[454 Rattler]

All the major companies offer short control arms for the Mustang II front-end.

Can anyone give a good reason to NOT shorten my stock arms 3/4 of an inch ??

Also, is there a reason that I can't elongate the upper control arm holes ??

I did search for this information till my eyes hurt. That's why I'm asking.

Thanks for your replies !


454 RATTLER

[aosborn]

Typically the steering arms are wider at the end where the hole is, if you shorten them will there be enough material to redrill the hole. Are you drilling a tapered hole to accept the stock tie rod end? Shortening the steering arm will quicken up the steering, is that what you are after?

Yes, you can elongate the upper control arm adjustment slots, but if you are lengthening them inboard, make sure the control arm doesn't hit the top hat in droop.

Andy

[454 Rattler]

[QUOTE=aosborn]Typically the steering arms are wider at the end where the hole is, if you shorten them will there be enough material to re drill the hole. Are you drilling a tapered hole to accept the stock tie rod end? Shortening the steering arm will quicken up the steering, is that what you are after?

Yes, you can elongate the upper control arm adjustment slots, but if you are lengthening them inboard, make sure the control arm doesn't hit the top hat in droop.

Andy[/QUOTE


I didn't plan on re-drilling the steering arms or shortening them because they are part of the spindle.

I only want to shorten the upper and lower control arms (A frames) for tire clearance.

Is there any reason that I shouldn't try it ?

[aosborn]

Sorry, mis-read your question...

You can shorten the a-arms, but that will increase the camber gain, shorten the instant centers and change the roll center of the front end. In short, it will alter the way the front end reacts over bumps and while cornering. It will likely make the car have more body roll which a anti-roll bar (sway bar) will help counteract. You will of course have to also shorten the tie rods a similar amount so you can set the toe. If you are not going racing, you will likely be okay, and if you end up not liking it you can always re-install stock a-arms and change your wheels to make everything clear.

Andy

[454 Rattler]

I didn't think a 3/4 inch cut would affect it that much.

I didn't want to change the wheels but you've got a point.

Thanks for getting back to me. It's something to think about.


454 RATTLER

[Crosley]

I have seen some OEM Mustang II arms that have been shortened on smaller cars. No idea how the car drove.

the arms were shortened in the middle with some reinforcement plates added