Front Control Arms

[331_mustang]

For years I've been annoyed at the front wheels sitting out wider than the rear, inspite of having wider (9.5 Torq Thrust IIs) wheels in the back. Took some measurements and the front wheels are wider by 1.5" overall (3/4" on each side).

I know they make rear wheel spacers in a variety of sizes to spread the rear wheels out. That's obviously one option.

Buying the now available 11" rear Torq Thrusts would accomplish the same thing, so that's another option.

But I'm wondering if there is anything that can be done with the front control arms to move the wheels in? I know there are several aftermarket control arms available to improve geometry (the most popular being the 03 Cobra control arms), but I'm not clear if they address this particular issue. Also, while researching K-members for a different project, they listed control arms that would specifically move the front wheels in.

So I guess the question is, are there control arms out there, that work with the factory K-member that move the front wheels further under the car?

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

Why not move the rear wheels outward? It would be a lot easier than finding spindles that are still 5 lug, will accept the same brakes, and would decrease the track width. The control arms really don't matter much, since it's the spindles that locate the hub.

 

[331_mustang]

I respectfully disagree. You can only improve your drop with spindles. The in and out positioning of the wheels is determined by the control arm.

Spacers are an easy and cheap way to fix the problem, that's true, but there's no silver bullet there, there are negatives to that solution.

Strength. I wouldn't bolt a pair a slicks on a 10 second car with spacers. I'm sure people do it, don't get me wrong. And I'm not taking a stab at them, just saying it's not something I would feel safe doing or have any interest in dealing with the aftermath.

Now if I were buying a new rear, I might go with a wider housing, which would be the better way of getting at what your saying, but I'm not looking to do that at this time.

Also, I keep coming back to this being a fundamental flaw in the geometry of the car. As I mentioned in my post, I've come across high end aftermarket K members and control arms that address this issue. Perhaps it's a necessity in a strut versus a coilover setup and that's why I'm seeing it on the high end k members.

I'd be interested in hearing from the guys who road race our cars. I'm sure they would know and deal with this more often.

 

[Chythar]

Some companies like AFSWheels make a 10.5" wide rim that is designed to fill up the rear wheel well. I'm sure someone here has a photo of one of these rims they can show you.

 

[earleys94gt]

If you seem to be sold on the idea of changing the front control arms, you may want to look into getting some 03=04 Cobra a-arms. I know the turning improves, so the wheels may move in too.

The easier option, to me, would be to buy the wider wheels for the back and call it a day.