MM C/C plates and Strange Struts rattle fix

BlackVert

15 Year Member
Oct 3, 2003
5,589
9
98
Bethesda, MD
I have a very annoying rattle in my front end which, according to my research, is from the combination of my Maximum Motorsports (MM) C/C plates and my Strange Struts. I also have coil overs from Mod Mustang Racing (MMR).

From my research, the problem seems to be that the Strange struts are a hair smaller (in diameter) than stock, while the openings in the bushings for the MM C/C plates are a hair larger (in diameter) than stock, so when combined, there is too much play, causing the rattle.

To fix it, since I don't like the harshness of the ride anyway, I plan to remove the MMR coil overs, get new OE replacement struts, and go back to stock springs. Since the springs I got are from a 94/95 hard top, I may still get a slight lowering due to the convertible weight and the (assumed) increased weight of the 410 as opposed to the 302.

I do not know what the actual weight difference is because the 302 had iron heads, each of which weighed 50 lbs, while the 410 has aluminum heads which weigh considerably less. The 302 also had stock accessory brackets and the air pump which are very heavy compared to the March brackets and no air pump on the 410. So it is conceivable that the 410 may actually weigh less than the 302 did.

So here is my question:

Should I get new bushings for the MM C/C plates that the rods of the new struts would go into?
 
I've got oem style front struts that are like,, a year old if you want them. They rode GREAT and I was going to put them back on but my tokicko's relaxed a bit since brand spanking new and I don't mind the ride as a result.
 
i just got off the phone with the maximum motorsports guy.

the part that i am talking about is the "spherical bushing". i can take that off by raising the car so the wheel is off the ground (to unload the spring), and then it should just bolt off. if there is any play in that, i will need to replace it, which is $69 a piece. i also need the bump stops, which are $14 each.

so if i need new bushings, i might as well get all new plates so i can get the lifetime warranty that comes with them (for original owners only ... i bought these used :()
 
so you have mm c/c plates and strange 10-way adjustable struts? how long have you had your struts?

maybe the rattling is coming from the coil overs then.

i am getting rid of the coil overs, so that should fix it anyway.