• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Rear Strut Tower Brace Installation???

  • Thread starter Thread starter gmsceo
  • Start date Start date Dec 24, 2006

gmsceo

New Member
May 6, 2004
8
0
0
Charleston, SC
Dec 24, 2006
#1
  • Dec 24, 2006
  • #1
Has anyone installed an SMR rear strut tower brace on a fox body yet? I'm just curious as to what is involved.
 
B

bluestang347

Active Member
Dec 24, 2006
155
104
53
GA
Dec 25, 2006
#2
  • Dec 25, 2006
  • #2
I have never done it myself but i know where it mounts in the back and would assume its pretty simple. Maybe someone will chime in with some first hand experience.
 

onefstsnake

New Member
Nov 25, 2005
792
1
0
Northern VA
Dec 25, 2006
#3
  • Dec 25, 2006
  • #3
probably just a few bolts... and maybe drilling a couple holes...

dunno why you would need one... Id put one on the front. Never seen one on the rear.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,264
17,950
224
Massachusetts
Dec 25, 2006
#4
  • Dec 25, 2006
  • #4
In the rear is a SHOCK tower brace. Very little if any suspension load is transferered laterally in the rear since the control arms take the force.

All the bar may do is help stiffen up the rear area of a hatchback.
 
S

SteedaFox91

New Member
Dec 19, 2005
25
0
0
Rhode Island
Dec 25, 2006
#5
  • Dec 25, 2006
  • #5
Where did you get the SMR Brace from?
 
B

BlackBaer5.0

Member
Nov 26, 2003
100
0
16
Dec 26, 2006
#6
  • Dec 26, 2006
  • #6
According to the book " How to Modify Mustang Suspension"

There is actually quite a bit of load placed on the rear strut housing...and it is common to actually weld the rear strut tower brace to the rollcage bars that extend to the rear, in order to tie the entire rear together.

The book recommends welding the rear brace in , but they show a picture of it just bolted in around the strut opening ..
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,264
17,950
224
Massachusetts
Dec 26, 2006
#7
  • Dec 26, 2006
  • #7
But it's not a rear strut. It's a shock.
 
S

SteedaFox91

New Member
Dec 19, 2005
25
0
0
Rhode Island
Dec 26, 2006
#8
  • Dec 26, 2006
  • #8
Mike, strut or shock it still needs to be tied together. Well, actually it doesnt NEED to be tied together but it should be. I have the same book referenced above and its true alot of guys do weld the rear roll cage bars too the shock towers....

Also, where did you get that SMR brace??
 
B

BullittAndy

New Member
Nov 9, 2003
139
0
0
Dec 26, 2006
#9
  • Dec 26, 2006
  • #9
I installed one on my 91 Hatch. It was pretty simple, just a couple of drilled holes.

Its important to leave everything loose until all the bolts have been started, then you can cinch everything down. The other tricky part is cutting the shock covers so that they still fit but cover the majority of the hole.

Who knows what it does without measurements but it looks good and made me feel good.
 

gmsceo

New Member
May 6, 2004
8
0
0
Charleston, SC
Dec 26, 2006
#10
  • Dec 26, 2006
  • #10
Install Complete

Thanks for all the feedback and opinions Guys. I got it all mounted at my shop today. Really straight forward, as mentioned above. Just some accurate measurements to make sure it's level and true, then tighten her down little by little, alternating sides to torque it evenly. I even custom cut the plastic tower covers to recover the towers making it nice and neat with only the brace showing.

I don't know what application some of you utilize your Mustangs for, but for everyday driving, weaving through traffic, and pushing it through winding roads, the rear brace really help stiffen the rear flex when accelerating out of turns. I'm very pleased and the result is noticeable. Better traction when you launch from a stop, not so much. Lol.

SteedaFox91: I got it from griffinsmustangsource.com. They seem to be a smaller outfit, but they are really personable with great customer service good prices, and quick shipping. I purchased my entire suspension/exhaust setup from them and I'm completely happy. You'll have to call them for the best deals, and talk to Griff or Jay.
 
S

SteedaFox91

New Member
Dec 19, 2005
25
0
0
Rhode Island
Dec 26, 2006
#11
  • Dec 26, 2006
  • #11
Thanks Man..
 
S

speedytang

Founding Member
Jul 28, 1999
765
1
17
Marengo,Ohio,US
Dec 27, 2006
#12
  • Dec 27, 2006
  • #12
My .02 is they are great, My Hatch would pop open when nailing the throttle at the track and since a roll bar was not a option for me the rear bar fixed it. It really removed alot of flex.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Progress Thread 91GTstroked 90 7 up convertible build
  • 91GTstroked
  • Apr 18, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
334
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 22, 2026
91GTstroked
Brakes FOX BRAKES ISSUES
  • PonyGTrider
  • Jan 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
53
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 31, 2026
Mustang5L5
B
Subframe connector question
  • B0udreaux
  • Jan 27, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
20
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 5, 2026
rednotch
Electrical/engine bay harness questions
  • djj62478
  • May 29, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
289
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 6, 2026
djj62478
Suspension Harsh Ride
  • PonyGTrider
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3 4
Replies
62
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 11, 2026
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?