Lower Arm Strut

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  • April 27, 2013 at 10:59 am #234648
    DonsMG
    Participant

    @donsmg

    I need help finding a replacement for the lower arm strut (right side front suspension). I noticed a clunk and a jerk of the front end when I braked while backing up or when backing over the slight curb at the end of my driveway. I found the rear end of the right lower arm strut was loose and the threads were stripped.

    I bought the kit with an assembled rolling chassis and loooking at some early photos (below) I should have noticed that the strut bushings were loose and needed to be replaced.

     
    I couldn’t find a replacement at the local auto parts stores so I ground down the 9/16 – 12 threads and cut 1/2 – 13 threads for a temporary fix.
     
    I want to replace the right lower arm strut and the strut bushings both sides. My problem is that I don’t know the year of the donor front end. I ordered a 1978 part and it is not even close to the one I need. Here is a photo of the lower strut arm out of my TD including the bracket that mounts to the frame.

    Don Loveless
    Ford Pinto Fiberfab
    Rochester, MI

    April 27, 2013 at 12:11 pm #255600
    Gabor Kesseru
    Participant

    @gkesseru

    Speedway sells both the arms and the bushings.
    http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Mustang-II-Strut-Rod-Bushing-Kit,2108.html

    April 27, 2013 at 1:50 pm #255601
    billnparts
    Participant

    @billnparts

    You can also purchase arms that do not require the strut.

    Bill Ascheman
    Fiberfab Ford
    Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
    Autocross & Hillclimb
    "Drive Happy"

    April 27, 2013 at 1:53 pm #255602
    DonsMG
    Participant

    @donsmg

    Gabor, Thanks for the link.

    The Speedway part looks just like the one I need to replace. The measurements they give are slightly different than what I measure. Angle 52 deg. vs 45 measured, threads to stop shoulder 2 3/8″ vs 2 1/4 measured, hole to end 16 5/16″ vs 16 1/2″ measured and hole to bushing shoulder 12 3/4″ vs 13 measured.

     
    The difference can likely be accounted for by adjustment of bracket that mounts to the frame. Might also require a new fornt end alignment.
     
    Unless there is other input, I will order the Speedway parts.

    Don Loveless
    Ford Pinto Fiberfab
    Rochester, MI

    April 27, 2013 at 6:34 pm #255603
    Gabor Kesseru
    Participant

    @gkesseru

    I’ve seen people replace that fixed strut with an adjustable one made from swedged tubes and rod ends. This way it can be adjusted for alignment. Speedway has those too.

    April 27, 2013 at 7:19 pm #255604
    billnparts
    Participant

    @billnparts

    All the alignment specs are adjusted at the upper arm mounting point. That strut is just meant to keep the lower arm from folding back on harsh roads.

    Bill Ascheman
    Fiberfab Ford
    Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
    Autocross & Hillclimb
    "Drive Happy"

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