1969 Suspension Build

TCI makes an excellent product, and if you are going with a small block it is a very good choice. In fact, I was literally on the phone with them (by the way I can refer you to an excellent guy out of Seattle who can get you the kit for a great price) with my credit card info when I found out that my engine choice (351C) was not compatible. Anyways, I ended up NOT going with the TCI, mostly for that reason.

This turned me to Rod & Custom. They make a crossmember specifically for the 351, so I went with them. As far as the kit quality: Excellent. I am extremely happy. Honestly, if I was going to do it again, and build a 5.0 60's Mustang I would call Rod & Custom in a heartbeat. Basically, everything they give you is pretty much what you get with the TCI kit. HOWEVER, I do believe a little more thought was put into this kit. Over all it does not seem as flashy, but I think it might be a better kit over-all. For one things, the guys who designed it have been around a long time, where TCI is a bit of a new-comer to this market. These guys do one thing only, which is this type of suspension.

Also the RC kit includes all your linkage for steering- something TCI did not include, or at least in the package I looked at. Cost was about neck-and-neck.

TCI makes it easy to install, but R & C makes it easier, IMHO. With TCI you need to box your frame rails in yourself, and them trim to get it to fit. R&C comes with the boxing already welded to the crossmember. Much easier to install, and you still get the same boxing. Also, the welds on the crossmember are second to none.

Anyways, I don't get a referral perk or anything, I'm just passing on my experience. We just cut out the shock towers on mine today, and Thurs we will most likely weld it in.

I think TCI makes a great kit, but I would seriously check out the Rod & Custom stuff too. If your looking for flashy documentation, a pretty website, and cool stickers you will be disappointed. TCI does have that. Call the guys at RC though and just talk to them about it. They will talk to you for hours. When I called TCI they didn't have much to say.

Just my $.02! I will be following. Also follow my thread- you will see everything in action over the next week or two.

I do believe it was Tim. I ended up not ordering from him, as the TCI kit didn't suit my needs, but I can say he was extremely helpful, and in the end I wished I could have given him my business, as he put forth a great effort to get me what I needed.

I am not too familiar with the Coyote 5.0, is is along the lines of a 4.6 modular? If it has the same mounting brackets, then most kits should have no issue getting the mounts right. TCI ships it pre-fabbed, IIRC, and so does R&C.

If you are going to go with that engine, (assuming it is a modular) I think the suspension and mounts are the least of your worries. From what I understand, the wiring and transmission are more difficult. Possible, but a little more tricky then a typical small block upgrade. I briefly looked into the 4.6 for my project, and from what I gathered getting it to mount to the TCI or RC crossmember would not be an issue.

Do you have the engine already?

This engine had to remain close to the same physical size of the outgoing 4.6, and share other specifications with it such as bore spacing, deck height, bell housing bolt pattern, etc. in order for the engine to utilize existing Modular production line tooling.

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Just did some reading on it. It looks like the Coyote 5.0 might bolt up the same as the 4.6. If you put photos next to each other I don't know if I could tell them apart. Anyways, you might get lucky as far as being able to use the Mod 4.6 RC mounts. I would certainly double check that, but my bet is it will drop right in. Please keep us updated, I am really looking forward to seeing your build.

Welded the RC kit in today. Was a breeze. Took all of 2 hours.