ride height(compressed), not with jack stands and the front suspension is at full extension. Then retighten the strut rods, and check your toe in. Yer lookin fer 1/8 toe IN.
    Then drive it again, and let us know.

    Corky

    If it ain't broke, I haven't modified it Yet
     

    5/22/2013 1:04 PM  #4

    Rudi
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,934

    Re: need help on my 65 fastback front suspension

    Derek is right about the UCA bushings, also the lower control arm bushing has to be tightened when the car is in the driving stance, not with the suspension hanging down as if it were on jack stands.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    5/22/2013 1:24 PM  #5

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,737

    Re: need help on my 65 fastback front suspension

    T
    did you unlossen the stabilizer bar? If you did you need the full weight on the tires before tightening them.
    Always something!
    6sally6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    5/22/2013 4:19 PM  #6

    terry
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: vandalia, illinois
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,868

    Re: need help on my 65 fastback front suspension

    well i took it loose and retightened it with weight on suspension and it still did the same thing.  I drove it a couple times and looned and tightened it again an now its ok.  go figure! a friend stopped by and i was telling him about the problem and he said take me for a ride i wanna see what its doing!  made a liar out of me.  hopefully have it realigned tmoro or friday

       •Thread Starter
     

    5/22/2013 5:35 PM  #7

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,737

    Re: need help on my 65 fastback front suspension

    terry wrote:

    well i took it loose and retightened it with weight on suspension and it still did the same thing.  I drove it a couple times and looned and tightened it again an now its ok.  go figure! a friend stopped by and i was telling him about the problem and he said take me for a ride i wanna see what its doing!  made a liar out of me.  hopefully have it realigned tmoro or friday

    Sometimes...when these thangs are giving us a fit...we just ASSume something I did screwed everything up!
    Hafta just keep after it..til it submits.(kinda like a wife!)
    6s6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    5/22/2013 10:46 PM  #8

    Tubo
    2008 BASH V Host

    Offline

    From: Ft. Walton Beach, Florida
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,841

    Re: need help on my 65 fastback front suspension

    Glad Ya got it worked out Terry.
    Ya just gotta hold your mouth right.

    Corky

    If it ain't broke, I haven't modified it Yet
     

     

    1 of 1

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  »  need help on my 65 fastback front suspension

    • Board footera


    REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.